Looking after yourself, looking after your family
Autumn has well and truly arrived and the summer holidays are a fading memory. As longer nights draw in and families return to their usual routine, thoughts may turn to getting our house in order. For many this may include tidying our affairs. Somewhere on the end of our general to-do list may be sorting out an up to date Will.
"For most of us, our priorities are family and loved ones, so that we can pass on what we are worth when we die, with minimum fuss and in the most tax efficient way. If you recognise these priorities, the single most important thing you can do is make a Will achieving these aims." says Gill Shone at Dellapina Law "Otherwise everything you own will pass on after you die under what is called the Intestacy Rules, which may not work the way you want. Many people work hard all their lives to build up their asset worth for their families. Why leave it to chance as to what will happen?"
Dellapina Law based right here in Knutsford, offer a friendly and professional Will writing and estate planning service. The department is headed by Gill Shone, an experienced Solicitor specialising exclusively in this field of the law. Gill is a member of STEP, a specialist society for practitioners in this work area.
Says Gill, "At Dellapina Law we understand the concerns people have about making a Will and are used to helping people from a wide range of circumstances make a Will that is appropriate for them and will put their wishes into effect.
"Most people these days are aware that you can buy a cut price DIY Will over the internet. People sometimes ask whether such a Will is "legal". Assuming you comply with strict formalities, then it may be valid, but it may have surprising results. Any problems will only be discovered after your death. It may take a great deal of time and money to sort out, if this is possible. A specialist solicitor, however, will prepare a Will tailored to your particular circumstances to avoid unnecessary problems.
"For example, a solicitor can help you consider:
- Appropriate executors
- Guardians
- If you are not married, provision for your partner who would not receive anything if you do not make a Will
- Protecting funds for your children until they are old enough to look after themselves
- How to look after any children from a first marriage
- Protecting continuity in your business
- How to minimise the impact of Inheritance Tax"
Gill aims to provide an efficient and sympathetic service. She understands this is sometimes a task which clients have been meaning to sort out for a long time, but the thought seems daunting.
"Whilst I encourage clients to think carefully about arrangements for their loved ones, I recommend sparing a thought for themselves! As part of arranging their affairs, clients should plan ahead. If they become ill or just infirm, or have a serious accident they might not be able to manage their affairs for themselves. Following recent changes in the law, if you wish to choose someone you trust to look after your affairs, then you must sign a Lasting Power of Attorney. Without this, next of kin have no legal standing. Who would pay care home fees or maybe medical expenses in this situation?
"I find most clients readily appreciate the benefits and the peace of mind of having their affairs in order if this is explained properly to them."
At Dellapina Law, clients are offered an initial free consultation. If it is difficult to meet then instructions can be taken by telephone or by email. For a professional service, at realistic prices, call Gill Shone on 01565 621 300 or email gill@dellapina.co.uk.
