Private Client
Kerseys has a long tradition of providing legal services to private clients from all walks of life. Our clients appreciate us as a firm that’s large enough to provide the range of expertise required, yet small enough to ensure personal attention.
Preparation of wills
A will is a key element of sound financial planning in order to establish precisely who you wish to benefit from your estate in the event of your death. Wills need updating too: on the birth of a new baby, for example, after a separation or divorce, or following a cash windfall.
A will can be prepared and signed relatively simply. At an initial meeting we will discuss your intentions; we’ll then prepare a draft and, at a final meeting, you sign your will as soon as you are confident that it expresses your intentions.
A will can be prepared and signed relatively simply. At an initial meeting we will discuss your intentions; we’ll then prepare a draft and, at a final meeting, you sign your will as soon as you are confident that it expresses your intentions.
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Estate and inheritance tax planning
Rising property values and increasing numbers of dual-income families have changed the face of inheritance tax. Once the value of your estate rises above the threshold, your family may have to pay 40 per cent tax when you die.
Most estate planning can be incorporated into our wills service, since a will is a useful device by which to exploit all available inheritance exemptions and schemes. For clients whose circumstances are more complex, we can also advise on the mitigation of tax by planning, lifetime settlements and transfers, use of exemptions, schemes of avoidance and trust solutions.
Most estate planning can be incorporated into our wills service, since a will is a useful device by which to exploit all available inheritance exemptions and schemes. For clients whose circumstances are more complex, we can also advise on the mitigation of tax by planning, lifetime settlements and transfers, use of exemptions, schemes of avoidance and trust solutions.
Trusts
Our Private Client Department offers thorough expertise in the establishment and administration of trusts. In addition, we get involved in:
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Reviews of trust investments, via a recognised broker or financial adviser
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Completion of self-assessment trust and estate tax returns
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Assessing the tax implications of a trust or settlement
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Preparation of trust accounts
Legal advice to the elderly
We are increasingly asked by clients for advice and help with matters connected with elderly relatives, some of whom no longer have the mental capacity to manage their own finances and affairs. We offer advice and assistance on issues such as:
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The long-term implications of care and its effects on the person's estate
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Lasting Powers of Attorney and applications to the Court of Protection for receivership orders
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Preparation of wills (see above)
Administration of estates
The death of someone close to you is distressing, but we can take at least some of the weight off your shoulders by dealing with the estate matters.
Depending on your particular needs and the circumstances of the estate, we offer a full range of administration services:
Depending on your particular needs and the circumstances of the estate, we offer a full range of administration services:
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Notification of death to financial organisations
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Arranging for valuations of property and assets
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Application for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
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Registration of grant with financial organisations
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Realisation of assets, including assistance in property sales
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Settlement of liabilities, including all taxes
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Preparation of full estate accounts
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Distributions according to terms of the will