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Wills & Powers of Attorney

The Hewitsons team is well skilled in the areas of Wills, Inheritance Tax and matters of Probate. A Will is a legal document that sets out what you want to happen to your property after your death. It is important that Wills are made for a number of reasons, such as:

• To make sure that the people you wish to benefit on your death do so. If you die without making a Will – or die intestate, as it is known – your estate may well be distributed in a way you do not intend
• To nominate executors and guardians
• To stipulate the age at which any children should inherit

Wills are a significant element of sound financial planning and whether straightforward or including complex trusts, Inheritance Tax should be taken into account as a Will should allow your assets to be passed on tax efficiently.

You can use your Will to specify your particular wishes in respect of your funeral, for example whether you want your body to be buried or cremated. You can also state whether you are willing for your body to be used for therapeutic use or medical research after your death.

If you make no, or only limited, provision for someone who is financially dependent on you such as a spouse, partner, former spouse, a child, or anyone else, then it is possible that they could make a future claim against your estate which you might not want.

At Hewitsons, experience has taught us the value of getting to know our clients well, so that we can act for them well. Talk to us today, and we’ll make sure your legal and financial affairs are looked after by people who care about you and your individual circumstances.

Many of our clients have foreign connections and property and so we can also advise on the need for foreign Wills, liaising with local advisors as appropriate. 

Our team also includes probate specialists who can help with probate actions where the mental capacity of the deceased is in dispute.

To download our Why make a will guidance note which explains in more detail why you should make a Will, please visit our Knowledge Centre.

Powers of attorney

When it comes to Powers of Attorney, subjects such Wills, Inheritance Tax and Probate spring to mind for many people. We can provide comprehensive advice on all aspects of Powers of Attorney.

The Hewitsons team can assist in the preparation and registration of a Property and Affairs or Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney and in applications to the Office of the Public Guardian for Deputyships, gifts and Statutory Wills.

We act as Attorneys or Deputies and have lawyers appointed to the Office of the Public Guardian Panel of External Deputies for clients with brain damage or injury, mental illness, mental impairment and other disabilities.

You may, like many people, hold strong views about the medical treatment you wish to receive in the event of becoming terminally ill. Our advice on a Lasting Power of Attorney or Advance Decision can help you set out in advance what treatment may, or may not, be administered in such circumstances.

To download our Lasting Power of Attorney guidance note, please visit our Knowledge Centre.

To apply for a will online click here