Our Services

Considering your Will and how you want your Estate to be distributed after your passing can be uncomfortable, but it’s a responsible way to alleviate the emotional and financial strain on your family during a difficult time. Professional Estate Planning safeguards your assets and offers peace of mind, knowing you have secured the future of your loved ones.

 

A Will is essential for ensuring your assets go to those you intend to benefit; without one, the laws of intestacy will dictate the distribution of your Estate.

 

Many people delay creating a Will for various reasons, but postponing it can lead to complications for your survivors, potentially resulting in your inheritance going to unintended recipients or to the state.

 

Did you know that without a Will:

• Your partner will not receive anything if you are not married.

• Ex-partners may claim a portion of your Estate.

• Children from previous relationships could be left without anything.

• Children under 18 may be placed in care while courts determine their guardianship.

Over 95% of individuals who have their Wills drafted by LCS  incorporate various types of Trusts, recognising the numerous benefits and protections they offer. We help our clients determine the most suitable Trusts for their needs, and we offer a fully comprehensive suite of trusts at your disposal.

 

By creating a Will that includes a Trust, you (the Settlor) ensure that your chosen beneficiaries receive your intended assets.

 

To facilitate this, you must appoint Trustees, who can be family members, close friends, or anyone you trust. These Trustees will manage the Trust funds and distribute them to your beneficiaries as specified or at their discretion until the Trust concludes.

 

Without proper Estate Planning, your heirs could inherit debts, tax obligations, and disputes over asset distribution.

 

Estate planning doesn't have to be complex; even a basic Will can help address many of these issues.

 

For more intricate situations, protective trusts can be set up to minimize inheritance tax and safeguard your assets from risks such as bankruptcy, divorce, and potential future care costs.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the sole means to grant someone the legal power to make financial or health and welfare decisions for you if you become mentally or physically unable to do so. It's not exclusively for the elderly; younger individuals can also face incapacity due to accidents or illnesses.

 

Many of us either care for or know someone caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. As people live longer, mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, posing challenges that many of us may encounter in our lives. Creating an LPA ensures that if you ever experience mental health difficulties in the future, this challenging period will be more manageable for both you and your loved ones.

 

Establishing an LPA allows you to prepare for a time when you might lack the mental or physical ability to oversee your financial matters or personal well-being. Even in youth, unexpected illness or injury can lead to incapacitation, making it crucial to have a person who can handle your affairs and alleviate the stress during challenging times. We are here to help you set up an LPA, enabling you to designate someone to act in your best interests, thus simplifying a difficult situation for you and your loved ones.

Probate is the legal procedure for validating a person’s Will following their death. Simply put, it involves the entire process of organising and distributing an Estate and its Assets to the Beneficiaries after someone has passed away.

 

LCS boasts a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff skilled in making the Probate and Estate Administration process smooth and efficient through their expertise and innovative approach.

 

To apply for Probate at the Probate Registry, you must compile all relevant information about the deceased's Estate (Bank accounts, investments, debts, pensions, property) and other valuable items.

 

You will also need to address any outstanding debts or taxes owed by the deceased and manage the Will according to their wishes.

 

Once an individual has passed away and their estate is administered with Probate granted, the estate must be divided among the designated Beneficiaries as specified in their Will.

 

LCS offers an exceptional Estate Administration service, relieving your Executors of legal responsibilities during a difficult time of loss.