At Francis Law, we aim to provide a sensitive and understanding solution to legal issues. One of the most important areas for these qualities is in Wills, Probate and Private client work. Our lawyers work with clients to help them organise their affairs during their lifetime and to provide methods of dealing with their affairs in the event of ill health and infirmity and provide security for their family and friends after their death.

Wills
When preparing Wills, we listen carefully to your requirements to ensure that dependants are suitably provided for and that clients financial status is fully taken into account. We provide a range of services from basic family wills to more complex wills involving high value estates. This may involve the use of Trusts and asset transfers to minimise Inheritance Tax Liabilities.

Administration of Estates
We provide a probate service to administer estates and distribute assets according to the wills or (when there is no will) according to the intestacy rules.

Because we have wide experience of this work we can provide a prompt and efficient service avoiding the delays and frustrations which less experienced or efficient practitioners often succumb to. Our clients are often pleasantly surprised at the relatively short time we take to complete the administration of estates and distribute the assets to the beneficiaries.

Powers of Attorney
All of us are vulnerable to incapacity as a result of accident, old age or illness and this can create problems and delays which require expensive procedures to remedy.

By making an Enduring Power of Attorney clients can make arrangements in advance for someone to look after their property and financial affairs if for any reason in the future they are unable to do so personally.

This involves giving one or more persons (they can be family, friends or professionals such as solicitors) authority to act in relation to all or part of a clients affairs. We can advise on what is appropriate to try to achieve your particulars aims and objectives.

We also have experience of dealing with the Court of Protection including registering Powers of Attorney when the donor of the Power becomes mentally incapable and dealing with Receiverships providing authority to deal with the affairs of persons who are mentally incapable and have not previously made an Enduring Power of Attorney.

Elderly Client Advice
We offer advice to elderly clients who are concerned about what will happen if their health deteriorates and they have go into a nursing home and are no longer able to manage their affairs.

Probate and Will Disputes
Francis Law also handles Contentious Probate matters where disputes arise. This work includes claims by dependents under the Inheritance Act (representing both claimants and Executors) as well as disputes relating to the validity of wills and their interpretation.

For further information please contact Nigel Hodgson or Gary Ellis.