Our private client team at Butterworths Solicitors understand the importance of client care and managing expectations when it comes to such sensitive matters as wills, lasting powers of attorney and general estate management.
We know that many do not have a clear understanding of what can or needs to go into a will. Therefore, many may not fully know what exactly they can do when it comes to managing their affairs.
The importance of our free advice appointments is something that is vital to our will writing process, which has been hugely beneficial to thousands of our clients across Cumbria.
As each client is different we also offer free home visits where a client is unable to attend our offices.
If you have any questions about wills or lasting powers of attorney, speak to a member of our team today to book your free advice appointment on 01228 59 39 39 or email us at [email protected]
Want to learn more about our services? Here’s some frequently asked questions that cover some of the basics
What is a will?
A will is much more than just a document. It is the reassurance that after you pass away your family and those you care about will be catered for.
A will sets out your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and the care of any minor children.
If you die without a will, those wishes may not be followed. Dying intestate may have tax consequences, a properly prepared will can minimise tax liability. Our will writing service can ensure that your wishes are carried out at a fixed fee.
If you do not have a will, where will your estate go?
- If you are married or in a civil partnership, then all your estate will go to your spouse.
- If you are not married then your estate will go to your parents, unless, you have children. Your partner will not have an automatic right to your estate.
- If your child or children are under 18 then your estate will be left in trust until they turn 18.
What are the different types of a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Property and financial affairs LPA
This gives your attorney the authority to deal with your property and finances, when you choose, and/or if you lack mental capacity.
Health and welfare LPA
This allows your attorney to make health and care decisions on your behalf if you lack the mental capacity to do so yourself. This could include giving or refusing consent to the continuation of life-sustaining treatment.
Who should I appoint to act as my attorney?
Lasting powers of attorney are important documents and so you should take care with who you wish to appoint, as your attorneys must be trustworthy and good decision-makers.
You can also appoint replacement attorneys in case your original attorney cannot otherwise act.
There are different ways in which you can instruct your attorneys to act on your behalf and this should be discussed in detail to allow you to choose which is best for you…
This could be:
- Jointly, ie always together; or
- Jointly and severally, i.e. together and independently so that they can sometimes sign together and sometimes separately; or
- A combination of (1) and (2), so some decisions can be made jointly and other decisions jointly and severally
Contact us today
We have offices in:
- Carlisle
- Penrith
- Kendal, and
- Whitehaven
We can offer home visits across the whole of Cumbria.
We also offer telephone and video conference appointments for those who would not like a home visit but are unable to attend our offices.
Call us today on 01228 59 39 39 to book your free appointment
