Wills, Trusts & Estates

The preparation and completion of a Will needs to be done carefully. In our practice the preparation of Wills is something we do most days. There are some things that we think are important. We advise simplicity and we advise clarity. It should be possible for anyone to read a Will and understand what it says without difficulty. We encourage clients where appropriate to tell their family in a general way what their Wills provide for. Knowing that fair and proper arrangements are in place in families is good for family relationships and in most cases there is no need for secrecy within a family. In situations where there may be discord over a Will it is sometimes best for the issues to be addressed by a person during his or her lifetime and have them resolved if possible rather than leaving them for dispute after death.

We securely and confidentially hold clients Wills as we do other client documents.

When one of our clients dies we provide all of the legal services required to complete the administration of the Estate. If Wills have been carefully prepared and carefully thought about the administration of the Estate ought to proceed quickly and smoothly. Problems and delays in the administration of Estates often go back to unsatisfactory Wills, untidy affairs or disputes in the family.

We have wide experience in giving advice on disputes over Wills, Trusts and Estates and in dealing with Court proceedings arising out of Wills, Trusts and Estates. We have extensive experience in Family Protection Act proceedings. Preparation of Trusts and the formulation of Estate plans is a substantial part of our practice and we are able to provide clients with all legal services in relation to Trusts.

As a matter of course when dealing with the affairs of clients we address the need for Enduring Powers of Attorney and we complete these as required.