Our Wills and Probate Team is headed by Tony Wood, a Solicitor with over three decades of experience and expertise in this work. 

Wills

No-one knows what the future will hold for them.  There are many of us who put off making a Will, year after year.  However, as the saying goes, there is nothing more certain than death and taxes.  None of us want to think of death, let alone to plan for it.  However, will it make any of us sleep better at night, knowing that if we die Intestate – without a Will – all of our property will be shared out between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and, all too frequently, some relatives that have not been seen for years?

The only way that we can ensure that our Estate goes to those we wish to receive it, is to make a Will.  If that Will is not made, then everything saved and acquired through a lifetime of hard work will devolve, frequently to strangers, under the Statutory Rules of Intestacy.  It is, therefore, vitally important to make a Will and more so, if you have children.  Furthermore, once you have made your Will, you must keep matters under review.  Whilst most of us will have our cars examined very 12 months for an MOT, many never give a second thought to a Will, even though it may have been made years ago and is hopelessly out of date.  For example, an existing Will becomes invalid upon Marriage.  Further, a married couple may have separated, and each be living with new partners, whilst overlooking the fact that they had previously made “mirror” Wills, with each spouse leaving everything to the other.  A sudden death may result in no provision being made for the new partner, with the Estate passing to the former spouse, notwithstanding the fact that Divorce was in contemplation. 

The importance of making a Will cannot be over-emphasised.  At the end of the day, it is your house, your savings, your nest egg, your pension and your decision as to who should inherit.  Again, in high value Estates, we will advise upon the use of Trusts, Asset Transfer and other lawful avoidance measures to minimise Inheritance Tax Liability.

Towells offer wholly independent, expert and confidential advice.  By consulting and working with us, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that all of your affairs are in order and that you will have made provision in your Will to look after those who are most dear to you.  You will not be leaving your Estate to be dealt with under the Intestacy Lottery.  Who knows, you might also be able to disappoint the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Probate And Administration Of Estates

Towells also provide a compassionate, professional and speedy service in dealing with Probate and the Administration of Estates.  The legal formalities in winding-up the Estate of a Deceased have to be dealt with, even though it is the worst possible time for the bereaved next of kin.  For our part, we do our very best to shoulder that burden and to make the process as stress free as possible.  Bereavement is always going to be a shattering experience, but we can at least help you get through the legal requirements.  We will deal with the process of Administering the Estate, establishing what assets exist, and who is entitled to what.  We will then gather in the assets, settle outstanding debts and distribute the proceeds according to the Will or, in the event of an Intestacy, in compliance with the Statutory Rules of Intestacy.  We will undertake the necessary work in respect of any Inheritance Tax, Tax Returns and will also handle those matters involving the Inland Revenue.  That is our job and we do it well. 


Powers of Attorney

Towells can also assist with Powers of Attorney, to include Enduring Powers.  Thus, we can undertake the necessary legal work, to enable you to appoint someone to act on your behalf, in the event of your becoming mentally incapable in the future of managing your own financial affairs.  The Enduring Power can be drawn as widely or as narrowly as you choose.  We will fully advise and ensure that these matters are dealt with in absolute compliance with your instructions.  Whilst the future for all of us remains uncertain, you will be guaranteed peace of mind, knowing that if you become incapable of handling your own affairs, it will not be necessary for your family to be involved in expensive Court Proceedings for the appointment of a Receiver to handle your affairs.  Under your Enduring Power, there would be a seamless transition, to ensure that your financial affairs are protected and properly administered.