37 - 39 Morshead Road Crownhill
Plymouth PL6 5AD
Evans Harvey Wills and Probate Solicitors Plymouth
Wills | Probate | Inheritance Claims | Trusts & Estate Planning
Stephen John Hall LL.B Hons - DIRECTOR
Director, Solicitor and Head of Private Client Department, Conveyancing Department and Civil Department
Stephen qualified as a solicitor in 1988 and is currently Head of the Private Client Department involved in General Probate Administration, preparation of Wills, Lasting Power of Attorneys and Deputyship applications to the Court of Protection. Stephen also has a particular interest, and has many years’ experience, both in Civil, Personal Injury including asbestos related claims and contested Inheritance Act disputes.
Stephen is also a member of the Solicitors for the Elderly Group (SFE). Stephen is also chairman of the Crownhill Village Networking Group who strive to promote businesses and address concerns of local residents and businesses within the Crownhill and surrounding area.
EVANS HARVEY SOLICITORS PLYMOUTH
Wills and Probate Solicitors in Plymouth
As the financial landscape becomes more complex, reliable and expert advice is needed in order to protect and preserve your wealth, your assets and your inheritance. At Evans Harvey Solicitors, your affairs will be handled by one of our experienced solicitors who deal with your individual Requirements on a personal basis.
Lifetime / Wills Settlements / Transfer of property If advice is required concerning whether or not there should be a Trust or settlement of property either during lifetime or under the terms of a Will then we are able to provide a fixed fee advice scheme of £200 plus VAT for such advice.
EVANS HARVEY SOLICITORS PLYMOUTH
Evans Harvey Solicitors Wills & Probate Specialist Solicitors
Do I Need a Will?
If you do not own anything, have no children, live alone and live on benefits then you do not need a Will, but if you own a property or have savings or have minor children, or live with someone then it is always advisable to have a Will saying who should get what when you die. A Will usually names one or more persons to act as executors, an executor is the person or persons appointed by the Will to administer the estate. It is the responsibility of the executor(s) to comply with the necessary procedures to obtain Probate.
- Preparation or amendment of a Will
- The administration and distribution of estates following someones death
- An application of a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
- Inheritance Tax and estate planning
- Lasting Powers of Attorney and Powers of Attorney
Established over
30 years
What if there is no Will?
Then the person has 'died intestate'. This makes the procedure far more complicated and instead of having to apply for Probate, you have to apply for Letters of Administration. As there is no Will to appoint the executors, the law determines the person or persons to be responsible for administering the estate. They are called the Administrators, and are usually close relatives of the person who has died. It must be explained to the Probate Registry how they are entitled to act as administrators and once Probate has been issued they have the same responsibilities as executors.
What is Estate Planning?
A service Evans Harvey Solicitors offer to those who have assets in excess of the nil rate band for Inheritance Tax, which is currently £325,000 per person, then it may be possible to so arrange your affairs as to reduce or even eliminate altogether your liability to Inheritance Tax. There are many ways to protect your assets from the tax man which can involve the setting up trusts, but there are a number of ways of reducing Inheritance Tax, dependent on your personal circumstances.
However, the tax system is arranged so that in avoiding one tax, you often become liable for another one and therefore it is important to have an eye on Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty before making a decision, often it is just a matter of choosing a lesser evil. Evans Harvey Solicitors have experienced and knowledgeable Estate Planners who take the time to understand your personal situation to best protect your assets for your beneficiaries.
Preparation & Writing of Wills
It is safer to make a will to ensure that matters are dealt with as you wish and to avoid confusion amongst family members after your death. Your Will can of course always be changed. Our specialist team can offer advice on the best way of giving effect to your wishes. Wills FAQ
Probate and Estate Administration
Our established probate team understand how upsetting it is when a loved one passes away. This is often exacerbated by the responsibilities of having to deal with the administration of an estate. It is our aim to assist you through this time by making every step of the way as straightforward as possible. Probate FAQ
Evans Harvey Solicitors Plymouth
If you have any questions for our legal teams then please do not hesitate to contact us. 01752 785 715