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Making a Will and planning for the future is something that many people put off for a variety of reasons. But without a valid Will in place, the state will determine who receives the benefit of your estate when you die, according to intestacy rules. This can make things much harder for your loved ones when the time eventually comes.
At Kingsfords, our Wills and Inheritance Tax planning solicitors in Kent have years of combined experience when it comes to lifetime planning. Whether you are looking to create a Will from scratch, need to make amendments to an existing Will, or you are looking for Inheritance Tax advice, our team will be able to provide carefully tailored advice and legal support at every turn.
With our support, you can ensure that your property and assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes, providing you with the reassurance that your loved ones are provided for.
Our Wills service includes the following:
- Creating a Will
- Updating your Will
- Will disputes
- Inheritance Tax advice
- Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts
- Life Interest Trusts in Wills
- Home visits available on request
Speak to our Wills and Inheritance Tax solicitors in Kent today
Speak to one of our Wills and Inheritance Tax solicitors at our offices in Ashford, Cranbrook or Hythe today by calling 01233 624545 or fill in our enquiry form on the right hand side of the page to request a call back.
Our Wills and Inheritance Tax expertise
Creating a Will
A Will is a vital document that ensures your estate (such as your property and savings) is distributed in accordance with your wishes. If you die without a valid Will in place, the rules of intestacy will dictate who inherits from your estate – no matter what your wishes may have been.
When you make your Will, there are several important issues and decisions to consider, including who you would like to benefit from your estate and what provisions you need to make if you have any dependents that require support when you’re no longer around.
Our Wills solicitors in Kent can work alongside you to create a valid Will that is carefully tailored to your individual circumstances and priorities. We can also act as witnesses to your Will and store your Will free of charge in our Will safe.
You can access the firm's Wills Questionnaire here. Please download a copy to complete and bring with you to your initial appointment.
Amending an existing Will
It may be the case that you already have a Will in place. However, life moves fast and, as such, you should make sure that your Will is up to date and fully reflects any changes to your life, e.g. if you get married or divorced, or you have children.
Our Wills solicitors can review your existing Will and advise you on where an update is required. In certain circumstances, a Will can be updated through the creation of a supplementary document, known as a codicil, and in others a new Will may have to be drafted from scratch.
Will disputes
Finding yourself in a legal dispute over a Will can be incredibly stressful, especially if it means that you find yourself at odds with another family member. This is why it is important to seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible to sidestep any avoidable conflict or expense.
Our dispute resolution solicitors in Kent can advise on a wide range of Wills and probate disputes, ensuring you find a fair solution that matches your needs and priorities.
For more information on Will disputes, please refer to our litigation and disputes expertise.
Inheritance Tax advice
For many estates, Inheritance Tax can be a significant burden and has the potential to place additional financial stress on your loved ones when your estate is passed down. However, this does not have to be the case as, with diligent planning, the Inheritance Tax on your estate can be mitigated.
Our Inheritance Tax solicitors in Kent will be able to assess your current financial situation, discuss your available options and advise on the most sensible way forward.
Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts
Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts can be used in your Will to protect assets up to the value of the nil rate band (the nil rate band is the sum of money you are allowed in your estate before inheritance tax has to be paid. The nil rate band is currently set at £325,000). These types of Trust can be used to protect assets up to the nil rate band value for future generations in the event the surviving spouse remarries or has to go into care.
Our team can advise you on the use of Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trusts and how to best make use of them if they are likely to be beneficial for your personal circumstances.
Life Interest Trusts in Wills
A Life Interest Trust provides your spouse or civil partner the right to benefit from your estate for the remainder of their lifetime or until their remarry and thereafter the estate will pass in accordance with your wishes The Life Interest Trust in your Will can also be used to protect assets from care home fees and secure them for your children or other beneficiaries.
We can advise on whether including a Life Interest Trust in your Will is within your best interests, as well as advising on the practical application of such a Trust in your existing Will.