Most people see making a Will as something to leave until later in life, or they put it off assuming that it is an expensive process to go through. Making a Will allows you to reflect your own situation and concerns and may avoid problematic decisions having to be made by your family at a time of great distress. If you already have a Will then it is recommended that you review your Will on a regular basis or as circumstances change.

Wills and Trusts can also save you money in the long-run. The more you plan now, the less inheritance tax will be payable on your death. Double & Megson provide a comprehensive and effective tax-planning service aimed at helping to reduce the impact of inheritance tax.

We can also advise on how to reduce the impact of Care Home Fees. With limited exceptions, all homeowners will therefore have to meet any Care Home Fees in full without assistance from the Local Authority. By making or amending your Will, a husband and wife can protect at least half the value of their assets from being swallowed up by Care Home Fees if the survivor needs care after the death of the first spouse. 
 

The process involved in making a Will or Trust need not be too complex or time consuming, but it does need to be expertly handled in order to ensure that it is effective in the way you expect. We combine over 30 years of legal experience in Wills and Trusts together with a professional and sensitive approach. In appropriate cases home visits can be arranged and we offer free storage of your completed Wills.

Administration of Estates

It can be difficult enough dealing with bereavement without having to deal with the deceased’s property, possessions and personal matters. It is at these times that the support of a friendly family solicitor can be invaluable.

When someone dies there are inevitably legal formalities that need to be addressed and acting as an Executor or Administrator can be an onerous task. Double & Megson can deal with all issues arising from a deceased’s estate. We will aid you in carrying out instructions in the Will, arrange the paying of any debts, taxes and expenses from the estate and act for you in the sale of any property. Our aim will be to look after your interests and give you peace of mind.

We advise on all reliefs from inheritance tax and in certain circumstances Wills can be rewritten after death in order to minimise tax liabilities. A ‘Deed of Variation’ can come into play when, for instance, a beneficiary wants to pass on their inheritance to the next generation to avoid tax liability. We can provide the advice to help you manage such a situation.

Sometimes Wills are challenged and claims made by both family and non-family members lead to heartache and disagreement. We are experienced in dealing with all types of contentious matters and are able to act for any party, whether individual beneficiary, trustee, executor, administrator or charity. Our expertise covers claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, personal liability of trustees, lack of testamentary capacity claims, undue influence, proprietary estoppel, substitution and removal of personal representatives, and trust and charity disputes.

Powers of Attorney

A Power of Attorney enables you to delegate decision making to someone, for example, a relative, a friend or business advisor in the event you are unable to act or manage yourself. They are often used in circumstances such as you being abroad for periods of time and you want your affairs looked after. However, a Power of Attorney comes to an end when the person delegating the power becomes incapable because of a mental illness or disability of managing his or her own affairs. If these circumstances are envisaged then you should consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).