Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning

Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Solicitors Aberdeen & Stonehaven

Our Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning solicitors are on hand to discuss a wide range of succession matters with you.  

We cover all aspects involving Estate Planning and can provide a tailored service for your requirements. We understand the complexities of Inheritance Tax and how this can affect your beneficiaries. We are here to help realise your plans and ensure that your estate will be as tax efficient and aligned to your wishes as possible. Our team specialises in drafting Wills and Trusts as well as giving detailed advice to ensure your assets pass to your loved ones in the most dynamic way. Trusts can be set up during your lifetime to increase tax efficiency and protect assets, or after you have died, as a way to safeguard assets and beneficiaries. We can also administer Trusts on your behalf.

Our Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning team can deal with any queries you may have relating to the law of succession. We also have a team of skilled Financial Advisers available to give advice on all tax matters including tax implications relating to creating Trusts during your lifetime and on death.

Wills

If you die without leaving a Will, then the assets that you leave may be shared with relatives you may never have intended to benefit. It is often thought that everything will pass to your spouse, but this is not always the case.

Homemade Wills can also prove disastrous in many areas, particularly if there are substantial assets involved or indeed if the Will refers to assets which are no longer in the estate on death.

The Wills solicitors at James & George Collie can provide a comprehensive service when it comes to accurately preparing and drafting a Will, as well as offering guidance on all estate planning matters

Our solicitors are friendly and approachable and will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to discuss your business with one of our firm's partners, we are happy to arrange this at a time that suits you.

James & George Collie has been providing clients across Aberdeenshire with the very best legal advice for over 175 years. We are a well-established part of the local legal and business community and are proud to say that clients regularly return for legal advice and support thanks to our proven track record of providing a quality service at a fair price.

Speak to a member of our Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning team today to find out how we can help.

Why should I consider making a Will?

By making a Will, and keeping it up to date, you know that you have ensured that the administration of your estate after your death will be as per your wishes and that you have taken steps to make the whole process less complicated.

We can provide guidance in making Wills of all types, whether they be simple ones between Spouses, or more complex ones incorporating Trusts, either as a result of different family circumstances, or tax matters. We can also assume the role of Executors under the Will.

What should be included in my Will?

When drafting your Will, you will have the opportunity to include information about who you want to benefit from your estate and in what proportions. You can also add details about how you would like the people and causes you care about to benefit. This might include planning long-term for younger or more vulnerable beneficiaries, for example by setting up a Trust that will make regular payments rather than providing one lump sum.

A Will affords you the chance to make plans for your funeral and to give your views on organ donation. You can also leave instructions on who you would like to oversee the carrying out of your wishes – this person is known as your Executor.

It is important to remember to update your Will regularly to account for any changes in your circumstances. This might include a divorce or separation, or the birth of children or grandchildren who you may wish to add as beneficiaries.

Increases in your personal wealth can have important implications for Inheritance Tax. Speak with one of our Wills, Trusts and Estate planning solicitors to ensure that your Will is accurate and up to date.

Estate Planning

Tax (IHT) is levied on the property and money that makes up your estate at the time of your death. Depending on your circumstances, this can have a substantial effect on the sum that will be passed on to your beneficiaries.

To help you plan and prepare for a potential tax bill, our Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning solicitors can explain to you this complex area of law.  We can advise on matters such as the making of gifts while you are still alive, asset protection and what reliefs your estate may qualify for. We also have expert knowledge of business succession planning. As well as our experienced solicitors, our team of financial advisers are also on hand to assist you every step of the way.

Legal Rights 

Legal Rights allow one-third of the estate to go to the surviving partner, one-third to the children, and one-third to the ‘free estate’. An intestate estate can be both time-consuming and expensive to administer. The default rules of who should inherit the estate can cause various problems and make certain loved ones feel left out. Read our guidance on Legal Rights, or get in touch with our team to get specialist advice. 

Contact our Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning Solicitors based in Aberdeen and Stonehaven today

As a full-service law firm, our Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning solicitors regularly work alongside colleagues in other departments, such as property and family law, to ensure that the service received by our clients is comprehensive and that all matters relating to their Will are adequately dealt with. We are a traditional yet progressive law firm and take pride in offering legal advice that not only meets clients' expectations but exceeds them.

For information and advice, please contact Forbes McLennan by email or by telephone 01224 581581.  Alternatively, please complete our online contact form.

An intestate estate can be both time-consuming and expensive to administer. The default rules of who should inherit the estate can cause various problems and make certain loved ones feel left out. To ensure that the charities and people close to you benefit from your estate on your death, get in touch with our team to write a Will today.

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