Wills & Probate

Overview

Planning for the Future with Confidence

Making a will and planning your estate are among the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out. Without proper planning, your assets may not pass to the people you intend, and your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, delays, and legal costs during an already difficult time.

At Richard Foxton, we provide clear, sensitive advice on all aspects of wills, probate, and estate administration. Whether you need to draft a new will, update an existing one, apply for a grant of probate, or resolve a dispute over an estate, our solicitors guide you through every step with care and professionalism. We make the process straightforward so you can have peace of mind knowing your affairs are in order.

Our Expertise

How We Can Help

Will Drafting

Preparing clear, legally valid wills that accurately reflect your wishes and protect your beneficiaries.

Probate Applications

Obtaining grants of probate or letters of administration to manage and distribute a deceased person's estate.

Estate Administration

Full management of estate affairs including asset collection, debt settlement, and distribution to beneficiaries.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Setting up LPAs so trusted individuals can make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.

Trusts

Creating and administering trusts to protect assets, provide for dependants, and manage inheritance tax liability.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Strategic advice to minimise inheritance tax exposure and maximise what you pass on to your loved ones.

Contested Wills

Representation in disputes over the validity of a will, claims of undue influence, or lack of testamentary capacity.

Inheritance Act Claims

Advising dependants and family members on claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Our Process

Our Approach

Understanding Your Wishes

We begin with a thorough discussion of your circumstances, family situation, and objectives to ensure we fully understand what you want to achieve.

Expert Drafting & Advice

We prepare your documents with precision, explaining every detail in plain English and ensuring your instructions are legally sound and comprehensive.

Ongoing Support

Whether administering an estate or reviewing your will as circumstances change, we provide continued guidance to keep your affairs up to date and protected.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will (known as dying "intestate"), your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy set out in law. This means your assets may not go to the people you would have chosen. For example, unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit, and the rules may not reflect your family circumstances. Making a will is the only way to ensure your wishes are carried out.

How long does probate take?

The time required to obtain a grant of probate and administer an estate varies depending on complexity. A straightforward estate may take six to twelve months, while more complex cases involving property sales, tax issues, or disputes can take considerably longer. We work to progress matters as efficiently as possible and keep you informed throughout.

What is a lasting power of attorney?

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint one or more trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. There are two types: one for property and financial affairs, and one for health and welfare decisions. LPAs must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used.

Can I contest a will?

Yes, a will can be contested on several grounds, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to make reasonable financial provision for dependants under the Inheritance Act 1975. Claims must generally be brought within six months of the grant of probate for Inheritance Act claims, though other challenges may have different time limits. Early legal advice is essential if you believe you have grounds to contest a will.