What type of solicitor deals with wills?

The type of solicitor who deals with wills is typically known as a private client solicitor or estate planning solicitor. These solicitors specialise in a range of services related to personal legal matters, including the preparation, execution, and administration of wills. Here's a more detailed look at what they do:

1. Will Preparation and Drafting

• Creating Wills: Drafting wills to ensure they are legally valid and clearly outline the client's wishes regarding the distribution of their assets after death.
• Updating Wills: Revising existing wills to reflect changes in the client's circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or changes in assets.

2. Estate Planning

• Advising on Estate Planning: Providing advice on how to structure and manage one's estate to meet personal goals and minimise tax liabilities.
• Trusts: Assisting in setting up trusts to manage and protect assets during the client's lifetime and after their death.

3. Probate and Estate Administration

• Probate Application: Applying for a Grant of Probate to administer the deceased's estate according to the terms of the will.
• Estate Administration: Managing and distributing the estate, which includes dealing with creditors, settling taxes, and ensuring that assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

4. Legal Advice

• Tax Implications: Advising on inheritance tax and other tax matters related to estate planning and the execution of wills.
• Dispute Resolution: Handling any disputes or claims related to the validity of the will or the administration of the estate.

5. Other Services

• Powers of Attorney: Assisting in the preparation of lasting powers of attorney to appoint someone to make decisions on the client's behalf if they become incapacitated.

Finding a Solicitor Specialising in Wills

To find a solicitor who specialises in wills, you can:

• Search Online: Look for solicitors or law firms with a focus on private client services, estate planning, and probate.
• Check Professional Directories: Use directories such as the Law Society's "Find a Solicitor" service or the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) to find qualified solicitors.
• Seek Recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or financial advisors who may have worked with solicitors in estate planning.

Choosing a solicitor with expertise in wills and estate planning can ensure that your will is properly drafted and your estate is managed according to your wishes, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Welland Valley Legal is a specialist in this area and please do not hesitate to get in touch for an initial consultation.