Wills

It is never too soon to make a Will but it can be too late! Leaving a Will can avoid problems such as:-

• where there are children - who is to care for them and provide them with a home?
  
  
• what happens to a treasured possession, in some cases, family heirlooms?
  
  
• what happens if a husband and wife die as a result of the same accident?
  
  
• who should administer the Estate and act as your Trustees?
  
  
• what about financial hardship to relatives and friends in Estates where there is no Will? In such circumstances close relatives will only receive specified benefits; the balance of the Estate will pass to other members of the family, according to the intestacy rules.

We can advise on all aspects of making a Will to ensure that your money and property passes on your death to those you wish to receive it.

Tax Planning

We include Inheritance Tax planning when advising about a Will and in some cases either for tax or family purposes it may be appropriate to set up a Settlement or Trust. The failure to arrange your affairs in a tax efficient manner may result in tax being levied at 40% on part of your Estate

Trusts/Settlements

The Partners, who are both members of STEP (the Society of Trust and Probate Practitioners), are able to advise as to the appropriate use of Trusts and Settlements and will act as Executors and Trustees if you so wish. Remember ......... making a Will is not something that should be put off until tomorrow, nor is it usually very expensive.

Powers of Attorney

It is sometimes necessary for a person to manage another's affairs, this can be for convenience or because a person can no longer cope either through ill health or even just old age. In these cases we can draw up either a General Power of Attorney or an Enduring Power of Attorney or, depending on the individual's state of mind, make an application to the Court of Protection.

For further advice in Darlington contact:

For further advice in Richmond contact: