
Private Client
Wills
Making a Will is something many people avoid, often thinking they don’t have enough assets or property to justify it, or they simply postpone it until they’re older. However, regardless of your age or financial situation, creating a Will is essential to ensure your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are followed after you pass away.
Failing to plan ahead can cause unnecessary complications for your family and dependents, especially if you pass away unexpectedly or at a young age.
At Lewis Denley, we guide our clients in creating clear and comprehensive Wills that reflect their true intentions. We work with you over the long term, regularly reviewing and updating your Will, especially when significant life changes occur such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children.
Our Will writing service can help you:
- Decide exactly how your property and possessions will be distributed among your loved ones
- Ensure your partner or spouse is provided for
- Appoint guardians for your children, if necessary
- Provide for any dependents who rely on you
- Outline your funeral wishes
- Avoid causing unnecessary stress or confusion for your family, and choose a trusted individual to manage your estate
Taking the time to make a Will now ensures peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Let us help you put your wishes in place.
Probate & Estate Administration
When someone passes away, their closest relatives or friends are often tasked with handling the estate. If the deceased has left a valid Will, the Executors named in the Will are responsible for managing the estate. However, if there is no Will, a family member will need to apply for the legal right to act as Administrator.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Full estate administration, ensuring all necessary steps are taken
- Calculation and payment of Inheritance Tax
- Trustee services to manage any trusts effectively
We understand how emotionally challenging this time can be. Our compassionate and professional team of solicitors is here to provide not only expert legal advice but also the practical support you need. We aim to ease the burden and guide you through the probate and estate administration process with care and understanding.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose the capacity to do so in the future, for example, due to age-related issues or a medical condition like dementia.
We offer expert advice on:
Ordinary Powers of Attorney
Enduring Powers of Attorney
Lasting Powers of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs
Lasting Powers of Attorney for Health and Welfare
A Power of Attorney must be made while you still have the mental capacity to understand the document and its implications. If someone you know loses the capacity to create a Power of Attorney, we can assist in applying to the Court of Protection for permission to act on their behalf.
Our team can guide both Donors (those making the Power of Attorney) and Attorneys (those appointed to act) through all aspects of the process, including drafting the document, acting as a certificate provider, registering the Power of Attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian, and handling the revocation or amendment of a Power of Attorney when necessary.
Let us help ensure your wishes are respected and your affairs are managed by someone you trust, even if you can no longer make decisions for yourself.
Trusts
Trusts are a powerful way to protect and preserve assets, such as money, property, and personal belongings, ensuring they are passed on to your loved ones either during your lifetime or after you have passed away.
We offer expert advice on a wide range of trusts and their benefits, including:
- Ringfencing assets to protect them
- Providing for children under 18
- Supporting loved ones who lack mental capacity
- Passing money and property on with specific conditions
- Setting aside funds for your care
- Reducing the value of your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes
Our team can also guide you through any associated tax implications and procedural matters, such as the duties of trustees, ensuring you fully understand your options. This allows you to make an informed decision about whether a trust is the right solution for you and your family’s needs.
Get in touch with our private client solicitors today.
We’re here to support you with expert guidance on all aspects of private client law. To speak with one of our friendly and experienced solicitors, please call our Horsham office on: 01403 456430 or email info@lewisdenley.com—we’d be happy to help.