Our Services
We offer a range of Estate Planning services to suit each individual circumstances. By taking a holistic approach we are able to ensure that all your needs are met in one package, at an affordable cost to you.
Wills
The first step in our estate planning processes is to undertake a thorough assessment of your estate. We determine your
current position, based on the assets you hold and your desired beneficiaries.
We provide you with a suite of possible estate planning solutions, and identify the tax liability and implications for each solution we offer. Where ongoing trusts would provide additional protection for your estate, this will be explained to you.
All solutions provided will make provision for
any key areas for your estate such guardianship, business succession planning
etc.
Power of Attorney
We are specialists in the creation of Lasting Power of Attorney's and provide a fully
advised service.
Separate applications must be made for the Health & Welfare and Property & Affairs Power of Attorney, and it is entirely possible that you may want to appoint different Attorney's for each role.
Our comprehensive service includes registering
the LPA with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)on your behalf.
We also provide ongoing guidance to your chosen Attorneys, to ensure they are supported in their role.
Deputyship
In the event that someone has lost capacity without having put an LPA in place, it is necessary to make an application to the Court of Protection for Deputyship.
Separate applications must be made for Deputyship for both Health & Welfare and Property & Affairs - in line with to the Power of Attorney structure.
It is important to be aware that the role of a Deputy differs from that of an Attorney, in that it entails ongoing obligations such as providing an annual report to the OPG: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/deputy-annual-report-accounting-for-your-actions
Trusts
Trusts can offer a higher degree of protection for your assets and come in may forms. It is vital that the form and structure of various trusts is explored in depth, in order to establish that it is suitable for your needs. The ongoing implications of incorporating any trust is explained to you in detail to ensure that the correct trust is utilised.
Too often we find that clients are made aware aware of the benefits of trusts but may not understand the requirements for administrating them, or the long-term tax implications.
We offer a variety of trusts, from will trusts to trusts set-up in your lifetime, and pride ourselves on empowering clients through our knowledge in this area.
Business services
Our expertise in business succession planning enables us to provide a comprehensive suite of services to ensure your business is structured in the optimal fashion. We ensure that the business provides the best return for you and your loved ones, both now and in the future.
All areas of the business are thoroughly examined including: Articles of Association and shareholder/cross-option agreements for Ltd Companies, and Partnership agreements for LLP's alongside any existing protection policies.
The position for sole Traders is very different to Ltd Co's and LLP's, and this is an area we discuss to ensure all options have been made available.
Probate
During what is a very difficult and emotional time, we believe having expert and dedicated probate practitioners at hand can make a huge difference.
Our solicitors specialise in complex, high value, contentious and
international estates which makes our specialist probate service
both efficient and cost effective.
Assistance is available for any associated
conveyancing, trust formation, Land Registry requirements etc,
that may arise during the estate administration process.
Advice is also provided around the (recently extended) registration requirements under
the Trust Registration Service (TRS).