wills, probate/estates, trusts & tax planning

Writing a will may be the largest investment you make, so it pays to seek expert legal advice. Failing to make a will could leave those who succeed you in a complex situation that is likely to cause disputes on how assets are shared - financial losses will also be incurred due to tax laws. Inheritance tax planning, therefore, is crucial in order to minimise the amount of inheritance tax to pay in the event of your passing.

Tax law is complex and constantly changing. Most families' circumstances change within a 3/5 year time frame e.g. because of family business, or financial difficulties, a birth, a death, a marriage/remarriage or a divorce. The needs of family members can all affect the arrangements you might have made, so it is important that you have in place (and regularly review) those arrangements to ensure the financial and emotional stability of your family.

Latimer Hinks solicitors can advise you on the best way to plan ahead to secure what you want and to potentially minimise future tax liabilities. We will help to ensure that you have an appropriate, relevant and tax efficient Will. We can also help you to protect your family e.g. by setting up a trust. Don't think that trusts are just for the very wealthy. We can tailor a programme/solution to meet your specific needs.

Our Darlington based team have collated a will checklist for you, or if you prefer, you can contact us directly by clicking here. The following are areas of wills, probate and tax planning that we can advise you on:

• Wills
• Trusts (set up either in Lifetime or on Death (through a Will))
• Inheritance Tax Planning
• Capital Gains Tax Planning
• Powers of Attorney
• Retirement & Succession Planning
• Long Term Care