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Wills & Estates

Wills and Estates

Wills & Estates


Administration of Estates including Deeds of Variation

We know that dealing with the assets and possessions of a person who has died can be a daunting prospect at a distressing time and not something that an Executor or a next of kin necessarily wants to address alone.

Our specialist knowledge of dealing with the administration of estates, no matter how large or small, means we conduct ourselves with sensitivity, a sympathetic ear and professionalism

When we are engaged in such situations, we can either deal with every detail of the administration process for you or will work alongside you, agreeing who undertakes what steps along the way, never excluding you.

Whether it be knowing whether or not a Grant of Probate is required, identifying assets and liabilities of the estate, dealing with an Income Tax return, dealing with any Inheritance Tax calculation and payment of the same from estate assets, advising on the “spouse exemption”, liaising with a Broker over the sale of shares, locating and dealing with Beneficiaries, advising on potential claims by creditors and claimants under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, we will advise you every step of the way.

Not many people are aware of Deeds of Variation. These are a useful tool that can be used to vary a Will or intestacy to suit specific circumstances. If executed within two years of the date of death, they can mitigate tax liability to the benefit of Beneficiaries.

Making a Will

Life is full of twists and turns and none of us can be sure what the future holds. That’s why making a will is a very sensible step. As more and more people realise the importance of making a will, it’s no longer seen as something just for the elderly or ill but simply part of sound financial planning for any family or individual.

With a will in place you can relax safe in the knowledge that your wishes will be carried out should anything happen to you. Making a will now can also avoid legal problems arising for your family in the future. Often people assume that their money and possessions will automatically pass to their partners or children – but without a will, this isn’t always the case.

Making a will means that you are able to decide yourself what will happen when you die. Your estate will then be dealt with in accordance with your own wishes rather than in accordance with the law.

There are many good reasons to make a will:

  • To make sure your loved ones are provided for
  • To make sure your wishes are clear and to try and avoid any arguments
  • To avoid leaving problems for those who are left behind
  • To appoint guardians for young children
  • If you are not married or civil partners then you can make sure that your partner is provided for
  • Wills can also help with tax planning
  • To choose executors to carry out your wishes

Our friendly approach means we will take the time to be available to listen to your situation. We ensure that you will always be given clear and understandable advice. We will ensure that your Will clearly reflects your wishes and intentions. We will give the best possible advice so that your family are not left with any difficult decisions or problems when the time arrives.

We realise that people do not like to think about death but preparing a properly constructed Will means that your loved ones do not have the additional burdens of a complicated probate when things go wrong.

We can help with:

  • Administration of Estates
  • Court of Protection Matters
  • Lasting and General Powers of Attorney
  • Making of Wills and general advice
  • Property Trusts for Unmarried Couples
  • Home and Hospital Visits available

We are an accredited member of the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS).

This shows that we follow best practice procedures to meet the highest standards of technical expertise and client service in providing wills and probate advice to consumers.

Law Society Wills & Inheritance Quality

Why choose a WIQS accredited firm?

1. Understand the options and get advice that meets your needs

  • We will not make any misleading claims about the advantages of making a will, or pressure you into buying more complex advice that is not in your best interests.
  • We will help you understand the issues involved in buying wills and probate advice to make a more informed choice from the outset.
  • We will explain the process, the options, costs and likely timescales.

2. Receive a quality service and be kept up-to-date

  • We will provide you with the name(s) of the person(s) responsible for your matter.
  • We will agree how you want us to contact you and how often.
  • We will communicate with you in plain English, explaining any legal terminology.
  • We will tell you when unforeseen issues affect the original cost estimate and timeframe and explain the impact.
  • We will treat you with dignity and respect at all times.

Howe & Spender Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, No.00173958