I have worked for law firms in London and Surrey over a period of ten years. I was previously a private client solicitor specialising in Wills, Probate and Court of Protection matters. I am now a non-practising solicitor.
I am a qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and now practise solely as a self-employed Notary Public providing a comprehensive Will Writing service and advice in relation to all Court of Protection matters including Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Applications.
Appointments can take place at my office in Chessington, Surrey or in the comfort of your own home at a time to suit you. References from previous clients are available.
Referal for probate advice and associated probate services is also available.
Your Will
- Keep control over your estate; making a Will is the sensible way to provide for your loved ones and prevent the many problems which can arise if you die without leaving a Will
- Protect your property against the cost of nursing home fees
- Provide for disabled beneficiaries
- Appoint guardians for your children
- Make provision for your pets
- Use a trust in your Will to protect assets in many different circumstances which may cause you concern. For example, an irresponsible beneficiary
- Maximise your inheritance tax savings
- Appoint executors of your choice to administer your estate
- Include persons or charities to inherit, who would not otherwise inherit under the intestacy rules in the absence of a Will
- You may wish to give an Advanced Directive (more commonly known as a Living Will)
Lasting Powers of Attorney and Deputyship Applications
Property and Affairs Lasting Powers of Attorney are of great importance if you were to lose your mental capacity and become unable to deal with your own finances. Once registered with the Court of Protection, the document allows your Attorney to look after your finances now if you need them to (for example if you are in hospital or just unable to get out). However, importantly, the Power will continue in the event you begin to lose or lose your mental capacity. You can only give a Lasting Power of Attorney when you are mentally capable, which is why you should consider doing it now rather than waiting.
Personal Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney are also of great importance if you wish to give power to someone to make decisions on your behalf in relation to health and welfare issues if you were to lose your mental capacity and be unable to make those decisions yourself. The Attorney (subject to any restrictions imposed by you) would be able to make decisions such as where you live, your day to day care, medical treatment, what social or leisure activities you should take part in, complain about your care or treatment and such like.
Deputyship Applications
If you have a relative or friend who has lost mental capacity, he or she would not be able to make a Lasting Power of Attorney. If you need to gain control of someone’s financial matters or deal with welfare issues on their behalf, then you can make an application to the Court of Protection to act as a Property and Affairs Deputy and/or a Health and Welfare Deputy.
Professional Appointments and storage
You may prefer to use professional executors as this will ensure that matters are dealt with correctly and that your executors act impartiality when administering your Estate. Professional executors often help prevent family conflict. Similarly, you may wish to consider appointing professional attorneys to act for you, especially if you have no family members living close to you who wish to take on the responsibility.
I can advise on, and deal with the appointment of Professional Executors and Attorneys to act for you. I can also arrange for storage of your documents.
If you would like further advice or help with a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney or a Deputyship Application then please contact me. I can offer you a fixed fee quote. There is no charge to VAT.