Do you need a team of specialist solicitors to help you organise an estate?

Wills, Inheritance, Trusts and Probate Solicitors

BTMK’s Wills, Trusts, Probate & Inheritance Solicitors offer expert legal advice on all matters relating to making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney and Estate Administration, including:

BTMK is a leading local firm, able to offer a comprehensive and personal service to clients – our wills and probate specialists have expert knowledge on drawing up wills, inheritance tax, family law, and property law.

Drawing up a will or administering an estate can both be highly emotional experiences – BTMK and its team offers clear and focused advice to clients at what is often a difficult time, when financial matters may be the last thing on a client’s mind.

BTMK also has considerable expertise in advising on international wills and wills involving extended families, estranged family or contested wills. We can advise on donating to charity, trusts for children.

One of our specialist lawyers will manage the administration and distribution of the estate, relieving you of the stress of worrying about their loved one’s wishes at what is already a distressing time.

Whether you require an expert will drafting service, inheritance tax planning advice, need help with the administration of a will, or require advice on a contested will, BTMK’s Wills, Trusts, Probate & Inheritance Solicitors can guide you through the options – and make sure that the future of your family is secure and your wishes are carried out.

Our Wills, Inheritance, Trusts and Probate team are rated as one of the leading Law firms in London and the South-East. With a dedicated team of expert solicitors, we pride ourselves on providing professional and practical legal advice to clients. We are recognised by the Legal 500, Lex 100 and are a member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Please call us on 03300 585 222 to speak to someone about how we can help you or by e-mail at [email protected]

How We Work

Writing your own Will or dealing with the administration of a loved one's estate may be upsetting but our expert team of solicitors will act compassionately and guide you through the entire process, explaining each step along the way. We will listen carefully to your needs and provide you with the best legal advice. 

Step one

We will arrange a meeting with you to discuss your personal circumstances and then draw up an initial plan of how we can help you. We will also explain this complex area of law with complete transparency. Whether you are creating a Trust, Will, need advice on managing your estate or need guidance on contesting a Grant of Probate, we can help. 

Step two

Once you are happy and have instructed us, we will then explain the process in a lot more detail to ensure you are happy with the service we plan to provide you. We will always be happy to answer any questions you may have throughout the entire process. 

Step three

Whether we have helped you write a Will or Trust, contest a Grant of Probate or assisted with registering a Lasting Powers of Attorney, we will always make sure that you are completely happy with the work that our team of expert solicitors complete on your behalf. 

gavel Court of Protection
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house icon Probate & Administration of estates
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contract signing Wills

FAQs

How can I contest a Will?

If you believe that you have grounds to contest a Will, then there are several different options that might be available. For example, a Probate Caveat can be issued to prevent a Grant of Probate being legally authorised until a Will dispute has been resolved. Or, if a Grant of Probate has already been authorised, an Inheritance Act claim can be brought towards an estate. 

What is an Executor's responsibility?

An Executor’s responsibility is to deal with a deceased person’s estate and assets. This can include obtaining a Grant of Probate (in order to administer the estate and assets), settling unpaid bills or debts, distributing assets to beneficiaries and paying Inheritance Tax. 

How should I choose an Executor?

Anyone who is over 18 years old can act as an Executor in England and Wales. But, when you make a Will, it’s essential to choose your Executors very carefully. We recommend having at least 2 Executors, in case one of them develops a lack of mental capacity or dies. It is also advisable to choose someone who possesses the right skills in order to be able to manage money and possessions and complex paperwork when dealing with the administration of your estate.

Do I need a Solicitor in order to secure a Grant of Probate?

It is entirely possible to secure a Grant of Probate without a solicitor. But, we recommend using a specialist solicitor for a number of reasons. For example, if no Will was left by those who have passed away or if their Will is being contested. A solicitor who specialises in Wills and Probate can also assist with the administration of complex estates. 

Is there a way of reducing Inheritance Tax?

There are many ways you could reduce your Inheritance Tax which includes giving to close friends, family or charities and by using a Trust. However, we do recommend speaking to a specialist Wills and Probate solicitor so that you understand the pros and cons of each option.  

What happens to someone's debts when they pass away?

Any debts and will be paid with the money and possessions of the deceased’s estate. What is left after paying debts, funeral costs and administrative expenses will be shared out among the beneficiaries according to the Will that they left behind.

What is a Court of Protection?

The Court of Protection in England and Wales helps those who don’t have the mental capacity to manage their own estate and financial affairs. It has the power to act and make decisions on their behalf. It can also give these powers to someone else like a family member or close friend who can manage their loved one’s affairs. This normally happens if there is a need to make decisions over the course of a long time. 

What is a Grant of Representation?

A Grant of Representation is a legally binding document that you’ll need to confirm your status and ability to deal with a deceased person’s estate. If a Will was left that appointed personal representatives, these are called the executors. These are the ones who will obtain a Grant of Probate in order the administer the estate. If no Will was left, the personal representatives are called administrators, and they will obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration instead to deal with the estate.

What our clients say

I would like to mention Jessica Dawkins for her helpful advice, her kindness, and her patience in her dealing with me. Thank you.

- Marina

Excellent advice and service from Saul Caplan who had an immediate understanding of our needs, with fast teamwork. Very pleased.

- Mr & Mrs Evans

A grateful thanks to Mark Goodson for his help and guidance throughout

- Ms S, Benfleet

We have received kind, courteous and prompt attention from Paula Dallison and her team. Thank you.

- Mr and Mrs Eatherton, Rayleigh

The staff showed real understanding and concern for our personal situations.

- Mr D, Rochford

Paula Dallison has always been so very helpful and kind.

- Miss M, Thorpebay

Latest News

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