Wills & Estates

Wills & Estates

At the core of Napier Solicitors is our commitment to our private clients many of whom have been clients of this office for decades and generations. It is not uncommon for our ‘legal’ conversations to start with our clients sharing treasured memories, their hopes or fears for the future.

Planning ahead, in contemplation of the absence of loved ones, can be a difficult and emotive issue. Understandably, many people find these conversations difficult. They are difficult. We understand the dilemmas and are happy to work alongside clients as they raise, discuss and debate the various issues which are troubling them. These are invariably unique to their own family situations.

We also advise of the creation of Enduring Powers of Attorney so that a trusted relative or friend can manage property and assets in the event of medical or mental incapacity. We represent clients on the provision of Controllership Orders for relatives who have lost mental capacity so that the patient and their assets are protected and properly managed.

In times of bereavement, Napiers assist Executors in the Administration of Estates so that a lawful administration and distribution is secured. We provide advice to Executors and disappointed beneficiaries on the legal issues arising from individuals exclusion from a Wills or an estate distribution and whether there are grounds to lawfully challenge an Administration. We also assist Administrators in Intestacy cases to trace beneficiaries and to procure a legally compliant distribution.

Why Choose Napiers?

    • Our Mr Napier is a member of STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners) which is an international professional body for advisers who specialise in inheritance and succession planning.

    • Difficult issues do not always require difficult solutions. We understand client needs and work with them in a supported atmosphere to ensure they get the reassurance, planning or legal representation that they require.

    • Our solicitors have 50 years of experience working in the private client sector and have seen many of the roads which lead to disputes, complexity, delay, stress and anxiety. We can help you stay on the other road with specialist lawyers providing holistic client centric representation.

    • Our goal is to ensure that our knowledge, compassion, empathy and effectiveness are at the forefront of everything we do this area of practice.

 

Specialist Areas at a Glance

Estate Planning & Capacity during your Lifetime Administering a deceased’s estate
Making a will Grant of Probate
Advice on Inheritance Challenge to Wills - Exclusions & Entitlements
Lifetime transfers & gifts Intestacy - Grant of Letters of Administration
Power of Attorney Beneficiary Tracing
Controllership Order Transfer of Assets & Managing Property

We Offer Expert Advice in Wills & Estates

Speak to one of the team

Contact us to find out more

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is the best time to do a Will?

    If you are over 18, have property interests, a spouse, partner and/or children the best time to do a Will was yesterday. The next best time is today.

  • Should everybody make a Will?

    If you die without having a Will you will be considered as having died Intestate and your assets will be distributed in accordance with the laws of Intestacy.

    Those laws are prescribed by statute and can result in your estate being distributed to individuals you would not have expected or wanted to benefit from your estate.

    Administering an Intestacy is often more costly than administering a Will so failing to leave a Will often means paying more in legal fees too.

  • Does my partner/spouse inherit everything if I don’t make a Will?

    You may be surprised to know that the answer to this is ‘No’. Much depends on the size of the estate and whether you have any children.

  • Can I challenge a Will if I believe that I should have been left a legacy?

    The grounds for challenging the construction of a Will are narrow. Much will depend on the factual and familial circumstances and the connection between the deceased and the disappointed beneficiary.

    It is possible to challenge a Will and you should take legal advice as soon as possible.

Testimonials

“An environment which embraces and promotes innovative thinking.”

"A genuine sense of a willingness to support, listen and assist.”

“There is a very constructive and engaging culture where people really feel motivated and responsible for delivering on targets and deadlines.”

Ivp1