The Department, led by Jennifer Melly, comprises six lawyers. Three of us are full members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and two are members of Solicitors for the Elderly. Since 2004, the Department has been included in the Legal 500 which recognises the top lawyers in their fields following surveys of clients and professionals.
We strive to provide our clients with a first class service across the spectrum of probate, tax, trusts and elderly client work. We are committed to fulfilling the wider needs of our clients and are happy to arrange home/hospital visits. We are proud of the number of referrals we receive from satisfied clients and from other professional advisers.
Members of the team are skilled and experienced at dealing with a broad range of matters including:
• Wills and Tax Planning
• Administration of Estates including Deeds of Variation
• Creation, Administration and Taxation of Trusts
• Powers of Attorney
• Court of Protection work including Deputy Applications and Statutory Wills
• Long Term Care issues
• Living Wills
• Disputes of Wills and Estates
Wills and Tax Planning
We give specialist advice on estate planning and have assisted many clients in saving tax through the use of effective wills and trusts. We are experienced in dealing with other complex wills issues such as providing for disabled beneficiaries and attempting to prevent future disputes. We combine our expert knowledge with a friendly and practical approach.
Administration of Estates including Deeds of Variation
We deal with the administration of estates in a sensitive and professional manner. Our expertise means that we are able to complete this without any unnecessary delays.
A deed of variation changes the disposition of a person’s estate after their death. Provided that it is set up within two years of the death, this can be an effective tool in redirecting an estate for tax planning or other reasons.
Creation, Administration and Taxation of Trusts
Trusts are useful if it is wished to retain control of assets and if it is not appropriate to make an outright gift. We have vast experience in drafting, administering and dealing with the tax issues of trusts.
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a means by which a person can give someone – known as the attorney - authority to act on their behalf. This is a very sensible precaution against the accidents, illnesses and injuries that can incapacitate a person of any age.
We are experienced at dealing with applications to register Enduring Powers of Attorney and are confident at preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney. Members of the team are also happy to act as attorney where appropriate.
Court of Protection work including Deputyship applications and Statutory Wills
If a person has not made a Power of Attorney and becomes mentally incapacitated, the only way in which someone can deal with their affairs is to apply to the Court of Protection in London for an order that a deputy be appointed.
We realise that dealing with such matters can be extremely stressful and we can help reduce the pressure by handling the application and the day to day administration required after the order and even by acting as professional deputies.
Our expertise in this field has led to us making Court of Protection applications for Statutory Wills (where a will is prepared for someone who does not have the capacity to prepare their own) and applications for gifts for tax or other purposes. Such applications are often contentious and require careful preparation.
Long Term Care issues
We advise on long term care issues and have assisted clients in obtaining significant sums of money from Local Health Boards in respect of Continuing Health Care Funding.
Living Wills
A Living Will allows a person to express their wishes about medical treatment if, in the future, they should become physically or mentally incapable of communicating such wishes.
Disputes about Wills and Estates
Our Wills, Trusts and Probate Department work closely with Hutchinson Thomas’ Contentious Probate team. |
