Estate Planning Services

Protect Your Assets. Secure Your Family’s Future.

Estate planning is an essential step in managing your wealth and ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. With our expert estate planning services, we help you create a legally sound plan that gives you peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones and assets will be protected.

What We Offer

Our estate planning services are comprehensive, personalised, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re drafting your first will or setting up complex trusts, our experienced solicitors will guide you through every step of the process.

Our services include:

• Wills: Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes with a legally binding will.

• Trusts: Protect and manage your assets with tailored trust structures that benefit your loved ones.

• Inheritance Tax Planning: Reduce the tax burden on your estate and maximise the amount passed on to your beneficiaries.

• Lasting Power of Attorney: Appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.

• Probate & Estate Administration: We handle the legal process of administering your estate, ensuring everything is managed smoothly and legally.

• Advance Decisions: Make clear your preferences for medical treatment with a legally binding living will.
  

Why Choose Us?

When it comes to estate planning, you need expertise you can trust. Here’s why our clients choose us:

• Expert Solicitors: Our solicitor-partners specialise in estate planning law, ensuring your documents are legally sound and tailored to your needs.

• Personalised Advice: We take the time to understand your personal and financial situation, so we can create a plan that’s right for you.

• Clear and Simple Process: Estate planning can be complex, but we explain every step in simple terms, ensuring you’re fully informed and confident in your decisions.

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprises. We offer clear, competitive pricing for all our services.
  

How It Works

We make estate planning straightforward and stress-free. Here’s what to expect when you work with us:

1. Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your needs, assets, and wishes during a free, no-obligation consultation.
2. Tailored Plan: Based on your circumstances, we’ll provide personalised advice and create a comprehensive estate plan.
3. Document Preparation: Our solicitors will draft your will, trusts, LPAs, and any other necessary documents.
4. Review and Finalise: You’ll have the opportunity to review your estate plan, and we’ll make any adjustments needed.
5. Ongoing Support: We’re here for you as your life circumstances change. Our team will help you update your plan as needed.
   

Save Time

Fixed Fees (no hidden costs)

Quick and Reliable

Friendly Support

Ready to Protect Your Estate?

All Other Services

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is estate planning and why is it important?

Estate planning involves creating legal documents that outline how your assets will be managed and distributed after your death or if you lose mental capacity. It’s important because it ensures that your wishes are carried out, your loved ones are protected, and unnecessary taxes and legal complications are avoided.

2. What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will, your estate is distributed according to the UK’s intestacy laws. This could mean your assets may not go to the people you would have chosen, and it could lead to delays or disputes within your family.

3. What is inheritance tax (IHT) and how can I reduce it?

Inheritance tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died, payable at 40% on the value of the estate above £325,000. You can reduce your IHT liability through strategies such as gifting, setting up trusts, and using exemptions like the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB).

4. Can I change my will after it's been written?

Yes, you can change your will at any time as long as you have the mental capacity to do so. Changes can be made through a legal document called a codicil or by writing a new will. It’s important to review your will regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

5. What is a trust, and how does it work?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you (the settlor) transfer assets to a trustee to manage for the benefit of specific people (the beneficiaries). Trusts can help reduce inheritance tax, protect assets from creditors, and ensure long-term financial support for beneficiaries such as children or vulnerable adults.

6. Do I need a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

Yes, an LPA is essential if you want to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for Property and Financial Affairs, and another for Health and Welfare. Without an LPA, your loved ones may have to apply to the Court of Protection to manage your affairs, which can be a lengthy and costly process.

7. What is probate, and do I need it?

Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a person who has died. It involves proving the validity of the will (if there is one) and distributing the estate according to the will or intestacy rules. Most estates will require probate, especially if there are significant assets like property or investments.

8. How can I protect my family business through estate planning?

Estate planning for business owners can involve setting up a trust to manage the business, creating a succession plan for who will take over, and planning for any tax implications. This helps ensure that your business continues to run smoothly and is passed on according to your wishes.

9. What is the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB)?

The Residence Nil Rate Band is an additional inheritance tax allowance available when you pass on your home to direct descendants (such as children or grandchildren). This can increase your total tax-free allowance, reducing the overall inheritance tax liability on your estate.

10. Can I include digital assets in my estate plan?

Yes, digital assets such as online bank accounts, social media profiles, cryptocurrency, and digital collections can be included in your estate plan. You should keep a record of these assets and ensure your executor or digital executor has access to manage or close these accounts after your death.

11. How often should I review my estate plan?

It’s recommended to review your estate plan every few years or after major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or acquiring significant assets. This ensures your will, trusts, and other documents reflect your current wishes and situation.

12. What’s the difference between a will and a living will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed after your death. A living will, also known as an Advance Decision, is a document that specifies your preferences for medical treatment if you are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself.

13. Can I leave money to charity in my will?

Yes, leaving money to charity in your will is known as a charitable bequest. Not only does this allow you to support a cause you care about, but charitable gifts are exempt from inheritance tax, and donating 10% or more of your estate can reduce the overall IHT rate from 40% to 36%.

14. How much does estate planning cost?

The cost of estate planning varies depending on the complexity of your needs. Simple wills can cost between £150 and £300, while more complex plans involving trusts and tax planning may range from £500 to several thousand pounds. Our team offers transparent pricing and will provide a personalised quote based on your requirements.

15. How do I choose an executor for my estate?

Your executor is responsible for managing your estate and carrying out the terms of your will. It’s important to choose someone you trust who is organised and capable of handling legal and financial matters. Many people choose a close family member, but you can also appoint a professional, such as a solicitor, to act as your executor.