Estate Planning
Estate administration means handling someone’s legal and tax affairs after they have died.
Legal duties like distributing assets, paying debts and dealing with inheritance tax can be a burden at the best of times. When you are also trying to cope with the death of a loved one, the pressure can be overwhelming.
If you have been named as the executor of an estate, our experienced estate administration solicitors can help you carry out your legal responsibilities, putting your mind at ease and helping you avoid costly mistakes and disputes.
Our friendly team is always available in Wilmslow and Bramhall to offer support, advice and compassion while helping carry out someone’s final wi
Estate planning means making a plan to transfer your assets (including property, money and investments) to family, friends and organisations that are important to you.
Planning in advance means you can pass your assets over tax-efficiently, leaving more for the people, trusts, and charities that matter most.
Effective planning can allow you to minimise taxes, court costs and unnecessary legal fees. This could include funding assets into a trust, completing or updating beneficiary designations or aligning assets with your estate plan.
A good estate plan includes:
- Details about all of your assets
- The names of any beneficiaries you want to receive the assets
- Steps to make the transfer of assets as easy and tax efficient as possible
It can also include:
- Instructions for your care and financial affairs if you are incapacitated
- Disability income insurance if you cannot work due to illness or injury
- Insurance to help pay for care during a long-term illness
- Life insurance to provide for your family if you die
- Instructions to transfer any business assets
- A guardian for your children if you die
- Provision for family members with special needs
- Provision for loved ones that struggle with money, or who might need protection from creditors, or extra help after a divorce
Estate planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. You should periodically review and update your plan as your family and financial circumstances (and any relevant laws) change.
Our trusted wills and probate solicitors in Wilmslow and Bramhall can help with every aspect of estate planning.
Why use Sinclair Law Solicitors?
- Free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know you and your individual needs
- Jargon-free friendly service
- Avoid expensive mistakes, delays and disputes with expert advice
- A solicitor by your side through every step of the process, helping you plan for harder times during easier times
- Transparent pricing with no nasty surprises
- Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Rated ‘excellent’ by our clients on Google and Review Solicitors
Your key contact:
Jobeth Copping-Barrett, Solicitor & Head of the Private Client Department
Jobeth is passionate about helping people through emotionally difficult times. She prides herself on being compassionate, supportive and open with all her clients.
Jobeth has answered some of the most commonly asked questions below. If you need specific advice, book a free 30-minute consultation with Jobeth today. Call: 01625 526 222.
Estate Planning FAQs
I don’t think I have an estate; I don’t have anything of any value.
Believe it or not, you have an estate. In fact, nearly everyone does. Your estate consists of everything you own: your car, home, other property, savings accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture and personal possessions. No matter how large or how modest, everyone has an estate and something in common—you cannot take it with you when you die.
When do I need to start thinking about estate planning?
It is not just for retirees, although people do tend to think about it more as they get older. Unfortunately, we cannot successfully predict how long we are to live and illness and accidents happen to people of all ages.
Is estate planning just for the wealthy?
No, estate planning is not just for the wealthy, although people who have accumulated wealth may think more about how to preserve it. Good estate planning is often more impactful for families with modest assets because the loss of time and funds because of poor estate planning is more detrimental.
How much does estate planning cost?
Please contact us for more information.
