Wills and Probate

Our solicitors have a wealth of experience in creating wills and make the process fast, straightforward and hassle-free. Once in place, you'll be able to relax knowing that you've planned for whatever the future may bring.

Our caring, friendly solicitors take the stress out of making a will. They know the questions to ask and will guide you gently through the process. Whatever your circumstances, our will writing service ensures that your will is valid and right for you. We can also store your will safely - protecting it from loss or damage.

With expert knowledge in all areas of wills, our friendly solicitors will create a will that's right for you and your family. They'll put you at ease and explain everything clearly.

Upon the death of a relative, administering their estate is an important step to undertake. In some circumstances, this is more difficult because there is no will or it is somehow invalid. Walker & Co can guide you through the right steps.

When a death happens, the assets of the deceased are distributed. This is made simple where a well drafted and up-to-date will is in place. Where there is no will or what is drafted is not legally valid, this requires an administrator. Often, this is the next of kin who is required to distribute the assets in accordance with the relevant laws.

If you are responsible for managing someone else's affairs or are concerned about their ability to manage their own affairs and they have not made an appropriate power of attorney, then a Deputy is appointed in the Court of Protection. The Deputy will be responsible for the management of finances and other affairs of people who no longer have the capacity to do so themselves.

We are experienced in making these applications and advising clients on the process. If required we can also act as the Deputy.

You will be rightly concerned at the likely high cost of care for the elderly. Our specialist solicitors can advise on minimising these costs and will assist with implementing your chosen solutions in planning for this stage of life.

In an uncertain world it's reassuring to know that our wishes will be respected even if we're not in a position to make our own decisions. That's why many people choose to create a lasting power of attorney (LPA) to provide protection should an accident or ill health prevent them from making decisions in the future.

An LPA is a legal document that allows another person to make decisions about your wellbeing and affairs on your behalf. Appointing an attorney before you actually need one gives you the peace of mind that your affairs will be managed how you want them to be. It's not possible to create an LPA once you're unable to make your own decisions so if you think you would like an LPA, it's something that should consider putting in place as soon as possible.

There are different types of LPAs depending on what areas of your life you would like an attorney to have control of. To be valid, an LPA must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.

At Walker & Co we can help with all aspects of creating an LPA - from choosing an attorney and deciding what type of LPA is right for you to correctly registering the documentation.

Planning ahead for when you die allows you to set out clearly who should get what from your estate. Walker & Co can help you think through your plans and their financial impact. Our aim is to ensure that your loved ones are cared for when you no longer can.

Planning for life after your death may be difficult. However, it is simply taking care of your family in the future. Your estate will be subject to Inheritance Tax thresholds and other matters. Planning now allows you to consider reliefs and exemptions. Having a Will ensures people know how to share out your estate exactly as you planned for it to be and that this is done in a financially appropriate way.

Taxes are one certainty in life and in death too. Tax planning involves thinking about your home, the value of any investments, trusts and the making of gifts to limit any tax implications. At Walker & Co, we understand the rules and implications of these decisions.