Wills and Probate Services

Wills and Probate Services

Our Wills and probate solicitors have a wealth of experience in drafting Wills and in dealing with the administration of estates, we are here to help you protect your estate and ensure that your wishes are carried out following your death, to consider how you will safeguard your loved ones in the case of your death or to contest a Will, if required. Wills, estates and probate can be complicated, both emotionally and practically, and we are here to help make the process as simple as possible for you in a sensitive and efficient manner with a clear explanation every step of the way. We will take the time to meet with you, in your own home if necessary, and understand your priorities to ensure that you have provided for your beneficiaries the best way you can once you are gone. We will work with you to ensure you have peace of mind and security as you grow older. We will provide you with the best possible advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Enduring Powers of Attorney/Controllership Services 

You should consider an Enduring Power of Attorney if you are concerned about losing the ability to manage your own finances in the future. An Enduring Power of Attorney is a document appointing a person or persons whom you trust and of your choice to act on your behalf. If you subsequently lose the mental capacity to manage your own financial affairs your attorney can step in to manage same on your behalf.

If you lose mental capacity the Enduring Power of Attorney must be registered with the Office of Care and Protection in the High Court in Belfast, who have the power to ensure that your Attorney is managing your financial affairs efficiently and for your benefit only. Our solicitors can support you and your appointed Attorneys through all aspects of this process, providing legal advice and guidance every step of the way. An Enduring Power of Attorney will provide you with peace of mind that your affairs will be in order should you become mentally incapacitated in the future. It reduces the chance of future complications and costs for your family members or loved ones.

We know that you may find yourself having to step in unexpectedly to manage the financial affairs of someone close to you who no longer has mental capacity, and who has not previously granted an Enduring Power of Attorney. Where they have already lost mental capacity, they can no longer choose to appoint you as their Attorney, however in those circumstances we can assist you in making an application to the Office of Care and Protection to be appointed as their Controller, which will grant you similar powers to act on their behalf as would be the case with an Enduring Power of Attorney. We will provide you with advice on the responsibilities that come along with a Controller appointment, and we will assist you with submission of the application to the Court.