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Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitors in Coventry

Planning for the future can be challenging, and occasionally overwhelming, but it is an essential step to ensure that your loved ones are provided for when the time comes.

At Band Hatton Button, our Wills, Trusts and Probate team provide advice on all aspects of wealth protection and inheritance planning for individuals and their families.

We appreciate that arranging these matters can be both stressful and daunting. Our goal is to provide empathetic, transparent guidance that will give you confidence as you move forward, safeguarding your assets and enhancing your family’s wealth.

We take the time to understand your financial and family circumstances so we can offer clear, practical advice on protecting financial resources, whilst maintaining flexibility. We believe in forming strong working relationships with our client and, in many cases, we have acted for several generations of the same family, and much of our work comes from word-of-mouth referrals.

We have experience dealing with even the most complex Wills, Trusts and Probate matters, providing clear and practical support that will involve you throughout. Our substantial experience will ensure you are delivered a bespoke solution that truly prioritises the best interests of you and your loved ones.

Our Wills, trusts and probate solicitors in Coventry can provide advice on matters including:

Contact our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors in Coventry today

For specialist legal advice on Wills, Trusts and Probate in Coventry today, please get in touch with our expert solicitors. You can call our office on 024 7663 2121 or email us at info@bandhattonbutton.com.

Our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors’ charges

At Band Hatton Button, we are dedicated to providing complete transparency throughout the process. This means there will be no unwelcome surprises at any stage, and you’ll be aware of all expected fees from the outset.

Our charges vary depending on the complexity of your case. Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney services are available at a fixed-fee rate, with hourly rates applying to all other probate matters.

Please visit our probate fees page to find out more about our costs, or get in touch if you have any further questions.

How our Wills, Trusts and Probate lawyers can help you

Wills

A well-drafted Will is the most effective way to ensure your estate ends up with the right people and that your wishes are followed, meaning your loved ones will be securely looked after.

Without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy, which means there is no guarantee that your loved ones will receive what they deserve. This highlights how important it is to be proactive in drafting or updating your Will to ensure your wishes are granted.

Our expert Wills lawyers in Coventry can ensure that your Will is the most accurate reflection of your wishes and is legally compliant, meaning you can rest assured in the future of your estate. We have substantial experience drafting even the most complex documents, using our comprehensive knowledge to ensure your wealth is protected.

Likewise, we can amend an existing Will to represent any change in circumstances you may have faced so your assets are correctly distributed.

Probate and Estate Administration

Contending with the responsibility of administering the estate of a loved one can be incredibly complex, adding further stress to what is already likely to be a challenging period.

Our specialist Probate solicitors are here to guide you through this process, taking care of the legal complexities, maximising tax savings and ensuring your loved one’s wishes are upheld.

In the event that no Will has been left behind, we can also provide clear guidance to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are granted and outline the required steps to appropriately distribute their estate.

Powers of Attorney

Whether due to illness or injury, there is always a risk that you could unexpectedly lose the capacity to make independent decisions and manage your affairs.

A Power of Attorney can mitigate the impact of the loss of mental capacity by establishing guidelines that dictate who should handle your affairs and how matters such as healthcare and estate administration will be dealt with.

At Band Hatton Button, our expert Powers of Attorney solicitors in Coventry specialise in these issues to help safeguard clients’ futures, ensuring their affairs are appropriately handled with empathy and care.

Court of Protection and Deputyship

If a loved one loses the capacity to make their own decisions and have not established a Power of Attorney, you will need to apply to the Court of Protection to act as a Deputy.

A Court of Protection Deputy is appointed to make decisions on behalf of the person who lacks capacity, including emergency decisions and estate administration matters.

At Band Hatton Button, our Court of Protection solicitors can help you if you have been appointed as a deputy or if you wish to apply for the position. We recognise how daunting and confusing this process can be and will provide clear, sensitive guidance that empowers you to uphold the wishes of your loved one with the utmost respect.

Likewise, we can help if you feel that the wrong person has been appointed deputy, or you feel a deputy is acting against their appointee’s best interests.

Trusts and Trust administration

Trusts can represent a smart method of preserving your family’s generational wealth, mitigating tax liabilities and improving the financial security of future generations. Trusts can be established during someone’s lifetime or incorporated in their Will.

Nevertheless, Trusts can be complex to establish, particularly considering the tax regulations that must be adhered to. Rest assured that our specialist Trusts solicitors in Coventry have experience crafting Trusts that will preserve and grow your family’s wealth and can also assist with the administration of Trusts if needed.

