Wills
Many people assume that they do not need to make a Will and believe that they can rely on the rules set by the government (Intestacy Rules) to ensure that their estate is fairly distributed to their family. However, this is not always the case. Some common misconceptions are:-
“I don’t need a Will. My wife will automatically inherit all of my estate.”
Wrong! If you die without a Will your spouse could even end up having to sell the house.
“We’ve been living together for two years; my partner will inherit all of my estate.”
Wrong! If you die without making a Will an unmarried partner will inherit nothing.
We can provide advice on:-
- What to include in your Will, including who should administer it?
- How to leave your estate in the shares you would like
- Guardianship of children
- Legacies (i.e. one off donations to individuals or charities)
- Inheritance Tax Planning
Here at Hart Jackson and Sons we will endeavour to draft your Will in the most effective way to give you the peace of mind to know that you have provided for your loved ones in the way you wish.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney can prove a very useful document for those taking care of you should you no longer be able to make decisions about your finances or personal welfare.
A Lasting Power of Attorney can be used by those appointed to make decisions on your behalf and in your best interests.
Without a Lasting Power of Attorney (or an existing Enduring Power of Attorney signed prior to 1st October 2007) no-one can sign any documents for you if you become incapable.
We can ensure that the necessary legal framework is already in place should your loved ones ever need to step in to help you.
Court of Protection
When a person is no longer able to make decisions about their finances or personal welfare and no Power of Attorney is in place, then we can help you to make an application to the Court of Protection to appoint a “Deputy” on their behalf.
Once appointed, a Deputy is able to make decisions about finances and can sign documents. If you would like further information please contact us.
Probate and administration of estates
We can provide expert advice on:-
- Obtaining Probate (where there has been a Will)
- Dealing with an Intestacy (where there was no Will)
- Inheritance Tax and whether this is payable?
At Hart Jackson and Sons we understand that losing someone is a difficult and upsetting time and know that it can be difficult to cope with the tax and legal issues that arise. We can help you at this stressful time by providing initial advice as to whether there is any tax to pay and whether it would be appropriate to obtain a grant of probate.
We can also help you to deal with the practicalities, including arranging the funeral. If necessary, we can prepare the tax return and assist in the administration of the estate.
To find out our probate fees and timescales please follow the link below or navigate to the price list page from the menu at the top of our website.
