Making a will is important if you want to make sure that your wishes are carried out when you die. If you don’t make a will, your estate will be distributed under the Intestacy Rules which may lead to your property and assets being shared out in a way you would not have wished. For example, many people do not realise that unless you are married or in a civil partnership your partner will not automatically inherit anything if you die without having made a will – even if you have been together for many years.

By making a will you can appoint the guardian of your choice for your children in the event that the other parent is unable to do so. If you have recently bought a property, had a child, married or divorced, now may be the time to make a will, or to update your existing will.

We offer easy to understand advice and, if you require it, home visits to take your instructions for a will and execute (sign) your completed will.

We operate a simple and transparent fixed fee pricing system for the preparation of wills:

• Single will: £240 (inclusive of VAT)
• ‘Joint’ wills (wills for a couple which are substantially the same in content): £360 (inclusive of VAT)
• Amendments to wills previously made by us: £120 (inclusive of VAT)
• Home visits within the Lewisham area are an additional £120 (inclusive of VAT), although we do not charge for home visits in very close proximity to our offices.

ADMINISTRATION OF ESTATES

In addition to drafting wills, Morrison Spowart solicitors offer a full probate service. When someone dies, it is usually necessary to obtain a grant of probate in order that the assets can be realised, debts paid and the estate distributed according to the deceased’s instructions (if they have made a will) or according to the Intestacy Rules which set out how an estate is to be distributed if they have not.

The process of administering the estate can be complex and confusing. Morrison Spowart solicitors is able to assist constructively and compassionately and to offer a comprehensive probate service at a competitive hourly fee.

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY

Have you ever considered who would manage your affairs or make decisions about your health and wellbeing if you became mentally incapacitated and unable to make decisions of your own?

Preparing a Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”) and registering it with the Office of the Public Guardian means that someone you trust will have the power to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to do so, giving you peace of mind about the future.

There are two types of LPA, one covering financial affairs and one covering decisions abbot your health and welfare. You can make one or both of these, as you prefer. The powers given in an LPA can be tailored in certain ways so that the power is limited where appropriate.

We offer fixed fees for helping you prepare and register a Lasting Power of Attorney:

• Single LPA (financial affairs or health and welfare): £562 (inclusive of VAT and court fee of £82)
• Both types of LPA: £764 (inclusive of VAT and two court fees of £82).

We can also give advice on a number of other issues that may arise during preparation of a Will or a Lasting Power of Attorney, and will discuss with you the best way to deal with these.

If you would like to speak to one of our specialist solicitors about any of the above please contact us on 0208 698 9200 or email enquiries@morrisonspowart.com.