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Scroll down for important information regarding Enduring Powers of Attorney

The Probate department, headed by Partner Lisa-Jane Howes has nine qualified staff, three of which are Partners. The department deals with Wills, Probate, Estate/Inheritance Tax Planning, Self Assessment Tax Returns, Trusts, General Management on Behalf of Elderly Clients, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection.

A will is an important legal document which allows you to decide how your estate will be distributed, appoint executors/trustees of your choice.  Minimise Inheritance Tax payable, appoint guardians for your children, express wishes for your funeral.

If you die intestate (without making a will) strict rules govern how your estate is distributed which may not be in accordance with your wishes.  Many husbands and wives assume that the survivor will inherit automatically but this is not necessarily the case.  A will is essential for unmarried partners even if you are living together.  The people who you intend to leave your property to may not benefit.

Before you meet with our solicitor, it is helpful to make a list of your possessions i.e. property, financial assets and their value and decide who you wish to benefit.

You will also need to think about appointing executors.  An executor makes sure that your wishes are carried out after your death.  We recommend that you ask two people for this task who are trustworthy and likely to be available after your death.  If you prefer we can act as an executor for you either alone or jointly with someone of your choice.

Wilkin Chapman have a number of specialists who devote their time to providing a unique and personal service to the elderly. At any stage in life, people can become unable to manage their own affairs.  This may be due to physical ill health or mental illness, both of which can make it difficult and stressful to manage personal finances.

It is therefore wise to consider the various options available and plan for the future.  Imagine not having to worry about you personal finances by having someone else to look after them for you.

Wilkin Chapman are well known in the community and have strong links with many nursing and residential homes. Our personal service, which includes home and hospital visits, enables us to get to know and understand each individual client's needs.

96.4 Compass FM's Legal Lunch - with Wilkin Chapman Solicitors

Every Monday throughout January at 12.45 pm on Compass FM 96.4 Partner Jim Judge talked about how to make a will, inheritance tax, care home fee planning & enduring powers of attorney. If you missed any of the shows you can download the podcast here.

Advice on Making a Will January 8th, 2007
Inheritance Tax   January 15th, 2007
Care Home Fee Planning and Provision for the Family January 22nd, 2007
Probate Explained  January 29th, 2007
Listeners Q & A's from the series  February 5th, 2007