Excellum Legal Solicitors

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Wills and Probate

COMPREHENSIVE WILL WRITING AND PROBATE SERVICES

WILL WRITING SERVICES

At Excellum Legal Solicitors, we understand the critical importance

At Excellum Legal Solicitors, we understand the critical importance of a well-crafted Will. It is not just a legal document but a vital tool that ensures your wishes regarding finances, property, and personal belongings are honoured after your passing. Whether your estate is simple or complex, our experienced solicitors can provide a wide range of will-writing services tailored to your needs.

Expert Legal Guidance: Our solicitors, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), bring extensive experience and knowledge. They offer tailored advice to ensure that all aspects of your estate are meticulously addressed.
Transparent Pricing: We pride ourselves on clear, upfront fees with no hidden costs, enabling informed decisions about your estate planning.
Comprehensive Service Range: Whether you require a straightforward Will or one involving trusts, international assets, or business interests, we have the expertise to handle all scenarios. Our services ensure your Will accurately reflects your wishes and protects your assets.

Our Will Writing Packages

Ideal for individuals or couples with straightforward estates, this package includes a detailed telephone consultation, guidance on crucial decisions like executor choice and estate distribution, advice on Inheritance Tax thresholds, and a bespoke Will drafted to your specifications. Free, secure storage for your Will is also provided. 

This package is tailored for clients with more complex requirements. It offers a comprehensive consultation via phone or video. It includes detailed Inheritance Tax calculations, strategies for reducing tax through lifetime allowances and trusts, and expert guidance on Life Interest Trusts, Discretionary Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Our highest level of service is ideal for clients with complex estates, business interests, or international assets. This package includes a comprehensive consultation with a STEP-qualified solicitor, advanced Inheritance Tax planning, trust advice, and secure Will storage.ed maintenance. Our solicitors will help you claim compensation for incidents on public pathways and roads in parks, shopping centres, and other public areas where the relevant authority fails to comply with safety standards and maintenance.

Reviewing and Updating Your Will

Regularly reviewing and updating your Will is crucial, especially after significant life events like marriage, the birth of a child, or acquiring substantial assets. Please update your Will to avoid unintended consequences. At Excellum Legal, we encourage clients to periodically review their Wills and seek our assistance to ensure they remain relevant and reflect current wishes, empowering you to stay in control of your estate planning.

Key Components to Include in Your Will

Appointing guardians for your minor children ensures they are cared for by trusted individuals. Our solicitors guide you through this sensitive process, ensuring your choice is clearly documented and legally enforceable.

Clearly defining who will inherit your assets prevents disputes and ensures your wishes are fulfilled. We assist in articulating your intentions clearly, whether you have specific items or more significant assets like property to distribute.

Modern estate planning includes considerations for digital assets and the rights of property occupants. We ensure these areas are addressed in your Will.

Trusts are powerful tools in estate planning, offering protection and control over asset distribution. We guide you in setting up trusts to benefit minors, protect vulnerable beneficiaries, or achieve tax efficiencies.

Including your funeral preferences in your Will can ease the burden on your loved ones. While not legally binding, these wishes provide valuable guidance to your family.

Your appointed executor plays a vital role in managing your estate. Choosing someone trustworthy and capable is essential. Our solicitors assist in selecting an appropriate executor and advise on substitute executors if needed.

Why You Should Have a Will

Creating a Will is one of the most essential steps to protect your loved ones and ensure your estate is managed according to your wishes. Without a Will, your estate may be distributed according to intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. A Will provides

Designate guardians to ensure your children are cared for by people you trust.

Ensure your partner is provided for, especially if you are not married or in a civil partnership, as intestacy laws may not recognize their rights.

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Include stepchildren, foster children, and other loved ones whom intestacy laws might otherwise exclude.

Reduce the Inheritance Tax burden on your estate through careful planning.

Prevent conflicts among family members by clearly outlining your intentions.

Appoint guardians for your pets and set aside funds for their care.

Leave a legacy by making charitable donations.

Probate Services

Administering an estate can be overwhelming, especially during a time of grief. Excellum Legal offers comprehensive probate services to help executors and administrators navigate legal complexities with confidence and ease, providing the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

  • Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration: We assist in applying for the necessary legal documents to manage and distribute the estate.
  • Asset Valuation and Debt Settlement: Our team helps value assets and ensure debts are settled before distribution.
  • Communication with Beneficiaries: We manage all communications, ensuring beneficiaries are informed and their rights are respected.
  •  Estate Distribution: We handle asset distribution according to the Will or, if no Will exists, according to intestacy rules.
  • Tax Liabilities: We advise on managing tax liabilities, ensuring compliance and minimizing costs.
  • Resolution of Disputes: Our solicitors mediate and resolve conflicts, protecting the interests of the estate and beneficiaries.

