This is traditionally what solicitors call “private client work”. It encompasses Wills, tax and estate planning, trust work, probate and the administration of estates. In addition, there are the specialist areas of elderly client services and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Why get a Will?
The future is often uncertain, as a result protecting your estate and assets is necessary. This is certainly the case if you want to effectively protect and maximise your wealth, ensuring the people you want can benefit most.
A will is a legal document that states how your estate and assets are distributed and dealt once you pass away. You also appoint people of your choice to administer you estate.
If you do not make a will your estate and assets will be distributed in accordance with the law. This means people you may not wish to inherit your assets, could be given ownership.
How do I make a Will?
Making a will is a easy and straightforward process, however certain desired requirements can make it a more complicated process. Furthermore, there are particular requirements needed to make the document legally binding. As a result, we recommend getting in contact with a member of our team to guide and consult you with the will making process.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A particularly topical area at present is that of Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPA’s”). A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions. Many people associate these with the elderly and infirm, but they are equally applicable to younger clients, for example those running businesses.
It is our view that many people should have an LPA in place, and that they should be regarded in the same way as an insurance policy. Given that the alternative, in a situation where capacity is lost, is an application to the Court for a Deputyship Order (a lengthy and costly process), the ability to call upon an LPA that is already in place could be a lifeline for your family and business.
Meet the Team
The department is headed by Jo Folkes. Jo joined Cleggs in 2018, and has specialised in wills, probate and Private Client work since qualification in 1991.
Jo Folkes is assisted by Alison Playle who qualified as a solicitor in 1986. Since qualifying she has amassed 30 years’ experience specialising in Wills and Probate matters.
