Making a Will

What will happen to your assets and loved ones in the event of your death? Without a will, or one that is not up to date, your property is unlikely to go to the people you really want to benefit from it. The preparation of your Will does not need to be expensive and it can be very simple depending upon your wishes.

It is important to keep your will up to date and worth reviewing it every few years to ensure that it still meets with your wishes. It is very important to be aware that your will is no longer valid if you have got married after you made it. Also if you have got divorced, your ex spouse is simply treated as predeceasing you and all other provisions remain.

Please contact us for an initial consultation:: 01590 672595 or solicitor@clive-sutton.co.uk

If you are unable to visit the offices we are happy to attend your home or a hospital as necessary.

Trusts

Trusts can be an extremely useful tool, they have a variety of uses such as protecting your assets, carry out tax planning, providing for a mentally disabled relative or to provide for future grandchildren in accordance with your wishes.

They can be set up during your lifetime, and/or under the terms of your will. There are a number of types of trusts, and our team can provide you with practical, well explained advice as to which may suit you best.

For further information on forming a trust, please contact us on: 01590 672595 or solicitor@clive-sutton.co.uk

Probate

We appreciate that bereavement is very traumatic and we pride ourselves on providing a friendly, professional and sympathetic service which guides you through this painful time with the least possible stress. We can deal with matters arising from the administration of a person's estate, which can be time consuming, and assume much of the burden from you at a difficult time, providing practical legal advice based on experience.

When a person dies, someone has to identify and collect in all of their assets in order to settle all debts, taxes and any other expenses. This can be straightforward if assets are held jointly, if they are not, it is usually necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate if the person had made a will, or if not then a Grant of Letters of Administration. This is a formal process, obtained through the Probate Registry and involves valuation of all the deceased's assets. Depending upon the value of the estate and who receives it, Inheritance Tax may be payable.

We can help you through this often confusing process, providing guidance both in relation to the legal issues and practical problems such as obtaining valuations, distributing the assets and even house clearance.

The role of personal representative/executor is very challenging and it is essential to ensure you are following the law and properly carrying out your duties or there can be serious implications.

The services we provide are:

• Acting as Executors and Trustees
• Identifying and arranging for valuation of assets
• Identifying and paying debts
• Preparing Inland Revenue accounts
• Claiming reliefs/exemptions from Inheritance Tax
• Applying for Grant of Probate
• Applying for Letters of Administration
• Completing Deeds of Variation
• If continuing trusts arise under a will on intestacy we can administer or assist the trustees with the trust

For further information on estate administration or probate, please contact us on: 01590 672595 or solicitor@clive-sutton.co.uk