What we do

Wills are often the reason people come to speak to our solicitors, although the conversation rarely stops there. More often than not, our discussions evolve and we talk about Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and Tax Planning too.

Everyone should have a Will in place to make sure that their assets go where they want when they die. Having no Will, or even a poorly drafted or out-of-date Will, can cause distress and expense to a person’s family at an already stressful and upsetting time. We can help people put something suitable in place to help avoid that.

It is common for some form of trust to be used in a Will, either to protect assets or to help look after young or vulnerable beneficiaries. For young beneficiaries, a trust can be set up to protect the assets for them until they are old enough to receive them outright, and guardians can be appointed to look after their welfare. Wills can be used in the case of second marriages by providing for the spouse during his or her lifetime, but ensuring that the children are not disinherited. Wills often form part of an individual’s broader planning strategy when it comes to future care costs or tax planning.

For business owners, Wills can be a crucial part of their succession plan. It gives them the opportunity to outline how they imagine the business operating after their death and how they want their families to benefit from it in the longer term. We can advise on suitable trust structures, if appropriate, to ensure that shares or other business interests pass in an efficient manner.In doing so, we are able to consider the potential tax implications and to take account of the available Inheritance Tax exemptions. Here, we work closely with our Corporate colleagues and our clients’ accountants or other advisors to ensure that whatever we do is aligned with the business’s Article of Association or any partnership agreement.