Private Client, Wills & Probate

POWERS OF ATTORNEY

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that you make using a special form. It allows you to choose someone now that you trust to make decisions on your behalf about things such as your property and financial affairs or health welfare at a time in the future when you no longer wish to make those decisions or you may lack the mental capacity to make those decisions yourself.

Who can help you with this...

Vannessa Schomberg

PROBATE

A Will invariably names the people the person wants to deal with his property and possessions after he dies. They are called his executors and his property and possessions are called his estate.

A person's estate can include land, savings, insurance policies, furniture, paintings, clothes, cars and any other personal effects.

The executors' main role is to carry out the wishes of the deceased person, as stated in his Will. It includes:

finding out the total value of the deceased person's estate;

obtaining the official document from the Probate Registry of the High Court that proves they are the people entitled to deal with his estate - known as the Grant of Probate;

paying his debts or expenses, using money from the estate; and

distributing the remaining property and money in the estate to the beneficiaries in accordance with the Will.

There can be between one and four executors, though two is most common. They are usually trusted friends and/or relatives, although a professional person may have been named.

Our probate department is very experienced and is highly recommended. They are able to assist in all steps in the administration process.

Who can help you with this...

Vannessa Schomberg

TRUSTS

A Trust may be created during a person's lifetime, on death by a Will or under the Intestacy Rules where a person does not leave a Will. The creation of a Trust is the alternative to giving property to someone outright.

A Trust comes into being when assets are transferred by an individual to Trustees who hold these assets for the benefit of one or more persons who will receive income and/or capital from the Trust.

The requirements for trusts to achieve tax benefits are complex and it is vital to seek professional advice before creating any form of Trust. The administration of any Trust may also have complexities. Our experienced team are able to:

Advise on Trusts in connection with your personal circumstances.

Draft Trust Deeds and associated documents

Administer the Trust

Act as Trustees, where appropriate

Who can help you with this...

Robert Marchant          Vannessa Schomberg

WILLS

Making a will is something that everybody should do. We realise that you need to be given all the necessary information and alternatives to enable you to make an informed decision about the contents of your will, and any tax or other implications. Our experienced lawyers can help with this.

Regardless of the nature of your estate, we will ensure that your wishes to see it go to the right people, at the right time, are fulfilled.

Who can help you with this...

Robert Marchant          Vannessa Schomberg