Dealing with the loss of a loved one is a difficult time for all those affected.  To make matters worse, while grieving you are also expected to deal with the legal issues that come along with someone dying, and at times they can become complicated, emotional and disputed. 

Mark Duckworth, head of Wills, Trusts & Probate based at Jackson Lees’ office in Hoylake, comments:

Wirral Globe: Mark Duckworth, head of Wills, Trusts & ProbateMark Duckworth, head of Wills, Trusts & Probate

"In addition to dealing with the legal and tax issues when administering an estate we build relationships with our clients and their family network. Sometimes we act as mediators and consider alternative courses of action that provide the best outcome for the family and friends of a deceased.  This may sometime mean we have to think ‘outside the box’ to ensure the best outcome for our clients, and this is illustrated by the case I managed a few years ago.

"Mr A died without a will.  He had no family but had been treated as ‘one of the family’ by close friends for many years.  When Mr A died, as he did not have a will or any family, his estate was claimed by the Crown under the intestacy rules.  I managed to successfully persuade the Treasury solicitor, who represented the Crown, to relinquish their claim on Mr A’s estate and consent to it being paid to his close friends.

Not only does the above case illustrate the importance of making a Will but it also illustrates the benefit of instructing a team of experienced professionals to assist you and your family with the administration of an estate. We know the associated paperwork can be extremely daunting and we can therefore provide hands on support and alleviate your stress by:

  • Notifying the relevant people of the individual's death
  • Obtaining the required probate valuations for both assets and liabilities
  • Completing the necessary forms and accounts for HMRC
  • Agreeing with the HMRC how much inheritance tax is payable (if applicable)
  • Applying to the Probate Registry for the grant of probate or grant or letters of administration (where there is no will) which establishes the authority of the person dealing with the estate and the validity of the will 
  • Consider alternatives which would best accommodate a beneficiary’s needs or reduce inheritance tax e.g., by varying the terms of the will
  • Collect in the assets, pay bills and finally distribute the estate to the beneficiaries
  • Prepare the formal estate accounts
  • Claiming all possible exemptions and reliefs to minimise any inheritance tax liability

If you would like to talk to one of our empathetic specialist advisers, you can call us free on 0808 302 3464 (also free to call from mobiles) or email enquiry@jacksonlees.co.uk. Alternatively, visit our website: www.jacksonlees.co.uk

At Jackson Lees we understand that one of the most important things that we can do is plan our own futures to ensure that we protect the futures of those we love after we are gone. We will provide you with expert, professional and sensitive legal advice, helping you deal with a wide range of matters including; writing your Will, dealing with Probate, Inheritance Tax Planning, setting up Trusts and their administration, and making a Lasting Power of Attorney.

What Jackson Lees can do for you…

  • We offer free half-hour appointments for anyone who wishes to find out more about our services
  • Four local offices to choose from:
    • Hoylake 0151 909 3204,
    • Heswall 0151 909 3201,
    • Liverpool 0151 909 3147
  • We also offer assistance if you are in a dispute regarding inheritance
  • We offer free safe storage of any Will
  • We can register your Will on Certainty’s national Wills database

Let Jackson Lees make things a little easier for you and your family.  Contact our Wills, Trusts & Probate team to book an appointment or to chat through your requirements.  Call us free from either a mobile or landline on 0808 302 3464.