Will Storage and Retrieval

Ensuring the security of your Will is crucial. Excellum Legal offers a secure storage service that protects your Will from loss, damage, or unauthorized access. This service provides peace of mind, knowing your Will is safely stored and can be retrieved when needed, giving you the reassurance that your wishes will be carried out as intended. 

Enhanced Security: Your Will is stored in a state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility, ensuring it is protected and accessible.

If you want to ensure that your wishes regarding your money, possessions, and property are carried out after your death, our legal expertise can guide you through the will-writing process. Contact us today to discuss your needs.

What Is a Will?

A Will is a formal legal document specifying how your assets should be distributed upon your death. It must meet strict legal requirements to be valid.

  • Straightforward Wills: Ideal for individuals who want to specify how their estate and gifts will be distributed.
  • Mirror Wills: Nearly identical Wills for couples who wish to leave their estates similarly.
  • Will Trusts: Testamentary trusts protect property and other assets for loved ones and are managed by a trustee.
  • Living Wills: Advance Decisions specifying medical treatment preferences.

Begin by listing your assets and deciding who will inherit them. Our range of will-writing services ensures that your wishes are legally documented.

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Your Will should address:

  • Beneficiaries: Decide who will benefit from your Will.
  • Specific Assets: Specify items you want to allocate.
  • Property: Determine who will inherit your property.
  • Residency Rights: Address the rights of current occupants.
  • Dependents: Plan for the care of children, parents, or pets.
  • Digital Assets: Include provisions for digital assets.
  • Contingencies: Outline what happens if beneficiaries predecease you.
  • Funeral Wishes: State any specific funeral arrangements.
  • Executors: Appoint one or more executors.

Review your Will regularly to reflect on significant changes such as marriage, divorce, or childbirth.

A Will is only legally valid if it has been properly executed and signed according to legal requirements.

Ensure your Will is accessible when needed. Store it with a solicitor, bank, or Will storage company, and inform a trusted person of its location.

  • Responsibility for Minor Children: Designate guardians.
  • Caring for Your Partner: Ensure your partner is provided for.
  • Caring for Loved Ones: Include stepchildren and foster children.
  • Defining Medical Treatment: Specify Wishes in a Living Will.
  • Avoiding Intestacy Laws: Ensure your estate is divided according to your preferences.
  • Caring for Your Pet: Make provisions for your pet.
  • Minimizing Inheritance Tax: Reduce your tax bill.
  • Protecting Property: Ensure current occupants are cared for.
  • Avoiding Family Disputes: Prevent conflicts.
  • Supporting a Charity: Leave a legacy for a cause you care about.

The Pitfalls of DIY Will Writing

While DIY Wills may seem straightforward, they can lead to significant problems. Professional advice ensures your Will is legally valid and avoids potential issues.

  • Control Over Distribution: Decide who benefits from your estate.
  • Guardian Appointment: Appoint guardians for minor children.
  • Asset Protection: Safeguard assets from irresponsible individuals.
  •  Beneficiary Protection: Protect beneficiaries from financial exploitation.

DIY will risk being invalid due to ambiguous terms or partial intestacy. Professional advice prevents litigation risks and ensures your Will is legally binding.

Issues with DIY Wills include:

  •  Executors: Determine the role and number of executors.
  • Trustees: Decide if trustees are needed.
  •  Guardians: Appoint guardians for minor children.
  • Gifts and Legacies: Use correct language for gifts.
  •  Beneficiaries: Protect inheritance for minors and manage charitable gifts.

Ensure your Will meets witness requirements and is properly executed. If you’ve written a DIY Will, contact us for advice.

A Will may be invalid if:

  • Improper Signing: Not signed according to legal requirements.
  • Destruction or Alteration: Unauthorized changes can invalidate a Will.
  • Lack of Mental Capacity: The testator must be of sound mind.
  • Undue Influence: Pressure or coercion can invalidate a Will.
  • Lack of Coherence: Confusing or unclear Wills can be challenged.

If you believe a Will is invalid, options include rectification, contesting the Will, or claiming solicitor negligence.

For secure storage and peace of mind, store your Will with Excellum Legal. Contact us to speak with a team member about your options.