We provide fast expert advice whether there is a Will or not. Where appropriate, we will complete the Inland Revenue forms and all other papers necessary to obtain a grant of representation to enable the deceased’s assets to be released and distributed. Where the deceased did not consider tax planning before death, it is possible to vary the Will or the effects of the intestacy and thereby create substantial tax savings.

Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document which allows you to choose someone now (the Attorney) that you trust to make decisions on your behalf about things such as your property and affairs or personal welfare at a time in the future when you no longer wish to make those decisions or you may lack the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself.

A Lasting Power of Attorney can only be used after it has been registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. A Lasting Power of Attorney is an important and powerful document and you have a right to full information and guidance upon what it means and the things to consider and therefore we can assist you to set out your wishes in a comprehensive way that ultimate benefits not only you but also your Attorneys.

Court of Protection
When someone becomes incapable of looking after their own affairs, the Court of Protection has power to appoint people (usually close relatives) to look after them. Such people are called Deputies.

Any major decisions concerning the patient have to be taken by the Court of Protection and we can act on behalf of the Deputies in making the necessary applications and dealing with the Court of Protection generally.

If possible, a lasting power of attorney, made while someone is mentally capable, is preferable because this will remain valid even after the person granting it comes mentally incapable.

Tax Planning
When making a Will, tax planning always needs to be taken into account. It is sensible to review your financial position on a regular basis so that any tax saving schemes can be considered. When thinking about Wills, the tax advantages of making lifetime gifts to family members or others can be discussed.

We can advise on gifts and other tax planning and tax saving opportunities (including trusts). We focus on preserving and enhancing clients’ assets by advising on tax and succession planning. This may include transferring assets from one generation to another in a structured way to minimise tax liability and other problems.

Trusts & Settlements
Trusts are traditionally used to avoid or solve problems in two main areas; taxation and family matters.

A trust is a formal transfer of assets e.g. property, shares, or money to a small group of people or to a trust company (trustees) on the basis that the assets are held by the trustees for the benefit of others.

To save tax, assets which you no longer need can be put into a trust to reduce your wealth and minimise inheritance tax on your death. Assets can also be placed in trust to prevent children of your relatives receiving or inheriting too much wealth too early in their lives or at an inappropriate time.

You may wish to give a life interest to a family member or a dependent person rather than making a gift of assets to them outright. A trust can deal with this type of situation and it means that, upon the death of a lifetime beneficiary, the asset can return to you or pass to your family.

Services for Elderly People
We have a special range of services to meet the needs of elderly clients, or those with elderly relatives. Home visits can be arranged and we place great importance on the establishment of a good relationship between client and solicitor.