Solicitors always advise Clients on the importance
of making a Will to ensure that their affairs are in order. If
you die without making a Will (ie intestate), then the Intestacy
rules lay down how your estate is divided. They do not recognise
any wishes that you may have in relation to your family and
friends, and it is likely that your estate will be distributed in
a way that you would not have wished.
We would also advise against many of the "DIY" wills that can be purchased in newsagents etc. Most of these are designed in other parts of the UK or even the USA, and do not take account of the fact that Northern Ireland law is slightly different from other jurisdictions in some areas of succession law.
A Solicitor is able to provide you with very detailed and specific advice concerning your own particular circumstances, and can advise on estates planning, inheritance tax and all other areas concerning the making of a Will. If required, we can advise on the setting up of Trusts to benefit persons or causes.
Making a Will is a reasonably straightforward procedure, and is not generally an expensive service. We offer a free Will with some types of case in which we act for you. Whether you inherit money or are awarded money from a claim, or after Divorce or marriage, you should ensure that your affairs are in order. A little time spent now can avoid much distress for your family when you pass away.
When you consult us about your Will, it is
helpful for us to have some idea about the value and nature of
your property, in order that we are in the best possible position
to advise you. You should also have some idea about the persons
whom you wish to benefit, plus the identities of any guardians
required for your children. It is usual to have two Executors,
who help to administer your affairs and advise us at to the
whereabouts of documents etc., and of course the beneficiaries.
Executors should be trusted family members or close friends, and
can also benefit from the Will if you desire. If asked, one of
our Solicitors will be happy to act as an Executor.
We offer an efficient Probate service in which we administer the deceased's estate. This can often be a time-consuming and complex process, and we therefore feel it is essential that the Client is kept updated at every important stage of the file. A great deal of time is spent waiting for external organisations such as banks, pensions companies etc to process our requests for information or payment: we do attempt to expedite matters as much as possible, and strive to keep our Clients informed as to our progress.
Obviously, if the sale of a house is required, we can act for the personal representatives of the Deceased in completing the transaction.
