Wills, Probate & Trusts Solicitor in Cardiff, Swansea & Newport, Wales

Wills, Probate and Trusts in Cardiff, Talbot Green, Caerphilly, Newport & Swansea

Although we do not like to think about what happens after we are gone, it is important to ensure that our loved ones are looked after. Howells Solicitors offer a range of legal services that will give you peace of mind.

John O’Connell is the Head of our Wills and Probate department. John is a Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and since its inception in 1999 has been on the Court of Protection's panel of professional deputies, handling complex property and other financial affairs of persons who lack capacity. Matters are referred to him by the Office of the Public Guardian and local firms of Solicitors.

Other Private client work involves assisting in the writing of Wills, the creation of lifetime trusts, planning Inheritance Tax mitigation, property preservation, the management of private trusts, estate administration. John is able to benefit his clients and colleagues with over 40 years of experience across many disciplines of the legal system and is highly regarded as an expert in his chosen field of Law.

Lasting Power of Attorney - our fees from £300 plus VAT

There is always a risk that an accident, health problem or a cruel twist of fate can drastically affect your physical and mental well being and many of us also become less independent as we get older.

It is therefore very wise to think of drawing up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). What would happen to you if you were unable to make decisions for yourself regarding your finances or the way you were cared for? An LPA gives someone you trust the legal power to make decisions regarding your healthcare and your finances, should you become unable to do so.

If you have any questions regarding this area of law, or have a relative that you think it may be applicable to, then feel free to discuss it with one of our team. We are more than happy to advise you on the implications of a Lasting Power of Attorney and complete the paperwork on your behalf. If you would like to discuss this further then you can fill in our online enquiry form and we will be in touch or telephone us on 02920 404034.

Experienced Will writers - Wills from £100 plus VAT

If you do not currently have a Will then getting one drawn up by an experienced Solicitor is vital. Writing a Will is the only way to ensure that you have taken every possible step and your money and possessions go to the people that you want to have them. Without a Will, serious complications can arise on death and the State may step in to divide your estate following the Intestacy Rules laid out in the Administration of Estates Act 1925. It is not necessarily true that your surviving spouse, siblings or parents will inherit the whole of your estate.

The team at Howells Solicitors has vast experience in writing Wills. No matter the size or complexity of your estate, our specialist team of professional Solicitors will be able to work with you to make sure that your family are protected for the future. Our approachable lawyers will make the best use of your assets, planning carefully to mitigate the amount of Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax. We can advise on the appointment of executors to administer your affairs and also the appointment of guardians for any minors.

We are sure that you understand the importance of having a valid and up to date Will. It is often the case that people put writing a Will to the back of their minds and it is something that they should get round to doing, but never do. Writing a Will gives people peace of mind, comfort and leaves them safe in the knowledge that their assets are distributed in accordance with their wishes. If you would like to discuss this further then you can fill in our online enquiry form and we will be in touch or telephone us on 02920 404034.

Expert Probate advice and Estate administration services

When you lose someone close to you, it can be a very stressful time. The grieving process, funeral arrangements and the loss of someone you love can have huge implications on your life. The last thing you want is to find yourself buried under a mountain of paperwork, legal administrative issues and worrying about any tax implications.

Grant or Letters of Administration (where there is no Will) is required when an estate is worth over £5,000. Probate is the Court’s authority given to a person or persons to administer a deceased person’s estate. This document is usually required by the financial organisations with which the deceased held accounts. Where the deceased left a Will the Executor of the Will is the person who is responsible to deal with their estate (money, property and possessions left) by collecting in all the money, paying any debts and distributing in accordance with the terms of the Will.

If the deceased died without making a Will then the person most entitled to benefit from their estate in accordance with the Intestacy Rules is also the person entitled to apply for the Grant known as Letters of Administration.

The Probate process is a specialist area of law and you are advised to seek advice from a professional. Whatever queries you may have, our team has decades of experience in Probate and estate administration and can ensure that you receive the proper advice.

We can help with all aspects of probate and have a wealth of experience in dealing with the interpretation of any Wills and Trusts and ensuring that Inheritance Tax that is due is paid and the appropriate Tax reliefs claimed. We also have expertise and contacts who will value the estate, including properties, Business Assets, investment shares, personal possessions to assist with the completion of the Inland Revenue Account.

At Howells we want to make the Probate process as pain free as possible. We have dedicated, sensitive staff who will assist you throughout the administration process. If you would like to discuss this further then you can fill in our online enquiry form and we will be in touch or telephone us on 02920 404034.

Creation and administration of Trusts

If others depend on you then a Trust is something to which you should give serious consideration. Your spouse, children and grandchildren may need to be looked after financially after you have gone and you may wish to achieve this in a specific way.

A Trust is a legal arrangement whereby property (including real, tangible and intangible) is managed by two or more people, or organisations, for the benefit of another. Trusts can be utilised to secure, preserve and manage assets for those who cannot do so themselves, for example children or people who lack mental capacity.

The Trust and the Trust property are governed by the terms of the Trust document. It is also governed by local law. The Trustee is obliged to administer the Trust in accordance with both the terms of the Trust document and the governing law on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Trusts can enable Trustees to control assets for a number of years sometimes decades, so it is essential that the trust is drawn up by an experienced Solicitor. This is to ensure that all future Tax liabilities are met and that the Trustees are chosen carefully so that they will manage the assets in the best interests of the beneficiaries. We can also act as a Professional Trustee to ensure that your wishes are adhered to after you pass on, and on an impartial basis.

Howells Solicitors are here to discuss your options, explain all the implications and benefits of a Trust and to help you gain piece of mind that your beneficiaries will be looked after.