Tom Bird, Associate

Plan early – whether preparing your will or Lasting Powers of Attorney, it is always better to start sooner rather than later as you cannot take the future for granted.

Take the time to think about what you really want to achieve, rather than just acting because you think it is the ‘right thing to do’.

When you come to see me, the more information you provide me with, the better. If in doubt, tell me!

Can a beneficiary also be an executor of my will?

Yes, but a beneficiary (or their spouse) cannot act as a witness of your will. In fact, beneficiaries are often the most motivated to administer your estate so it can often be the best choice!

Aren’t Lasting Powers of Attorney just for the elderly or infirm?

No – these can be used throughout your lifetime and there can be a number of scenarios where it would be useful to use whilst you still have mental capacity, such as if you are out of the country for a prolonged period of time.

How long does it take to obtain a grant of probate?

No two estates are the same, so it is always difficult to estimate; for relatively straightforward estates (if there is such a thing) it usually takes 4-6 months from death, whereas more complex estates including businesses and/or foreign assets can take 6-12 months.