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Writing a Will or handling the administration of an estate can feel daunting. You may even delay the process of creating a Will or administering an estate if you are unsure where to start.
Without the right guidance, there is also a risk of disputes, unexpected tax liabilities or your wishes not being carried out as you intended.
Working with a solicitor can make all the difference and we can help ensure your estate planning is clearly documented and distributed to offer you peace of mind.
Our Head of Wills, Probate and Older Client Services, Rachel Blackburn, explains the benefits of using a solicitor for your Will and estate administration.
How can we help write your Will?
A Will outlines how your assets, property and belongings should be distributed after you pass away.
It also allows you to appoint guardians for children under 18 years old and specify your funeral arrangements.
Without a Will in place, your estate will be dealt under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect you wishes and cause unnecessary distress for family members.
A solicitor can ensure your Will is legally valid and help you appoint executors, as well as include provisions for complex assets or family arrangements.
Solicitors will use precise legal wording in your Will to help reduce the risk of ambiguity that can help to prevent disputes after your death.
Wills are an ongoing process and we recommend regular reviews so that it reflects any life developments, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children and any changes to your financial position.
If there are no significant changes, we would still recommend reviewing your Will every five years or so.
How can we help estate planning?
Administering an estate can be complex and a solicitor is particularly valuable if an estate is large, taxable, includes trusts or foreign assets, generates ongoing income or where there is no Will in place.
Solicitors can also help in more sensitive situations, such as when the validity of a Will is disputed or when dependants wish to make a claim under the Inheritance Act.
We can also ensure that your debts and taxes are identified and paid correctly and that your assets are distributed lawfully.
Estate planning does not just include an accurate Will and a solicitor can help:
Effective estate planning can significantly reduce the Inheritance Tax burden on your beneficiaries and protect wealth within your estate for future generations.
How can a solicitor help reduce potential risks?
A solicitor can help prepare clear documentation and accurate valuation of your estate and this can reduce the risk of disputes between beneficiaries.
We can help administer your estate fairly and prevent delays or costly litigation.
This includes making sure that all paperwork, deadlines and legal requirements are completely properly and on-time.
We also provide reassurance and guidance to executors and families, explaining their legal obligations and helping them make informed decisions throughout the process.
How can we help prepare your Will and estate administration?
Planning for the future is not always an easy topic to think about, but seeking legal advice can help assure you that your affairs are in safe hands when you pass.
From writing a Wil that reflects your current position to managing complex estates, we can help keep your estate planning compliant and distribute it without any costly delays.
To arrange a meeting with our Wills and Probate team and discuss your options, please get in touch with us today.
Head of Wills, Probate and Older Client Services
I joined Mander Hadley’s Wills, Probate and Older Client Services Team in 2018.I specialise in the preparation of Wills, Probate and estate administration, trusts and trust administration and Lasting Powers of Attorney. I also have experience of care fee planning and appeals of Continuing Health Care decisions.
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