LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY, WILLS AND PROBATE

At Cohen Filippini we understand the importance of planning for the future. We offer a range of services to assist with estate planning to ensure your loved ones will be provided for, including Will writing services, Lasting Power of Attorney and Probate matters. Client’s can attend at our office in South Manchester, and home and hospital visits can be arranged if required.  

Lasting Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone to act on your behalf if you lose capacity. Many families find themselves in incredibly difficult circumstances in attempting to gain control of the financial affairs, or the health and welfare matters, of a loved one once an illness is encountered, or capacity has been lost. A Lasting Power of Attorney does not mean a Donor can no longer make decisions for themselves, but it is a very useful preparatory tool as it allows you to elect an individual or individuals whom you trust to manage your affairs should the need ever arise.

There are two different forms of LPA:

· Property and Financial Affairs: A Donor will choose an Attorney to make decisions regarding their assets, property and financial affairs 

· Health and Welfare: A Donor will choose an Attorney to make decisions regarding the Donor’s future health and welfare in the event the Donor lacks capacity to do so

Our legal team will discuss the different types of LPA with you to determine which will be most suitable, the considerations you ought to regard when appointing an Attorney and guide you through the process of completing and registering the LPA.

WILLS

Preparing a Will can seem like a daunting process but is essential to ensure your money and assets are dealt with in accordance with your wishes. If you pass without a Will, your estate would be dealt with by the laws of Intestacy and your loved ones may not receive what you would wish them to. Preparing a Will that ensures your assets are dealt with in line with your wishes will give you peace of mind.

You do not need to be of a certain age to make a Will. If you have young children, you may wish to appoint the guardians you choose to raise your children in the event of your death. You can also ensure your assets are held on Trust for the benefit of your children upon attaining the age of 18.

It is also possible to vary a Will after death to add tax planning provisions and our experienced team can assist you with a Deed of Variation if this is something you require.

With our considerable experience in this area of law, we will ensure your Will accurately reflects your wishes and complies with all your requirements.

PROBATE

Applying for Probate and dealing with the administration of an estate can be a difficult and complex process.

It is the responsibility of the Executors or Personal Representatives to deal with the valuation of the estate, prepare inheritance and income tax returns, collect in the estate assets, settle debts and distribute the estate in accordance with the Will or rules of Intestacy.

At Cohen Filippini, our experienced legal team is here to help you manage this intricate process and assist in obtaining the Grant, and dealing with the administration of the estate, in a fast and cost-effective manner.