Wills, Probate, Estates & Trusts

Our goal is to provide our clients with the professional advice they need whilst recognising the importance of delivering a sensitive and approachable service at an often difficult time. We understand that many of our clients want to feel that they are talking to a ‘family solicitor’ when dealing with private issues. Cullimore Dutton has one of the largest private client departments in Chester dealing with all aspects of wills, trusts, tax and estates. We aim to ensure that hard-earned family money stays in the family, and in many cases we have done just that for existing clients over several generations.

Our areas of expertise:

  • Drafting of Wills and Codicils
  • Probate and estate settlement
  • Capital and inheritance tax planning
  • Administration of estates and trusts
  • Specialists in agricultural estates and planning
  • Trust creation and management
  • Enduring and Lasting Powers of Attorney
  • Court of Protection
  • Advice to executors and beneficiaries in contentious matters

Wills

Providing it is straightforward, making a Will is not expensive and is something that everyone should do sooner rather than later to avoid unnecessary distress. We are always happy to give a fixed price for a simple Will.

By making a Will you can decide what happens to your property and possessions after your death. You are not required to make a Will by law but it is advisable to do so:

  • If you do not have a Will the law decides division of your assets and limits  the amount that certain people can receive
  • A Will gives you the opportunity to control your estate in terms of whom you would like to benefit as well as how and when that benefit is transferred
  • Couples who are not married or who have not entered a civil partnership can make sure that their partner is provided for
  • You can appoint guardians in your Will to take care of any children under 18
  • A Will can be a financial and tax planning device for you and your family
  • You can donate money to charity

Wills should be reviewed fairly frequently to ensure that they reflect your up-to-date wishes. This is especially true if there has been a change in the law or following any major change in your life such as marriage/entering a civil partnership, divorce, having a child, moving house or after an inheritance.

Probate/Estate Administration

We can deal with the process of administration from the initial practical steps through to obtaining a Grant of Probate and on to full settlement of the estate. A Grant of Probate is not always required depending on the type and ownership of the assets within the estate. We can also advise on the procedure where no Will has been made (intestacy) and in situations where there may be potential conflict or claims against estates.

Key Contacts