"For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."
African proverb
Legal specialist in providing Later Life estate planning solutions and advising vulnerable clients.
Services
Probate Services
Are you applying for the right to settle a deceased friend or relative's affairs?
The days following a bereavement are often difficult. Alongside the grief, there are several important practical matters to attend to. Applying for probate is necessary to enable the deceased's money, property and possessions to be distributed. If that responsibility lies with you, I can support you through the application process.
What is probate?
Probate means the legal right to deal with the property, money and possessions (estate) of the deceased.
Where there is a will in place, named executors in the deceased's will can apply for a Grant of Probate. This includes the process of proving a will as the last and true testament of how the deceased has chosen to deal with their estate.
Where there is no will, a Grant of Representation must be applied for. It is usually family members who would apply for this.
Where you have a very simple estate, with minimal assets, you may not need to apply for probate. If someone wishes to challenge an application for probate, they can enter a caveat.
Estate valuation and administration
Executors must go through the process of valuing the deceased’s estate before they apply for a Grant of Probate. This must be the value of the estate as of the date of death.
If you need administrative help sorting out your loved one’s affairs, including securing assets; applying for probate; settling taxes and distributing your loved one’s estate, I recommend my full Grant of Probate service.
Simple small estate probate service
If you simply need a Grant of Probate for managing a relatively small estate, I can support you through the application process.
Full Grant of Probate service
If you need someone to secure assets; take out a Grant of Probate; pay state expenses and taxes and distribute the estate, this is what I offer in my full Grant of Probate and Grant of Representation services.
Honouring your loved one's wishes
Wills often include instructions to set up trusts for children, cherished causes or other beneficiaries. I can help you set these up in line with the wishes of the deceased.
Setting up trusts
Trusts are legal obligations between a trustee and one or more beneficiaries. They are set up to help the grantor distribute their estate in accordance with their wishes. Trusts are a popular way to protect assets for the benefit of minors and to help support complex family situations.
Through their will, the deceased may have instructed you to set up trusts and appoint trustees on behalf of one or more beneficiaries. I offer a trust setup service, so please get in touch if you need support with this.