Wills and Probate: Making a Will

Everyone should have a Will. Every year the Treasury receives millions of pounds from people who have died without having made a Will. A Will gives the peace of mind knowing that when you die your property and finances will be passed to those whom you wish to benefit.

If you die without a Will - intestate - you would have no say in where your money and property goes. If you are married it does not necessarily mean that your spouse will receive all of your estate. If you are not married but living with somebody your partner might get nothing.

Our team of professional staff at Close Thornton Solicitors will be able to advise and guide you through making a Will. In addition, we are able to offer the following services:

• Safe and secure storage of Wills
• Will review every three years
• Home visits
• Preparation of Living Wills (advance Directives)
• Enduring Power of Attorney
• Advice on living together
• Executorship and Trustee Services

Changing your Will

You may need to review your Will from time to time. Your circumstances may change or you may wish to change beneficiaries and increase or reduce a gift. You will need to change your Will should any of the following occur:

• Family changes
• A birth in the family
• A death in the family
• A minor becomes an adult
• Marriage
• Divorce or Separation
• Domicile abroad
• Changes in financial or taxation circumstances
• A relative loosing mental/physical capacity

Probate

Probate is a legal certification of a Will authorising executors to handle the affairs of the deceased. Debts have to be settled and what is left distributed to those entitled or invested for infant or incapable beneficiaries. We are able to help with the following:

• Funeral arrangements
• Contact Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Government Departments and Creditors
• Value and sell property and shares
• Clear debts
• Obtain probate

Executors

You can name almost anybody to be your Executor. It makes sense to appoint someone on whom you can rely and who will be competent and impartial. You might like to consider appointing Close Thornton Solicitors. We know what to do and when it has to be done.

Avoiding death duties

There are ways to minimise or even avoid inheritance tax. This is a complicated area where you need professional advice. At Close Thornton Solicitors we have specialists in tax matters who will be pleased to assist.

What should I do now?

If you have not yet made a Will or you are looking for probate solicitors within Darlington, County Durham or North Yorkshire, you should do so now. If you have, you may need to review it. Telephone us on 01325 376908 or email us at the addresses below to arrange an appointment. If you live locally and are disabled, or travel is a problem, we can arrange to visit you at home. If you would like an estimate you can also use our on-line estimate form.

Contact

Iain Robson - Email - Click Here for profile
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David Hogg - Email - Click Here for profile
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