Wills, Probate & Trusts
We understand that writing a will is not necessarily top of everyone's 'to do list', but it is very important.
National statistics show that a third of people die without making a will, this can cause problems for the loved ones who are left behind. It also means that the deceased can't guarantee that any assets left behind will be shared out as they had intended.
We can help you during every step of the Will writing process:
- To ensure that your money and possessions pass to the people you choose
- To protect a partner who does not have the same legal rights as a spouse or civil partner
- To reduce or even avoid Inheritance Tax for those who are to benefit from your estate
- To reduce liabilities for a surviving beneficiary who may need to pay for residential accommodation
- To protect the inheritance due to children from previous relationships or marriages
- To avoid family disputes
- To appoint guardians to care for infant children
Probate and Estate Administration
You will need advice following the death of a relative or friend on how to go about managing their affairs. If there is a Will, as an executor you will need to obtain the Grant of Probate enabling you to deal with the distribution of assets.
You may need to:
- Cash in or transfer money or investments
- Invest money on behalf of children
- Administer a trust set up by the Will
Alternatively, if there is no Will, you will need to know:
- Who is entitled to receive the deceased person’s money and possessions
- Who can (and how to) apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration, enabling the distribution of assets
- The best way to cash in or transfer assets or invest money on behalf of any children
We can provide you with a sympathetic ear and the specialist knowledge to help you through such difficult times.
For more information about our Wills, Trusts and Probate services, click here
Mental Capacity Issues
None of us wants to think about losing our capacity to deal with things ourselves - but the reality is that it could happen at any time through accident or illness, as well as in old age.
QualitySolicitors will provide sensitive, practical and expert advice on all aspects of the law relating to incapacity and planning for the future.
If a person becomes physically or mentally incapable of dealing with their own financial affairs, no one has the automatic right to deal with those matters on their behalf. Not even people who we commonly think of as next of kin have any rights over financial affairs.
This can pose real problems at a time when the smooth running of financial matters is essential for the incapacitated person’s general welfare.
You may wish to consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Affairs. This is a legal document in which you appoint one or more persons to assist you with financial matters.
For more information about Lasting Power of Attorney click here
Contact us now:
T: 0161 763 1000
bury@asthampsons.co.uk