Wills, Trusts & Probate Solicitors
When a loved one passes away, the thought of having to deal with the legalities of administering an estate can be daunting and overwhelming.
At JNP Legal, our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors in South Wales are here to assist you in all matters of lifetime planning and Estate administration. Whether it is a Will, Lasting Power of Attorney, or Probate matter, we will make the process as simple and straightforward as possible.
Sometimes, Will and Estate matters can cause conflicts, making it difficult to resolve matters and take steps forward. No matter how complex your circumstances have become, we will understand how to help you and ensure that you are fairly represented in any proceedings and your rights are fully respected.
Contact our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun
If you or someone you know needs legal advice, our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors are here to assist. We are a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Pontyclun, Cardiff and Nelson.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our get in touch form and we will respond to you quickly.
Our Wills, Trusts and Probate Services
Wills
Creating a valid Will is crucial for ensuring that your estate is distributed according to your wishes and not left to the rules of intestacy. Our skilled Wills solicitors can help you draft a Will that accurately reflects your wants and needs, protects your assets, and provides peace of mind and clarity for you and your loved ones.
Whether your situation seems straightforward or more complex, our Wills and Probate lawyers will know how to help. For some early information, please review our guide to making a Will.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) empowers someone of your choosing to make important decisions on your behalf in the event that you become unable to do so yourself. There are two types of LPA: a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA. You can have both or either one in place to protect you. Our Wills and Probate solicitors can help you put the right legal arrangements in place, ensuring your future choices are respected. For some extra information, please review our guide to making an LPA.
Court of Protection applications
If an individual has lost mental capacity without an LPA in place, then an application to the Court of Protection can be made so that you can step in and manage their affairs. Our skilled Probate and Estate lawyers can guide you through the application process, helping you to become a Deputy and take on those responsibilities, with empathetic, practical support during what is often an emotional and difficult time.
Probate
Dealing with a loved one’s estate after they pass away can be overwhelming. Our Probate solicitors are here to help Administrators and Executors manage the Probate process compassionately and efficiently, from obtaining a Grant of Probate to collecting and distributing assets in accordance with the Will. No matter what, our Wills, Trusts and Probate team will ensure everything is correctly handled.
Probate disputes
Sometimes, disagreements arise over how an estate is distributed, adding to the tension of an already difficult time. Our Wills and Probate lawyers are experts in resolving probate disputes, whether they’re related to executor conduct, the validity of a Will, or claims made by disappointed beneficiaries. We always aim to resolve matters through mediation or negotiation, but our specialist dispute resolution lawyers are prepared to represent you in Court where necessary.
Inheritance Act Claims
If you have been left out of a Will or feel that you have not received a fair share, then you may have grounds to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Our expert Probate and Estate lawyers can assess your situation and advise on your eligibility to challenge an estate. We provide pragmatic advice and representation in the pursuit of a fair outcome for you.
Trusts
Trusts allow you to manage and protect assets both during your lifetime and after your passing. Whether you wish to provide for a vulnerable loved one, reduce inheritance tax, or plan for future generations, our Trusts solicitors can tailor a solution that fits your goals. We regularly advise clients on setting up and administering Trusts, providing long-term support and guidance for Trustees and Beneficiaries.
Frequently asked questions on Wills, Trusts and Probate
A Will is a legal document that outlines how you wish to have your money, property, and possessions distributed after you pass away. It allows you to name executors to carry out your wishes or appoint guardians for any dependent children.
A Trust is a legal arrangement that allows you to pass assets to other people while you’re alive or after your passing. A Trust can be key to managing inheritances for young or vulnerable beneficiaries, ringfencing assets for specific purposes, and reducing tax liabilities.
Lastly, Probate is the legal process of administering someone’s estate after they’ve died. Typically, this involves applying for a Grant of Probate, if there is a Will, or Letters of Administration, if there isn’t one.
You are strongly advised to have a Will. Without one, you will die Intestate, meaning that your estate will be distributed according to the UK’s intestacy rules, which may not reflect your interests or protect your estate. A professionally drafted Will ensures that your assets are distributed to the people that you wish to provide for, and that there are arrangements in place for funeral wishes and dependents.
A Trust is a way of managing finances, property, or investments for a loved one. Through a Trust, you can appoint a Trustee to protect the assets for the chosen Beneficiary or Beneficiaries. You might consider setting up a Trust if you wish to protect an inheritance for someone, reduce inheritance tax, manage assets for someone disabled or vulnerable, or provide for a loved one whilst retaining some control over how and when the funds are accessed.
The answer will depend on the complexity of your case and circumstances. Typically, the Probate process will take between six and 12 months, however, more complex estates that may involve overseas assets or hidden financial elements may take longer. Also, any disputes that could delay Probate or make it difficult to locate Beneficiaries can have an effect on the timeline. Our Probate solicitors will work as efficiently as possible to finalise the Probate process in good time.
We offer fixed fees for our initial appointments. Fixed fee packages are also available for specific areas of work, which we can discuss with you at your appointment. For more information, please refer to our Lifetime Planning Fees guide.
Why choose JNP Legal’s Wills, Trusts and Probate team
Our lifetime planning solicitors prioritise finding a legal solution that helps preserve family bonds and protect your rights without straining the circumstances further.
We hold Lexel accreditations for our outstanding practice management, reflecting our commitment to our clients’ experience, as well as an accreditation in Wills and inheritance.
We pride ourselves on finding a solution for our clients’ needs every time, working promptly and at your discretion under competitive prices.
Contact our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors in Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff, Nelson and Pontyclun
If you or someone you know needs legal advice, our Wills, Trusts and Probate solicitors are here to assist. We are a regional law firm with offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Pontyclun, Cardiff and Nelson.
Please email us at law@jnplegal.org or call us on the number specific to the office closest to you. Alternatively, fill out our get in touch form and we will respond to you quickly.