The loss of a close relative or friend is obviously a very difficult and emotional time. You may find that you have been appointed to deal with their financial affairs, known as “estate administration”. This can be very daunting, particularly if the estate needs dealing with very quickly: there may be dependent relatives who need urgent financial support or if the deceased ran a business vital business decisions may need to be made.
Our private client lawyers have extensive experience in dealing with estates of all values and complexities. All are handled with the same level of care and sensitivity. Bower Bailey prides itself on in dealing with estate administration with speed and efficiency, tempered with the caring and supportive approach our clients so need at this emotional and stressful time. You need to be able to rely on our expertise and thoroughness and you can. From the moment that you first contact us to ask us to help through to the finalisation of the estate, we are vigilant, detailed and understanding. We deal with the process which may include completing the inheritance tax forms and making arrangements to pay any inheritance tax (IHT), with efficiency and professionalism: we deal with the administration as quickly as can realistically be achieved.
Sometimes in dealing with the administration of estates it may be possible to make inheritance tax savings by varying a Will with a Deed of Variation. We have the technical expertise to advise you in this area and will guide you through the reliefs available to you to try and maximise the value of the estate for beneficiaries.
Trust law has, over recent years, become increasingly complex. We can properly advise on the suitability of trusts and the tax consequences for you and your family. We can work with you so you can benefit from the tax efficient transfer of assets to your family and consider with you the best way to make charitable donations. We can review existing trusts in the light of current legislation and assist you to determine how your family’s interests will be best served.
Our private client lawyers are also experienced in advising on and making applications to the Court of Protection. If a close relative is losing or has lost capacity we can help you apply to be appointed as deputy so you can manage their affairs; or you could appoint one of our specialist lawyers to take this role. We can advise on the most appropriate way to deal with these situations. We can help with the most difficult of cases where relatives are unable to become involved. We are experienced and caring and able to assist in these most challenging and emotional circumstances.
