Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitors

A thorough Will names your executors, specifies who benefits and by how much, appoints guardians for minor children, records any specific gifts, addresses Inheritance Tax planning, and sets out your funeral wishes. It should also account for assets held jointly or in trust. We work through all these elements with you to make sure nothing is overlooked.

A Will takes effect after you die and passes your estate through probate, a public process. A trust can be established during your lifetime and manages assets for beneficiaries without going through probate. Trusts offer privacy, can protect assets for young children or vulnerable family members, and can help with Inheritance Tax planning. Many people use both together.

Probate is the legal process of proving a Will and administering an estate after someone dies. It applies where someone leaves significant assets, property, or a formal Will. It involves applying to the relevant court, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. We have extensive experience in estate administration and can handle all of this on your behalf, or support you as executor.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint trusted people to manage your finances or make healthcare decisions if you lose capacity through illness, accident, or conditions like dementia. Without one, a family member would need to apply to the Court of Protection for authority, which is slower and more costly. LPAs can only be created while you have mental capacity, so acting early is important.

Inheritance Tax is charged on the value of your estate above certain thresholds. Additional allowances may apply depending on your circumstances, including if you leave your home to direct descendants. With proper planning through Wills, trusts, and lifetime gifts, it’s often possible to reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax liability. We advise on your options based on your specific circumstances.

The intestacy rules apply. Your estate passes to relatives in a fixed legal order: spouse or civil partner first, then children, then parents. This may not reflect your wishes, and unmarried partners receive nothing. You can’t appoint guardians for children, and the administration process is more complex and costly. Making a Will is the only way to ensure your estate goes to the people you choose.

Yes. There are several grounds to challenge a Will, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, or improper execution. You may also be able to make a claim under the Inheritance Act if adequate financial provision wasn’t made for you. These matters are handled by our specialist Contentious Trusts and Probate team, which covers Challenging a Will and Inheritance Act claims. Speak with a specialist as early as possible to understand your options.