Research suggests that over sixty per cent of the population do not have a Will in place.
The rules of intestacy (where you die without a Will) are complicated and outdated and can add stress and cost to what is inevitably already a very difficult time for your loved ones.
The process of making a Will is made easier by our dedicated team of specialist and highly qualified lawyers, who will ensure that all of the relevant issues are covered. We take the time to get to know you and your family circumstances – we make no apologies for obtaining detailed information from you from the outset. It is only by getting to know you and your situation that we can give you the best advice.
We will guide you through the issues to consider, including choosing executors (those who will carry out the terms of your Will), choosing guardians to care for your minor children, deciding your funeral wishes, and deciding how your assets should be distributed after your death, with advice tailored to your unique circumstances.
We are familiar with the variety of modern family arrangements, from second marriages to cohabiting unmarried couples, and we provide careful, practical advice to offer the best solutions for your needs. We understand that not all families are close and will consider carefully any wishes you may have to disinherit relatives. In recent years there has been a significant increase in litigation surrounding this issue and our team will be able to advise you on the impact of this.
We also advise on how to make arrangements for minor children and how best to ensure that their inheritance is safeguarded until adulthood. Similarly, we can give advice on providing for vulnerable family members or those with disabilities and the use of Trusts to protect any means tested benefits from the impact of any potential inheritance.
We specialise in more complex matters such as domicile, foreign assets and/or beneficiaries, charitable giving and the disposal of business interests and property portfolios whilst having regard to the inheritance and capital gains tax regimes. We are able to advise on the impacts of taxation, or alternatively we can work together with your chosen advisor in this regard to ensure that any Will you put in place will not create unintended tax consequences, taking into account your existing financial arrangements.
Our team are renowned for working with high profile families, celebrities, lottery winners and significant land owners to help them through the Will making process. Whatever your needs, we have the right person to help you.
Making a will is part of Shoosmiths’ wider private wealth offering. If you would like help finding the right team or lawyer please contact us on +44 (0)3700 863 000 or contact us by email to [email protected].
