Death and taxes may be inevitable but our team can help you deal with them.

Making a Will:
Approximately only a third of the UK population have made current valid Wills. This is astonishing, as a properly drafted Will can ensure your assets pass to those you wish to benefit; it gives you peace of mind and can also help save taxes and preserve assets for your beneficiaries. Wills can be straightforward, or very complex. Many clients have families of previous marriages to provide for, they may have business assets or assets abroad. Our aim is to carry out your wishes as advantageously as possible.

Inheritance:
When a person dies, someone has to deal with their assets and debts. If assets are held jointly, this can be very straightforward but, if they are not, it is usually necessary to obtain a Grant of Probate of the Will or, if there is no Will, a Grant of Letters of Administration. This is a formal process, obtained through the Probate Registry and it involves valuation of all the deceased's assets. Depending upon the value of the estate and who receives it, inheritance tax may be payable. We can provide guidance on all aspects of this process, both in relation to the legal issues and also practical problems such as obtaining valuations, distributing the assets and even house clearance - which can be quite a burden. We appreciate that bereavement is traumatic and you will be dealt with professionally, but sympathetically.

Tax Planning:
We can advise you on Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax issues. It is very important to plan for the future, particularly when you are able to appreciate the issues involved. Sadly many people leave it too late.

Foreign assets:
We can advise on nationality, residence and domicile, also how foreign assets are likely to be dealt with when you die. We can advise whether special wills are necessary and which law or laws will govern your assets and tax situation.

For more information please contact Alexandra Jennings or Richard Wadsworth.