Wills, Estate Planning and Probate

Few of us like to think about dying, however the relevant legislation requires us to plan well in advance. This means making the necessary provisions now. There are many tax opportunities available and the earlier arrangements are made, the greater the chance of taking full advantage of our complicated tax system.

Making a will is the only way to be certain that your wishes will be met after you die. Many people put it off. They worry it will be complicated or expensive. But the process is really quite straightforward and if you plan ahead, presents excellent value.

It is important when planning to transfer an estate that an adequate provision is made and getting the right balance requires considerable skill and foresight – along with a detailed knowledge of the current tax regime. We provide a discreet comprehensive estate planning service that includes:

• help with planning and writing a will
• making full use of exemptions and lower tax rates on lifetime transfers
• optimising lifetime transfers between family members
• transferring agricultural or business property
• transferring assets into trust
• arranging adequate life assurance to cover potential inheritance tax liabilities
• Dealing with probate and executing your will as per your wishes when the time comes

We also have expertise in dealing with trusts; a relatively easy and very tax efficient way to set aside assets for future beneficiaries outside the inheritance tax net. We can advise on the most suitable type of trust to fulfil your wishes, assist in setting up the trust and provide the full range of accounting services required for trust management.

All firms accredited to perform the reserved legal service of probate are required to collect, report and publish diversity data about their employees. Please follow this link to view our current diversity statistics.