Contentious Probate

Unfortunately, disputes about probate are commonplace and can often be exacerbated by the stress and upset that is characteristic of such cases.

At Band Hatton Button, we have a dedicated Litigation and Dispute Resolution team who will be able to advise on the best course of action if you find yourself involved in a Will, Inheritance and Trust dispute.

The dispute resolution team’s substantial probate legal knowledge, coupled with their expert alternative dispute resolution skills, means that we can maximise the chances of a positive resolution that preserves your relationships. However, in the event that litigation is needed, they will firmly fight your corner.

Frequently asked questions about Wills, Trusts and probate

What is a Will, and why do I need one?

A Will is a legal document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets and the care of any dependents after you pass away.

Having a Will ensures that your estate is handled according to your preferences, providing clarity and reducing potential disputes among loved ones. Without a Will, the distribution of your assets will follow the Intestacy rules, which may not align with your personal wishes.

What happens if I die without a Will?

If you pass away without a Will, this is known as dying Intestate.

In England and Wales, this means your assets are allocated to family members in a predetermined order, which may not reflect your personal wishes, or consider close friends and unmarried partners. This can lead to unintended consequences and potential disputes among surviving relatives.

What is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate, ensuring that debts are paid and assets are distributed according to the Will or the Intestacy rules.

This process involves validating the Will, appointing an Executor or Administrator, and managing the estate's assets and liabilities to ensure a fair and lawful distribution that reflects the wishes of the deceased.

How long does the Probate process take?

The duration of the Probate process varies depending on the estate's complexity and any potential disputes. Typically, it can take between six months to a year, but there is no set answer to this question.

Factors such as the size of the estate, the clarity of the Will, and the efficiency of the Executor can influence this timeline.

What are the duties of an Executor?

An Executor is responsible for managing the deceased's estate according to the Will's instructions and must legally act in the best interest of the deceased. Their duties include applying for Probate, valuing and collecting assets, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries.

How can I contest a Will?

If you wish to challenge a Will, you must legally dispute its validity or the fairness of its provisions. Grounds for contesting include concerns about the deceased's mental capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution of the Will.

It is essential to act promptly, as there are strict time limits for making a claim. Consulting with a solicitor experienced in Probate disputes can provide guidance on the merits of your case and the appropriate legal steps.

What is a Trust, and do I need one?

A Trust is a legal arrangement where one party (the Trustee) holds and manages assets for the benefit of another (the Beneficiary). Trusts can be used for various purposes, such as protecting assets, managing wealth for minors or vulnerable individuals, and planning for Inheritance Tax.

Whether you need a Trust depends on your personal circumstances and estate planning goals, so it is important to consult a solicitor. Establishing a Trust when you do not need one can be financially detrimental.

How can I minimise Inheritance Tax?

If you wish to minimise Inheritance Tax, it is best to plan strategically in methods such as making lifetime gifts, setting up Trusts, and utilising available allowances and reliefs. For instance, leaving assets to a spouse or civil partner will usually be exempt from Inheritance Tax. Charitable donations can also reduce the taxable value of your estate.

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document allowing you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so. There are two types: one for health and welfare decisions and another for property and financial affairs.

Having an LPA ensures that your preferences are respected and your affairs are managed by someone you choose, helping to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Why should I use Band Hatton Button?

As members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) we are at the forefront of legal developments and best practice in asset protection and wealth management. Our team also includes members of other national organisations such as The Association of Lifetime Lawyers previously known as Solicitors for the Elderly. We have one of the largest and most successful private client practices in Coventry.

Our Wills, Trusts & Probate Team have been consistently recognised as one of the leading regional teams and are listed in both the Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession and the Legal 500.

We are by far the most widely and highly ranked firm in Coventry, according to such independent legal guides.

In 2021, the Wills, Trusts and Probate team beat off stiff competition to win the much sought after prize for Legal Team of the Year at the prestigious Warwickshire Law Society Awards Dinner.

As a firm, we are also proud to have achieved internationally recognised ISO and Lexcel accreditations on top of many other awards and accreditations.

Useful information

Contact our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors in Coventry today

For specialist legal advice on Wills, Trusts and Probate in Coventry today, please get in touch with our expert solicitors. You can call our office on 024 7663 2121 or email us at info@bandhattonbutton.com.