Wills & Probate
Catherine Fee & Co provides expert services in the areas of Wills, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. We will advise you in the preparation of your Will from a legal, taxation, and practical point of view. We also assist in obtaining a Grant of Probate (if the deceased made a Will) or a Grant of Letters of Administration (if the deceased did not make a Will).
The primary function of a Will is to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of upon your death. We appreciate that this can be difficult to clients, however, it is one of the most important things you can do for your family. Drafting a Will is the best way guarantee that your assets are distributes to your wishes. If you pass away without a will, this can become much more difficult. Having your affairs in order can save some real stress and arguments amongst your loved ones in the event of your passing.
At Catherine Fee & Co, we provide extensive and highly personalised services on all issues relating to inheritance and succession including:
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Drafting a Will
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Grant of Probate
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Grant of Administration
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Tax Implications
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Distribution of Assets
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Enduring Power of Attorney
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Wardship
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Contesting a Will*
Your Will can be amended and changed throughout your life, and the initial document may not be the same as the document that exists at the time of your death. You should keep the Will up to date, especially with regards to significant events and life changes such as marriage, children, etc.
The team here at Catherine Fee & Co have decades of experience with issues surrounding Wills and Probate. Our Will and Probate Solicitors provide a highly tailored service ensuring that you requests and needs are met. We will advise on all elements of the document and ensure that you include all the necessary details for your wishes to be carries out exactly as requested. We also provide Probate and Administration services for all clients.
Wills & Probate Solicitor – Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I make a Will?
Every person should consider having a Will drawn up. A will ensures that your wishes are carried out upon you death. It will define who will receive your assets, if you to make a gift or a donation, who will or will not receive inheritance, who will take over ownership of property etc. Without a Will these issues are left to state law and you family will have no say in what happens to your assets.
Additionally, a Will may highlight non-financial wishes, such as who will take guardianship of your children, if you wish to donate your organs, funeral wishes, etc.
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What is Probate?
Probate is the legal process that takes place after a death. It involves proving in court that the deceased’s will is valid, which is usually a very routine matter. It also includes identifying and inventorying the deceased person's property, having the property appraised, paying any outstanding debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property as per the will.
If there is no will, then this process is called Administration. People generally request a grant of Administration to prevent the assets being distributed in accordance with State Laws, and requires significant amounts of documentation and paperwork.
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How long does Probate take?
The length of timer required to complete Probate varies with the individual circumstances of each case. This depends on the amount of assets left behind by the deceased, the number of properties, the size of the inheritance, etc.
On average, it takes approximately 4-8 months for the Grant of Probate to be issued from eh date all relevant is received by your probate solicitor. More complicated estates should be prepared for a considerably longer process.