Wills and Probate

Making a will, ensures that specific intentions you have for the disposal of your assets after your death can be carried out. Many people wrongly assume that when they die their next-of-kin will automatically receive the whole of their estate. If you die without making a valid will you die "intestate".  Should this occur, the laws of intestacy will apply to your estate and this could result in your affairs not being carried out as you would have wished.

Probate is a legal process that is usually required where the deceased has left assets over £5000. Probate is required before any assets can be accessed and distributed. It is not normally possible to access the deceased’s bank accounts (except to pay funeral bills and inheritance tax), savings/investments or sell property without a ‘Grant of Probate’. Obtaining probate is normally the responsibility of the Executor(s) of the Will, or the deceased’s next of kin if there is no Will. As an alternative, the Executor can relieve himself/herself from the responsibility and choose our solicitorsto deal with the process on their behalf.

You can avoid burdening your family with worries after your death of how your assets will be distributed by making your will and whilst we recognise that there is a large proportion of people who simply cannot give thought to the making of their will, this really is the only way you can ensure that your wishes are granted to your loved ones. It avoids any confusion about who gets what with family heirlooms and cuts out any disagreements which may arise after you have departed.  For example, your spouse, (contrary to popular belief), would not receive your entire estate and your unmarried partner could end up with nothing. You need to ensure that your children are looked after especially if you have remarried and the only definite way is not only to make a will but also to ensure that your will is amended should your circumstances change. Such changes in your life could be for example:-

Marriage, birth of a child, a house purchase, a divorce or termination of a relationship.

Our solicitors undertake and execute:

To ensure your needs are carried out efficiently and with humility please do not hesitate to contact us at KJL Solicitors, Blofield Chambers, The Street, Blofield, Norwich, NR13 4AA. Based just outside Norwich within minutes of the A47 and with parking right outside our offices.