Wills, Probate & Private Client

The expertise of Wollen Michelmore Solicitor’s private client lawyers has long been recognised by clients and other professionals alike.

Our high standard of work is demonstrated by the positive satisfaction levels of our clients with the services we provide and by our lawyers’ professional memberships and accreditations.

Most of our lawyers are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP). Our lawyers also list the Charity Law Association, Solicitors for the Elderly, the Law Society’s Probate Section and the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Practitioners amongst their professional memberships.

You are always assured of receiving top quality and specialist advice from us.

The main categories of work undertaken in this department are:

Wills

A properly drawn will can save a great deal of expense and possible dispute in the future and may also achieve significant savings in Inheritance Tax. The fee for the preparation of a will is usually very modest regardless of the value of the person’s assets.

Power of attorney and Court of Protection

We also handle the preparation and administration of lasting powers of attorney and Court of Protection applications. We believe that most people should be encouraged to grant lasting powers of attorney so that someone is able to handle their affairs if they become incapacitated. If someone becomes mentally incapacitated and no lasting power of attorney (or enduring power of attorney) is in place, we can help guide you through the Court of Protection procedures necessary to deal with the incapacitated person’s property and financial affairs, and any welfare decisions that may need to be made.

Probate & administration of estates

We deal with the administration of deceased persons’ estates of all sizes and complexity in a sympathetic and efficient manner at a time when personal attention by our partners and staff is particularly important. Not only do we attend to the technical complexities but also the practical necessity, such as arranging the funeral, securing the house and assets and generally providing support, help and advice to the deceased’s loved ones.

Setting up and managing trusts

The establishment and administration of trusts and settlements together with general advice on inheritance tax mitigation is a core part of the activities of this department and we can advise on all aspects of these complex subjects. We can advise on inheritance tax planning directly or as part of our service when making wills or setting up trusts/settlements.

Setting up and managing charities

We are closely involved in the formation and administration of charitable trusts and are members of the Charity Law Association.

Advising on Inheritance Act Claims and estate litigation

We can advise on potential claims under the Inheritance (Provisions for Family & Dependants) Act 1975 and will undertake litigation if required.

Another service we offer: Storage of Investments

Using our fireproof storage facility, we store investment documents such as share certificates, life insurance policies and passbooks. Each client is sent a schedule on a yearly basis and no charge is made for this facility. We can also store Wills and Deeds if required.