Probate and Trusts

As experienced lawyers, we offer you valuable expertise and understand that your requirements may range from straightforward drafting to more complicated transactions. We are here to help you and will take time to listen to your needs. We will make every effort both to explain matters carefully to you and to fulfil your instructions.

We are willing to chat with you before you commit to using our services. This is because we understand how important it is for you to be comfortable with your choice of solicitor and we greatly value the relationship we have with our clients. This, together with practical and expert advice, means we offer a truly personal and professional service.

A Grant of Probate

Probate is the procedure where, following someone’s death, the assets of their estate – their possessions, financial assets and property – are dealt with. This means collecting the assets and any money owed to the deceased person and paying any debts that they may owe. It also involves distributing the assets of their estate according to the terms of their Will.

A Grant of Probate is obtained from the Court. We will advise you as to whether a Grant of Probate is required in your particular circumstance. Where someone did not leave a Will, it will be necessary to apply to the Court for a Grant of Letters of Administration to enable the estate to be dealt with. We will gladly assist in this process.

We will give practical and sensitive advice to families and executors on how best to deal with matters following a person’s death.

We will assist with as much of the procedure as you wish. We will tailor our service to your needs, managing either the whole process or individual sections. We understand that this can be a very difficult time and will work with you to ensure that the procedure is as easy as possible for you.
 

Probate and Administration of Estates

A case where somebody dies and does not leave a will is called an ‘intestacy.’

In such circumstances it will be necessary to apply to the Court for a Grant of Letters of Administration to enable the estate to be dealt with. We will gladly assist you in this process.

We will give practical, sensitive advice to families and personal representatives (those appointed to manage the estate) on how best to deal with matters following a person’s death.

We will assist with as much of the procedure as you wish. We will tailor our service to your needs, managing either the whole process or individual sections. We understand that this can be a very difficult time and will work with you to ensure that the procedure is as easy as possible for you.
 

Court of Protection – Office of the Public Guardian

Fiona Bruce LLP offer an extensive service regarding Court of Protection work.

Where a person has become mentally incapable, we can assist you by making an application to the Court of Protection to enable that person’s affairs to be managed.

We can advise you with regard to Enduring Powers of Attorney and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We will deal with the Office of the Public Guardian who act as the administrative arm of the Court of Protection.
 

Trusts and Inheritance Tax Planning

A trust is a legal device whereby property/assets are held by individuals (Trustees) for the benefit of specified people (Beneficiaries).

Trusts can be very useful, both for tax planning and safeguarding assets for future generations. We will be pleased to advise you in your particular circumstances on the type of trust that might best suit your needs.

We can advise on various trusts to meet your requirements.

In addition, we can advise you on how inheritance tax may affect you and your family. We will consider ways in which inheritance tax may be reduced both in your lifetime and under the terms of your Will.

Deed of Variation

In certain specific circumstances, the beneficiary of a will can retrospectively redirect their beneficial entitlement.

This may have tax advantages, or be for the purpose of protecting assets for future generations.

We offer comprehensive advice including the taxation consequences involved in such matters.

We’re here to help you

If you require professional help or advice with any personal law matter, please feel free to send us an enquiry by calling 01925 263 273, or emailing rbruce@fionabruce.co.uk.