Woodward Wills & Probate

Wills & Probate

Wills

Often making a will is not something that we think about until later in life. However, it is possibly one of the most important documents that we can have drafted to ensure that your wishes are met when the time is needed.

Whether you have a lot of possessions or just a few items, you should think about making a will sooner rather than later – in fact the earlier the better.

Here at Woodward Solicitors we are able to draft a will to ensure that your wishes are clear and adhered to upon death. We offer a no obligation discussion about the process, what is included and what needs to be done in order to ensure the will is valid.

If you die without a will, there are rules as to how your property and possessions (estate) are dealt with. This may not be how you would wish them to be dealt with. It is even more important when you have a partner (whether married or not) and children so that they do not lose out.

Woodward Solicitors are also happy to review your current will and bring this up to date. Remember you can and should update your will regularly.

Probate

When someone passes they will (or should have) appointed an executor to deal with the assets of the estate. Probate is the process in dealing with these assets.

Woodward Solicitors can provide help and guidance on obtain the grant of Probate for you to ensure that you are able to deal with the assets in a quick and easy manner.

As part of our fixed fee we will:

• Provide you with a dedicated and experienced probate solicitor to work on your matter
• Identify the legally appointed executors or administrators and beneficiaries
• Accurately identify the type of Probate application you will require
• Collect information on the value of the estate
• Obtain the relevant documents required to make the application
• Liaise with utility companies, local council and credit card companies
• Complete the Probate Application and the relevant HMRC forms
• Make the application to the Probate Court on your behalf
• Obtain the Probate and securely send two copies to you
• Collect and distribute all assets in the estate

On average, estates that fall within this range are dealt with within 6-9 months (taking into account that there is often a property that needs to be sold). Typically, obtaining a Grant of Probate takes between 12-16 weeks (assuming that inheritance tax has to be paid). Collecting assets then follows, which can take between 6-8 weeks (although this can be longer if a property has to be sold). Once this has been done, we can distribute the assets which normally takes 3-4 weeks.

How much does it cost?

We offer a fixed fee service, and the costs for that can be seen by clicking here.

Bespoke Service

If you need more assistance than the fixed fee options permit, we offer an hourly rate service which we will estimate at the outset of the matter, our hourly rates can be found by clicking here. If you opt for this service:

• We will provide you with a costs estimate at the outset and update you regularly on your costs so you can stay in control
• We will expect to invoice you monthly and for you to discharge your invoices promptly
• A payment on account may be required
• All disbursements including court fees must be paid up front as you go along

Who will be dealing with my matter?

These matters are dealt with in Wigan by Solicitor, David Watkin and in Ormskirk by Solicitor, John Gibson-Scott.

Contact Woodward Solicitors

To arrange your free consultation, call us on 0345 340 0061 or get in touch online.