Wills and Probate

Jeremy Cuff deals with all aspects of what is referred to as Private Client work.
Typically he works with people who don’t wish for the government to decide who will inherit from their estate. These issues are addressed by putting wills in place which make the best use of the Inheritance Tax free sums available.



These people may also be concerned about what might happen if they become unable to manage their affairs during their lifetime due to physical or mental incapacity. Such concerns are often alleviated by putting in place what is known as a Lasting Power of Attorney. Jeremy also deals with applications to the Court of Protection to authorise someone to deal with the financial affairs of an individual who no longer has mental capacity and had not previously put a Power of Attorney in place.



Jeremy also works with people who have lost a loved one and need assistance with the administration of their estate. He can prepare the necessary documentation to make an application for a Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration if there is no will), liaise with HMRC with regard to any Inheritance Tax which may be payable, settle the income tax position of the deceased, gather in the assets of the estate and transfer or distribute the assets of the estate to the persons entitled. He can also advise on post-death variations of wills in circumstances where wills might not have been prepared in the most tax efficient way.

Recent research shows that 67% of people wouldn’t know where to locate their parents’ Wills in the event of bereavement – the passage of time, house moves and new relationships all being contributory factors. If your Will is deemed lost or never written your loved ones and beneficiaries are exposed to potential financial loss and unwelcome stress.
 
When we write your Will we retain the original in our safe but we also record its location on the Certainty Wills register so that your beneficiaries can always locate it when the time comes. 

If you need any further information with regard to any aspect of the above then Jeremy is always happy to have an initial chat on the phone to discuss the best way forward. Call Jeremy on 01737 851827.

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