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Wills and estate planning

Making a will and planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out.

How we can help

Planning for the future brings peace of mind – for you and for the people you care about most. Our team is here to guide you sensitively through your options, explain everything clearly, and give you the confidence that your wishes will be respected.

Whether you need a straightforward will or something more complex, we’ll tailor our advice to your circumstances and take you through the process with care.

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Writing your will

Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take. It ensures your wishes are carried out, gives certainty to your loved ones, and helps avoid unnecessary stress at an already difficult time.

We can help you:

  • Decide who inherits your assets and when

  • Appoint guardians for children

  • Specify funeral wishes

  • Choose the people you trust to manage your estate

We’ll also guide you through updating your will when circumstances change, such as marriage, divorce or a change in financial situation.

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Trusts and lifetime planning

Trusts can provide valuable protection for your assets and loved ones. They’re often used to:

  • Support vulnerable beneficiaries

  • Balance the needs of children from different relationships

  • Plan ahead for care fees

  • Reduce inheritance tax liability

Alongside trusts, our team offers wider lifetime planning advice – helping you structure your estate to protect your wealth and pass it on in the most effective way. We work closely with local financial advisers where needed, ensuring your legal and financial plans work hand in hand.

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Declaration of trust

If you own property with someone else, a declaration of trust sets out exactly how ownership is divided and what happens if the property is sold. It’s particularly useful for unmarried couples, family members or business partners who want clarity and protection for their contributions.

We’ll draft and tailor the agreement to reflect your circumstances, giving you peace of mind that everything is clear and agreed from the outset.

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Inheritance tax advice

Inheritance tax can have a significant impact on the value of what you leave behind. With the right planning, it’s possible to reduce the amount of tax payable and protect more of your estate for future generations.

We’ll explain the rules in clear, straightforward terms and help you explore the options available – from lifetime gifts to trusts – so you can make informed decisions for your family’s future.

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Lasting power of attorney

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to. There are two types: one covering health and welfare, and the other covering property and financial affairs.

Putting an LPA in place provides security for you and reassurance for your family, knowing decisions can be made smoothly if the unexpected happens. Our team can guide you through setting up LPAs, ensuring everything is properly prepared and registered.

FAQs

Making a will can raise lots of questions – from what to include to how often it should be updated. Our FAQs answer some of the most common queries, giving you straightforward guidance and reassurance.

Yes. Without one, the law decides who inherits your estate – which may not reflect your wishes or protect those closest to you.

It’s a good idea to review your will every few years, or after big life events such as marriage, divorce, having children, or buying property.

A will sets out what happens after your death. A trust can take effect during your lifetime or after death, offering extra protection for assets and beneficiaries.

You can, but mistakes are common and can cause problems later. Using a solicitor ensures your will is valid, clear and tailored to your circumstances.

An LPA lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions if you ever can’t. It’s a sensible safeguard at any age, not just later in life.

There are several ways, including lifetime gifts and trusts. We’ll explain the options clearly so you can plan ahead with confidence.

It’s a legal agreement that records how a property is owned between two or more people. Having one in place is important because it protects each person’s financial contribution and makes things clear if the property is ever sold or one person wants to move on.

Why choose Belcher Addison?

At Belcher Addison, we bring together specialist legal expertise with a genuine, personal approach. We know that conversations about wills, tax or planning ahead can feel daunting, so we take the time to explain everything clearly and sensitively.

Our aim is to give you confidence that your wishes will be respected, your loved ones supported, and your future secure.

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When banking falls short: why planning ahead matters for you and your loved ones

Deputyship vs. lasting power of attorney: what’s the difference?

Get in touch

Visit us at our North Street or West Street offices in Emsworth, call or email us, or arrange a video appointment. However you’d like to get in touch, we’re ready to help.

  01243 377231
  enquiries@belcheraddison.co.uk