Having a will ensures that your last wishes are enforced

07. August 2023 · Write a comment · Categories: Legal Services · Tags: , , ,

Life inevitably tends to get away from us, with busy family lives, balancing mental, emotional and physical well-being, care-taking responsibilities, logistics of time and energy and generally trying to squeeze it all in and doing the things that need doing being more of a focus for the average individual. List of things to do can often extend over to page 2 as we try to stay on top of our lives. Which is why our end-of-life plans tend to come at the end of the list… after all, this isn’t something that has to be dealt with now, right? Not necessarily and unfortunately for some, this time of life comes to us sooner than later and we are forced to take a long hard look at how we want to manage our end of life.

Helen MacDiarmidStatistics show that roughly 1/3rd of people living in the UK die intestate resulting in extreme emotional and financial hardship being placed on families. Without a will in place, you risk negatively affecting those you love the most at a time when they are already suffering.  Your will is your last opportunity to tell your loved ones what your preferences are and to wde them when you are not physically here to do so. Having a will ensures that your last wishes are enforced and this can have a lasting impact on your family once you are gone. Not preparing a will may result in your estate being distributed to members of your family who may well not be your preferred inheritor.

The process of probate is the legal process which occurs when a person passes and is how your estate is legally assessed. Probate Weybridge attorneys at Lodge Brothers offer probate services which assist individuals with preparing for their end of life. Contacting Probate Ashford attorneys empowers you to finalise all aspects of your life, the way in which you would choose allowing you to have your final choices carried out as you would have done if you were still able. Not planning for your estate via your will, you leave much to chance.

If you have not lived your life leaving all matters to chance, why let it be the case in your demise. No other individual truly knows your wishes and desires so when you pass away without a will, you effectively leave your estate to be governed by the laws of intestacy meaning that everything that you have accrued in your life is now governed by a set of rules enforced by the courts. These rules prioritise married or civil partners and close relatives inheriting your estate under the laws of intestacy which means that the courts may assign your possessions to someone who you had never intended them for.

Lodge Brothers legal attorneys specialise exclusively in Probate, Wills and Power of Attorney. Probate Woking is the process which confirms who will handle a person’s estate after their death and it is important to have as it is a legal requirement. Probate is a complicated system which is best handled by a competent probate attorney. Aspects of the probate Ashford process include, establishing the value of your assets and liabilities, finalising Inheritance Tax, applying for Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. Lodge Brothers offer caring and practical legal advice efficiently and professionally to make your life easier during distressing times.

Lodge Brothers (Funerals) Ltd – Shepperton has 5 stars

06. April 2023 · Write a comment · Categories: Legal Services · Tags: , , ,

Probate is the lawful process that takes place after someone dies which facilitates the distribution of their assets and settlement of their debts. When an individual dies, their property and assets (referred to as their estate) are left behind. Probate is the legal process used to identify, value and finally distribute the assets of the deceased person’s estate, in accordance with the deceased person’s Will (should there be one). While it is possible to handle probate without an attorney, it can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Lodge Brothers Legal Services Celebrates 5th Anniversary

The probate process starts when an executor or personal representative named in the will files a petition with the court initiating the process. If there is no will and no legal attorney to appointed to represent the deceased and their estate, the court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

During the probate process, the court will verify the validity of the will (if there is one), identify and catalogue the deceased person’s assets, firstly paying any debts and taxes owed by the estate and then distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or, according to the law.

Probate can be a time-consuming and complex process, especially if the deceased person had a substantial or complicated estate. It is therefore highly recommended to work with an attorney who specialises in probate Sunbury to help navigate the process and ensure that everything is handled properly.

In some cases, probate Shepperton can be straightforward and simple, for example, if the estate is small, with few assets and a clear distribution plan, probate may be handled by the executor. However, if the estate is intricate, with significant assets, debts, or tax matters, or if there are disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, it is advisable to work with Lodge Legal Probate attorneys, who specialise in probate Walton and can assist with the navigation of the process. Working with an experienced probate West Byfleet attorney can help to ensure that everything is handled properly and that the estate is settled in a timely and efficient manner.

Lodge Legal solicitors will help you with the legal requirements of probate, including filing the necessary paperwork, complying with deadlines, requirements and communicating with the court and other parties involved in the process. They can also provide guidance on the distribution of assets and help to resolve any disputes that may arise.

It’s also a good idea to start thinking about making these arrangements once you reach the age of 18 years old. At this age, you may want to consider creating a will and designating beneficiaries for your assets, as well as selecting a person or persons to act as your executor, who will manage your estate after your death. It’s important to keep in mind that these arrangements are not set in stone and can be updated as your circumstances change. It’s always a good idea to consult with Lodge Brothers Legal attorneys to help you create a plan that suits your needs and goals.

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13. November 2017 · Write a comment · Categories: Funeral Director, Funeral Plans · Tags: ,

Lodge Brothers funeral directors Ham have a wide range of funeral plans as they know how important it is to plan ahead with Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Ham to ensure your family won’t face any extra cost or worries when the time comes – plus they will find comfort in the knowledge that you said goodbye in the way that you wanted.

A Funeral Plan from Lodge Brothers gives you:

  • Protection against the rising cost of funerals – secure your plan at TODAY’s prices
  • Peace of mind for you and your loved ones
  • Personalise your funeral – Say “goodbye” YOUR way
  • Personal and Professional service from a fully trained Funeral Arranger
  • Guaranteed acceptance – No age or health restrictions
  • Monthly payment option – interest-free available
  • All funds held in a secure TRUST FUND ready to be paid when the time comes.

PROBATE ATTORNEY

When a family member or loved one dies, dealing with estate administration is often the last thing on a person’s mind. We offer an efficient, professional and above all personal service to make your life easier at such a distressing time.

When a person dies leaving a valid Will, the appointed Executors need to apply for a Grant of Probate to administer the Deceased’s estate. If there is no Will, the laws of intestacy apply, and the law sets out which family member is entitled to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration and administer the estate.

The process of administering an estate is commonly known as probate and involves:

  1. ascertaining the value of the Deceased’s assets and liabilities;
  2. dealing with the Inland Revenue Inheritance Tax return;
  3. preparing the probate papers;
  4. applying to the Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration; and
  5. collecting in the assets of the estate and settling the liabilities once the Grant is received.

Probate will be required to sell or transfer a house, sell or transfer shares and in most cases to close bank accounts. The assistance required by the Executors will depend on the finances of the Deceased, the terms of the Will, the family circumstances and how much work the Executors are willing or able to do.

OUR PROBATE SERVICES

Lodge Brothers Legal Services offer 3 levels of service to suit your requirements.

Fixed Fee from £250 (£300 inc. VAT):

  1. Executors prepare all probate forms;
  2. Executors make a personal application to the probate registry;
  3. We will check the forms are completed correctly; and
  4. Responsibility for the application remains with Executors.

Fixed Fee from £750 (£900 inc. VAT) plus disbursements:

  1. Executors responsible for registering death with all asset holders;
  2. Executors establish the assets and liabilities at date of death; and
  3. We will complete the probate papers, Inheritance tax forms and apply for the Grant of Probate.

Fixed Fee from £1,500 (£1,800 inc. VAT ) plus disbursements: This is our most complete service which will relieve you of the heavy burden of dealing with the estate when your thoughts are elsewhere.

  1. It ensures that probate is obtained quickly and efficiently.
  2. We will register the death certificate with the asset holders;
  3. We will ascertain the date of death assets and liabilities of the estate; and
  4. We will complete all the probate papers, Inheritance Tax forms and apply for the Grant of Probate.