Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
Have a question? Call us on 0800 1979 345
Writing a will is one of the most important things you will do for you and your family, yet research shows that over 60% of UK adults do not have a clear, up-to-date last will and testament. People put it off because thinking about death is difficult, and they are worried about the costs and complications involved. Thorneycroft are here to guide you through the whole wills, probate and estate planning process, making it as accessible and reassuring as possible.
We support all aspects of the wills and probate process, including will writing, probate, lasting power of attorney, Court of Protection applications, trusts and estate planning. To put this into context, estate planning will manage an individual’s financial situation in the event of incapacitation or death. This process could include making a will, setting up a trust or power of attorney, and naming an executor.
The will is a legal document, and probate is a legal process. A will is written by a person and used in the event of their death to carry out their wishes. Probate is a legal process that appoints a person to execute the will after death.
Power of attorney and the Court of Protection come into play to safeguard and manage a person’s health, welfare, property and financial affairs if they no longer have the capacity to handle these matters for themselves. Sadly, this may be the case when a person becomes mentally impaired later in life with dementia.
If you die without a clear plan for your estate, your possessions may fall under the intestacy rules. This situation may not reflect your hopes for your assets and lead to potential disputes between family members. To ensure peace of mind for your family, it’s crucial to have legally valid instructions of your intentions.
Our Wills and Probate services include:
It’s not easy to find the time and headspace to think about what will happen after you’re gone or mentally incapacitated, but it’s crucial to plan for the future of your estate. Setting up a will, trust, or power of attorney without a lawyer is possible, but it is generally not advisable. Working with an experienced wills and probate solicitor to establish these potentially complex arrangements can save you time, money, and stress and ensure that your wishes are carried out to the letter.
The Thorneycroft Wills and Probate legal team stay updated on any changes to the relevant case law and legislature, ensuring that the complicated areas of inheritance tax and estate administration are handled efficiently and effectively. Using an experienced solicitor to write your will or plan your estate is especially important if you have overseas property, a business, assets above the inheritance tax threshold or a complicated family situation. You should also be aware that an executor or administrator could become personally liable if the estate is not correctly administered. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you seek legal advice; Thorneycroft will ensure your will is valid and that common mistakes are avoided.
We understand the distress and difficulty that bereavement causes, and we treat all our clients with compassion and dignity. The Thorneycroft team is led by a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners), who has over 20 years of experience in drafting wills. We will deal with all aspects of Wills and Probate respectfully and professionally, giving you the space to grieve without worrying about the administrative and legal details.
