Askews Legal LLP – Wills, Estates & Trusts Solicitors in Shirley

We offer specialist advice in the following areas:

• Preparation of Wills and Advance Directives (Living Wills)
• Inheritance Tax planning during one’s lifetime and on death
• Preparation and Registration of Powers of Attorney
• Administration of Estates and Will Trusts, including related tax issues and the creation of Deeds of Variation
• Creation and administration of Trusts, including Life Interest Trusts, Trusts for Minors and the Disabled, Discretionary Trusts and Personal Injury Trusts (which can safeguard one’s entitlement to means-tested benefits following the receipt of a personal injury award)
• Court of Protection work
• General advice for the elderly, the incapacitated and their carers
• Interpreting the Will of the deceased in terms of estate laws
• Advising executors and trustees about their duties and rights
• Informing government bodies
• Applying for Probate of the Will
• Dealing with intestacy (where there is no Will)
• Applying for administration rights if the Will is deemed invalid or is absent
• Identifying estate assets and liabilities
• Obtaining valuations of estate property
• Collecting estate financial assets including superannuation, bank funds, shares, outstanding loans, and insurance pay-outs
• Selling or transferring estate property including estate auctions
• Paying estate debts including mortgages, funeral costs, and testamentary expenses
• Advising on family and testamentary Trusts
• Administering Trust funds
• Distributing bequests and inheritances to beneficiaries
• Organising information for estate tax returns
• Family mediation and negotiation
• Contesting Wills and defending estate litigation

As you can see from the extensive list above, if you need advice and representation on any Wills, Trusts, and estate planning matters, our Solicitors can assist. Furthermore, because we are a full-service law firm, we can also collaborate with colleagues in our Family, Property, and Disputes Resolution Departments if required, ensuring every aspect of your matter is managed and all related problems are quickly and expertly solved.

It is not a legal requirement that a Solicitor draft your Will. However, using a DIY Will template purchased from the post office or a stationary shop may result in your loved ones having to deal with an administrative muddle upon your death. Our Will Solicitors will ask extensive questions relating to distributing your property and assets, enquiring about matters you may never have thought of – for example, who will look after your pets and how will your social media accounts and websites be dealt with after you die. If you leave these and other matters out of your DIY Will, your loved ones will have to guess your wishes at a time when they are dealing with the stress of your passing. By instructing us to draft your Will, you can be confident that every aspect of your estate has been considered and included in the final document. This will also negate the risk of your Will being challenged, a situation that can result in an irretrievable breakdown in family relations.