Wills

We particularly encourage property owners to make a Will. For most people your house is your biggest asset. If is important that those you want to inherit are protected. If you are not able to attend our offices to provide us with your instructions, it may be possible for a representative of our firm to visit you in your own home, care home or hospital.

Surprisingly the majority of the UK population does not have a Will. Without a Will, your estate (everything that you own at the time of your death) will NOT automatically go to your spouse, partner or the person you intend to inherit leaving that person vulnerable. Making a will enables you to:

• Decide who should receive your money, property and special belongings when you die

• Appoint guardians of your choice to care for your children in the event that the other parent is unable to do so

• Incorporate your preferred funeral arrangements

• Have peace of mind, knowing that you have relieved your family of the burden of making decisions at a stressful time

Once you’ve made your Will it is important to keep it in a safe place and tell your Executor, close friend or relative where it is. We can safely store your original Will at our offices and provide you with a copy for your records. You should review your Will every five years and after any major changes in your life such as getting separated, married or divorced, having a child or moving house. Any change must be by ‘codicil’ (an addition, amendment or supplement to a Will) or by making a new Will.

Probate

We are able to assist constructively and compassionately with the many legal and practical points/issues which follow bereavement. We can offer straightforward advice in relation to the obtaining of a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration or we can deal with a complete application for you.

Lasting Power of Attorney

You may instruct our firm to assist you with the preparation of a Lasting Power of Attorney, this will ensure that you remain in control and appoint a person of your choice to deal with your affairs should you be unable to do so yourself due to illness.  We assist many people in the local area and have friendly staff who are dementia friends and able to deal with any issues compassionately and professionally. 

There two types of Lasting Power of Attorney:

Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney

This allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions about your welfare such as decisions about medical treatment. Please note: this is only an option if you lack the ability to make the decision for yourself.

Property and Financial Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney

This allows you to appoint one or more people to make decisions regarding your property and financial affairs. This could include decisions about paying bills or selling your home. You can use this type of Attorney at any time and you can include a condition that the Attorney can only make decisions if you lose the ability to do so yourself.