Wills, Probate and Administration of Estates

Overview

Planning for the future is something that no one wants to think about, but setting your affairs in order is one of the most important steps you can take. As you or your loved ones reach the end of their life, there are a number of legal matters that may arise, from writing a will and appointing a Power of Attorney, to managing your affairs after you are gone.

All of these matters can be difficult to navigate without expert legal advice, which is why it is so important to seek advice from experienced professionals that you can trust.

How We Can Help

At HHD, our experienced and compassionate legal team is here to guide you through every stage of the process. Whether you are creating your first will, or managing more detailed aspects of your estate, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your needs. Our areas of expertise include:

• Drafting wills
• Inheritance tax advice
• Estate Planning
• Enduring Powers Of Attorney
• Nursing Home Fee Advice
• Grant of Probate
• Intestacy and Letters of Administration
• Administering Estates

Not in the position to visit our offices? We offer home, care home, hospice and hospital visits on request, helping to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Making a Will and Understanding Inheritance Tax

A Will is a legal document that determines who will inherit your money, assets and possessions after your death. And while it may feel difficult to take the time to think about something that seems far in the future, the reality is that none of us can know what lies ahead. A carefully planned Will can ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and will provide reassurance for your loved ones during what is sure to be a difficult time.

Making a Will is usually inexpensive, but failure to do so can be both stressful and costly for your loved ones. At HHD, our team will guide you through preparation of a Will in an informed and sensitive manner, ensuring that your assets are dealt with according to your wishes.

Enduring Power Of Attorney

An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document executed during your lifetime, which allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf, should you lose the capacity to do so yourself. This can be particularly important if you or a loved one is diagnosed with a progressive condition such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia.

Whilst preparing an Enduring Power Of Attorney is a straightforward document, it requires careful thought. Granting someone authority over your financial affairs is a significant decision, which is why it is always advisable to seek professional legal guidance.

If no Enduring Power of Attorney has been arranged and an individual becomes unable to manage their affairs, an application for Controllership may be required. This process can be both complex and time-sensitive, and our experienced team can provide the clear advice and support needed.

Administration Of Your Estate

After the loss of a loved one, the added responsibility of dealing with their estate can often feel overwhelming. Our expert team is here to provide clear and compassionate support every step of the way.

At HHD, we work closely with families to ensure estates are administered efficiently and with care. Whether a Will has been prepared or not, we can guide you through the entire process and advise on important issues such as Inheritance Tax or potential claims against the estate.

In the unfortunate event that a dispute should arise during the administration of an estate, our team is experienced in representing executors, administrators and beneficiaries, helping to resolve the matters as quickly as possible, with the sensitivity and professionalism they deserve.