Wills, Trusts & Probate

At Aqua Law Solicitors, we provide comprehensive legal services to help you plan for the future and ensure your wishes are carried out after your passing. Our private client team offers sensitive, clear guidance through all aspects of estate planning and administration.

Wills

Will Drafting

Our solicitors create legally binding wills tailored to your specific circumstances and wishes. We ensure your will:

• Clearly expresses how you want your assets distributed
• Appoints appropriate executors
• Makes provision for any dependents
• Minimises potential inheritance tax liabilities
• Includes any specific bequests or charitable donations

Will Reviews

We recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years or following major life events such as:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth of children or grandchildren
• Significant changes in financial circumstances
• Property purchase or sale
• Business changes

Will Storage

We offer secure storage of your original will documents with regular reminders for reviews and updates:

Trusts

Trust Creation and Administration

Our specialists advise on and establish various types of trusts, including:

• Lifetime trusts
• Will trusts
• Asset protection trusts
• Disabled person’s trusts
• Heritage property trusts

Trustee Services

We provide ongoing support for trustees, ensuring they understand and fulfil their legal obligations, including:

• Trust administration advice
• Investment guidance
• Tax compliance support
• Beneficiary communication

 

Probate and Estate Administration

Grant of Probate Applications

We handle the entire process of obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration, including:

• Identifying and valuing estate assets
• Preparing inheritance tax returns
• Submitting applications to the Probate Registry
• Dealing with HMRC requirements

Full Estate Administration

Our comprehensive estate administration service includes:

• Notifying relevant institutions of the death
• Gathering and securing assets
• Settling outstanding debts and liabilities
• Distributing assets according to the will or intestacy rules
• Preparing estate accounts
• Handling any challenges or disputes

Intestacy Assistance

When someone dies without a will, we guide families through the intestacy rules and help administer the estate according to legal requirements.

Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

We prepare and register LPAs for both:

• Property and financial affairs
• Health and welfare decisions

General Powers of Attorney

For specific or temporary delegation of authority, we draft bespoke general powers of attorney.

Court of Protection

When someone loses capacity without an LPA in place, we assist with applications to the Court of Protection for deputyship orders.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Our team provides strategic advice to legitimately minimise inheritance tax liabilities through:

• Lifetime gifting strategies
• Trust structures
• Business and agricultural property relief
• Will planning

Our Estate Planning Approach

We understand that discussing your estate can be sensitive. Our approach emphasises:

• Clear explanation of complex legal concepts in accessible language
• Personalised planning that reflects your unique family and financial situation
• Regular reviews to ensure your arrangements remain appropriate
• Holistic advice that considers all aspects of your estate

Contact Our Private Client Team

For confidential advice on wills, trusts, probate or any aspect of estate planning, contact our specialist private client team.

Call us on 020 7247 1693 or email info@aqualaw.co.uk to arrange your consultation.