WHERE THERE’S A WILL...
MAKE PLANS FOR YOUR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES IN OUR OFFICES OR AT YOUR HOME
- WILLS
- POWER OF ATTORNEY
- ORDERS FOR ADULTS SUFFERING INCAPACITY
- TAX ADVICE - INCLUDING MAXIMISING RELIEFS AND EXEMPTIONS
- ASSET PROTECTION
If you need help to make a Will for your family and loved ones and to plan how you would like your estate to be dealt with, Hazel Johnson is on hand to provide a friendly, efficient service which will deliver legal solutions to meet your individual circumstances either in our offices or at your home.
When a person dies without having made a valid will, they die "intestate" and the law then decides who the beneficiaries will be and the extent to which they will benefit; sometimes with surprising consequences.
Where children are concerned, the law provides that they will be entitled to payment of their share at age 16. By making a will you are exercising your right to decide what should happen.
A will is an expression of your wishes, not just in relation to what you own or have an interest in. It has several other important functions, including:
- Appointment of executors and trustees - People whom you consider capable of winding up your estate and giving effect to your instructions. The executor(s) can be a spouse, partner, other relative or friend. Executorship is an important, often complex and onerous task; therefore it may be appropriate to consider appointing your solicitor to deal with matters. In the absence of a will, it is necessary to have an executor appointed by the court.
- Guardianship of children - No-one likes to think that they might leave behind young children, but when this happens it is important to know what the parent would have wanted. It can help to avoid unnecessary disputes in families at an already difficult time. Financial provision should also be considered.
- Funeral instructions
- Inheritance Tax Planning - individuals often underestimate the value of their estate. The notion that Inheritance tax is a tax on the very wealthy and applies to the few is now outdated. The Chancellor has announced changes to allow Spouses and Registered Civil Partners to transfer the unused part of their Nil Rate Band to the survivor. This is a welcome development, but it is still necessary to give careful thought about how your estate will pass on your death. It is still necessary to consider Nil Rate Band planning in some circumstances, for example in a second marriage where one or both spouses has been married before and widowed. Consideration should be given to the use of trust provisions for the protection of young beneficiaries and to maximise valuable reliefs, such as business and agricultural property reliefs. In a modern society with complex family structures clients need to consider how best to balance the different interest of those they might leave behind
Despite the very sound reasons for making a will, many people simply do not get around to it. A feeling of uneasiness about this sensitive subject plays a part, as well as a whole raft of misconceptions about the division of an estate on intestacy.
Work and other commitments get in the way of setting aside time to put in place a properly valid will. Hazel Johnson will make a home or office appointment at a time to suit you.
You will be advised according to your particular circumstances- single, married, separated/divorced, co-habiting, young/elderly and whatever the size of your estate.
You should also consider a Power of Attorney - which can save £1000’s and unnecessary administration at any point in your lifetime should you become unable to deal with your affairs due to incapacity brought about by accident, illness etc. This important document should be considered at the same time as putting your will in place.
Hazel has special interest in this area of law which enables her to do the best for you by taking careful account of each client’s personal circumstances, wishes and concerns.