The administration of estates and trusts touch upon some of the most personal aspects of human affairs and are also matters of increasing complexity calling for specialised knowledge.

• Because they are so private and personal, we make a point of helping in a friendly yet businesslike manner.
• Our probate team are experienced specialists with a detailed knowledge of trust and estate law, taxation, finance and investment.
  
• Your affairs will be handled with tact, understanding, sympathy, patience and in absolute confidence.

The following services are provided by our probate department:

• Administration of estates and trusts — we can assist executors, administrators and trustees in performing their duties and are also experienced in acting as executors ourselves either alone or jointly with members of your family. By appointing the firm as executors of your will you can be sure of continuity and avoid the risk of your executor dying before you or being unable to act through illness. You can also be certain that your wishes will be carried out with absolute fairness and impartiality.
• Setting up trusts — either during your lifetime or by will
• Advice on tax and estate planning
• Making or changing your will
• Managing financial affairs using enduring powers of attorney or the Court of Protection

Have you ever given serious thought to what would happen if you were to die suddenly without making a will?

The extra work and trouble involved in looking for a non-existent will and in sorting out your affairs would take more time and inevitably add to the expense. Perhaps of even greater importance is the fact that the law would assume the right - your right - to decide who should inherit your estate. The consequences could be serious - your spouse might be left with insufficient means to maintain the home, an infant child may be inadequately provided for and, furthermore, the person appointed to distribute your estate may not be the person whom you would wish to appoint.

Ask yourself the question “Have I done everything possible to arrange my affairs to the best advantage of my family, my business and myself and in such a way as to protect those nearest to me from problems, conflict and even hardship when I am no longer around and able to help?” If you cannot answer “Yes”, then think carefully whether we can help.

If you require more information please contact either David Cocksedge or Alison Damant.