Wills & Probate in Bootle
Death is an inevitable fact of life, and whilst we cannot predict the future, it can bring comfort to know that your affairs are in order and if something were to happen, your loved ones are cared for.
According to Unbiased, when compared to the rest of the UK , adults in Liverpool are the most likely to have made no arrangements in the event of their death, with 73% having no will. As a result, families in areas such as Bootle are most likely to suffer the emotional and financial consequences of their loved ones not making arrangements.
UK law often fails to acknowledge and recognise the more complex family dynamics of modern living which can result in misunderstandings, upset and in some cases, family feuds that can go unresolved for years. The estate of the deceased which can contain assets, property and personal possessions can quickly turn into bitter disputes.
If you pass away without first making a will you will die in what is referred to as ‘intestacy’.
The intestacy process has strict rules regarding who automatically has a claim on your estate. Claims by loved ones must be lodged at the closest register office to Bootle which is the Liverpool District Probate Registry. This is the public body responsible for dividing up the estate of individuals who die without having a will in place.
There are several instances when those closest to you don’t have an automatic claim:
- If you have lived with a partner, unmarried, for several years
- If you have stepchildren or children that you consider to be your own via a partner
The law states that blood relatives are first in line to inherit your entire estate regardless of how your relationship with them was, when you were alive.
Judges will not ignore cases where you have been in a long term, loving relationship with a partner and have a close relationship with your stepchildren, but this does not mean that building a case will be easy. Those closest to you will have to prove their case by filing a challenge at the Probate Registry and this process can last a number of years.
It is for this reason that writing a will is so important.
This can be an uncomfortable process, but our friendly and supportive team will be on hand to put your mind at ease. Our team of specialist Wills and Probate solicitors will be more than happy to work closely with you to draft a watertight document that is in line with your personal wishes and priorities. Any special considerations or gifts can also be accommodated providing they don’t invalidate your will.
At Wafer Phillips, we charge a flat fee of £120 for individual wills and £175 for joint spousal ones, also known as ‘mirrored wills’
We will also provide you with the following:
- As many additional copies of the will as you would like
- Professional binding to ensure the document’s integrity
- Secure storage of either the original document (£5 fee) or a plain paper copy (no charge)
- Unlimited number of amendments for the remainder of your lifetime if you wish, or need, to make any changes
- Home visits throughout Bootle, and out-of-office hours appointments will be accommodated where possible to take initial instructions
Wafer Phillips have been committed to assisting clients throughout Bootle for over 25 years. Our friendly and down to earth expert legal team are committed to helping you with all matters regarding wills and probate. If you are interested in finding out more or have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us today on 0151 256 7898 or email us at info@waferphillips.co.uk.
Come and visit our Bootle office to find out more
Call us today on 0151 256 7898 or email the office at enquiries@waferphillips.co.uk
