Private Client

Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do to secure peace of mind for your family, but all too often such matters are left until it is too late.

Here are just a few of the services we offer:

WILLS

Were you aware that over 70% of people in the UK do not have a current Will that accurately reflects their financial and personal circumstances? Are you one of these people?

In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

A well-written Will can ensure that your family will be provided for when the inevitable happens, and can reduce worry at a time of great emotional stress. It can also reduce your estate’s liability for inheritance tax.

ENDURING POWERS OF ATTORNEY

A sudden stroke or accident can result in someone suddenly and unexpectedly losing their mental capacity. Anyone can be affected in this way, and at any time, not just the elderly.

Arranging the administration of someone’s finances in such circumstances can be a difficult and lengthy process, and includes dealing with the court of protection in the appointment of a receiver.

However, since 1985 it has been possible to create an Enduring Power of Attorney before such a situation arises.

The Power allows you, rather than the court, to choose an attorney or attorneys who will be able to administer your financial affairs if you do lose mental capacity for some reason.


LONG-TERM CARE PLANNING

Today, people tend to live longer than they used to, and increasingly people are voicing concern about the possibility of needing to go into residential care, and how this may affect their control of assets, and their family’s security. Contact us to find out more about the policies and rules of paying for such care.

INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING

The recent increase in property prices has meant that more and more people find their estate falls within the inheritance tax bracket. Careful planning for the future is vital if you wish to ensure that as much as possible of your estate passes to your loved ones, rather than being paid to HM Customs & Revenue in inheritance tax.

Various options may be available by which you could reduce your tax liability. We offer specialist advice, based on your personal circumstances.


TRUSTS

Trusts are widely used today for protecting assets as well as for inheritance tax and estate planning.

Through such schemes, ‘trust funds’ of cash or property can be created, which will then be administered by trustees for the benefit of named individuals.

Trusts are governed by complicated legal regulations and separate tax rules that can be very confusing to the lay trustee.

If you wish to create a trust, whether a lifetime trust or a Will trust, or if you have just been appointed as a trustee, we can provide all the advice and guidance that you need.


GUARDIANS

Do you have young children? If so, you should consider the appointment of a guardian to look after them in the event of you dying whilst they are still young.


LIVING WILLS (ADVANCE DIRECTIVES)

A Living Will can record, in advance, your wishes in respect of certain medical procedures that doctors may consider adopting at a future time when, for some reason, you may no longer be able to communicate those wishes either verbally or in writing.


FURTHER INFORMATION

Should you wish to find out more about any of the above, please contact us to arrange an appointment with a member of the Private Client Team.