Wills and Probate

Wills and Probate Solicitors

For peace of mind

Whether you need advice on wills, trusts and inheritance tax (IHT), or help with the administration of an estate after someone has passed away, you want a lawyer who’ll guide you through the process with sensitivity and in a clear, jargon-free way.

From your first call, Switalskis will take the time to understand your circumstances and give you tailored advice so you can be confident that your needs and wishes will be taken care of, whatever the future brings.

We understand that handling someone's estate isn't just ticking boxes; it's a major event that often happens at a tough emotional time. We aim to make the legal side of things as easy as possible for you. We'll talk to you in simple terms, keep you updated and make the whole process as smooth as can be.

Got questions or ready to get going? Give us a ring on 0800 1380 458 or drop us a line through the website. Whenever you need us, we're here to help.

How Switalskis can help

Sorting out wills and probate can seem confusing, especially when you're already dealing with the loss of someone close to you. That's where Switalskis comes in. We're not just legal experts; we're real people who understand what you're going through.

Our team will take you through the wills and probate process one step at a time, making sure you understand what you need to do, whether you're making a will or sorting out an estate. Every situation is unique, so we'll customise our advice and plans to fit your needs, answering any questions you have along the way.

Wills and probate matters come in various shapes and sizes, each with their own rules and setups. At Switalskis, we’ve got the expertise to handle each unique will or probate matter.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

There are various types of wills and probate matters we deal with:

Understanding wills and probate 

Wills and probate are all about what will happen to a person's possessions, money and property when they pass away. A will is basically a set of instructions that says who gets what after you're gone. It can also say who should look after any children under 18, or even how you'd like your funeral to be. If you don't have a will, there are rules about who gets your possessions, but they might not be what you'd want.

Probate is the process that comes after someone dies. It's how the instructions in the will are carried out and makes sure that everything goes to the right people. If there's no will, probate still has to happen to distribute the person's belongings. This can be complicated, so many people use a solicitor to help them through it.

Both wills and probate are a big deal because they happen at emotional times, usually when someone has passed away. This makes it really important to get them right. A small mistake can cause big problems later on, like family fights or tax issues.

At Switalskis, we've got a skilled team who can guide you through wills and probate. We make the legal bits simple, so you can focus on what really matters. Whether you're thinking about making a will or dealing with probate, we'll be by your side, helping you each step of the way.

Why should I get advice on planning for the future?

Thinking about the future might make you uneasy, but it's really about taking control. You want to be sure that if you're not around or can't make decisions for yourself, your money and property will go to the right people. A will or lasting power of attorney (LPA) gives you that control. We’re here to walk you through it, so you're confident everything is set up properly.

You might wonder if you can just use a DIY kit or go it alone. While that might seem easier, it can lead to problems down the road. For example, you might accidentally leave out key details or not follow legal requirements, and then your will or LPA might not stand up when it's needed most. Our expert team helps you avoid these pitfalls, so there's no second-guessing or worries later on.

Getting professional advice is about understanding your unique needs and circumstances. Whether you have a straightforward situation or something more complicated like business assets, overseas property or complex family dynamics, we've got you covered. We tailor our advice to fit you, so you can rest easy knowing everything is sorted for your future.

I’m worried about my elderly parents - can you help?

Life's twists and turns are unpredictable, and sometimes that means losing the ability to make decisions for ourselves. This could be due to an accident, illness or conditions like dementia. That's why setting up a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a sensible move. An LPA lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if you can't. It’s not a nice thing to think about, but it’s a relief knowing you’ve planned ahead. At Switalskis, we know the ins and outs of setting these up and can guide you through it, making sure it's tailored to your needs.

Having a will or LPA isn't just paperwork; it's a plan for your future and peace of mind. When it comes to conditions like dementia, there are special considerations like care fees, asset protection and making sure your wishes are carried out even if you can't express them anymore. Our team isn't just trained in law; we've also been trained by the Alzheimer’s Society as part of the Dementia Friends initiative. This means we know how to approach these delicate issues with the care and understanding they need.

So, it's not just about today; it's about securing tomorrow for you and your loved ones. We can help with all sorts of plans, from deputyships to statutory wills, which come into play if someone loses mental capacity without a will or an LPA. We aim to give you peace of mind, knowing that no matter what happens, you're prepared and your wishes will be respected.

I’m an executor of a will - can you help?

When someone passes away, there's a lot to sort out and it can be overwhelming, especially when you're also dealing with grief. At Switalskis, we offer a full range of wills and probate services to help you through this tough time. Whether it's a straightforward situation or a more complex estate with properties, businesses and various assets, our team has got you covered.

We understand that every situation is different, so our services are flexible to meet your specific needs. Need help with just the grant of probate application? We can do that. Looking for a complete package that includes settling debts and letting beneficiaries know what they'll receive? We've got that sorted too. Our aim is to take the weight off your shoulders by dealing with all the legal stuff, allowing you to focus on what matters most during a difficult time.

You're not just another case for us. We know that behind all the legal jargon and paperwork are real people going through an emotional journey. That’s why you'll always be treated with genuine compassion and understanding. We're not here to rush you; we’re here to help you make informed decisions at your own pace. We break down complicated legal matters into plain English and keep you updated at each step, so you're never left wondering what's going on.

Got questions or ready to get going? Just give us a ring on 0800 1380 458 or drop us a line through the website. Whenever you need us, we're here to help.

Our Wills and Probate Solicitors

Photo of Catrin Lloyd
Catrin LloydDirector and Solicitor
Sharon WoodwardAssociate Solicitor
photo of Linda Firth
Linda FirthSpecialist Wills Clerk
photo of Louise Davis
Louise DavisSpecialist Legal Clerk
photo of Fiona Haigh
Fiona HaighTrainee Solicitor
View more

Why Switalskis?

Dealing with wills and probate can feel like a maze, but you're not alone. At Switalskis, we offer clear and easy-to-understand guidance to help you sort everything out, now and for the future.

Clarity in complexity

Wills and probate come with a lot of legal terms and tasks, but we're used to making these simple. Our team will help you at every step, explaining what the will says, how to take care of any taxes, and how to share out the property and money.

Empathy at every step

We know that sorting out wills and probate is more than a legal challenge; it's also an emotional one. That's why our team isn’t just good at law, but also at understanding people. We adjust our services to meet your particular needs and situation.

Expertise you can trust

We've been around for a while and know our stuff. You can count on us to give you solid advice that works. We can handle anything wills and probate can throw at us, even the tricky bits.

Championing your rights

We do more than just fill in forms; we're your advocate from start to finish. Whether you're in charge of sorting out the will or you're set to inherit, we make sure everything is done right and fairly, according to the law and what's best for you.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you need to deal with wills and probate and want advice that's all about you, get in touch today.

Give us a call on 0800 1380 458 or send us a message through our website to get things moving.

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