We appreciate that getting older can raise issues that cause concern both for elderly people and their families. We are able to offer legal advice based on years of experience and specifically tailored to help you achieve peace of mind in your later years. We can help clients to plan for their future, with particular focus on issues that may arise from:
- Physical disability or mental incapacity
- Wills
- Lasting powers of attorney
- Court of Protection applications and advance decisions
- Living Wills and advance directives
- Statutory will applications
- Life interest trust wills that address care home fees
We regularly act for clients as their appointed attorney if they have no family to appoint or would rather a professional acted for them. We regularly deal with Adult Social Services and are frequently asked to act as Court Deputy for individuals whom are unable to manage their own affairs.
Life Interest Trust Wills versus Simple Wills
When considering making a Will, many clients are often concerned with the rising cost of care fees.
It is possible for a couple to plan your affairs to help minimise the cost of residential care fees by adopting a will structure called a ‘ Life Interest Trust’.
Any assets held in the trust would be protected from being assessed by the local authority as available to cover the care fees, as well as from any other adverse circumstances of the survivor, for example if they were to remarry, face divorce or bankruptcy proceedings.
Please contact us if you would like to arrange a meeting to discuss the different Will structures in more detail.
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on what is involved and the work required. All clients have an initial meeting to discuss the work they might require and the likely costs involved. We will confirm a best estimate of the likely costs in writing and where possible try to agree a fixed fee for the work to be undertaken.
Lasting Power of attorney charges
Justine Church – Wills and Probate Solicitor, 01524 39760, justinec@clarksonhirst.com
