Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitors

Our Private Client department in Bailey & Cogger of Tonbridge is solely dedicated to assisting you to prepare for later life and beyond. Ensuring your wishes are legally recorded will give you the peace of mind to know that when the time comes, everything you have decided you wish to happen will be honoured. There are many elements to consider, mainly surrounding the creating of a will and if you deem it appropriate, appointment of a lasting power of attorney. It is important to have in place directions for any assets, wealth, property or responsibility for dependents, as these are the main aspects that can cause conflict should guidelines not be strongly set out.

You can also use the guidance of our experts to look into the possibility of creating trusts for any beneficiaries, analysing possible inheritance tax issues, clearly outlining who you wish to have direct involvement in the implementation of these wishes, and much more. Please do remember that if you do not have anyone you feel would be suitable to be either a lasting power of attorney or executor of your will, our legal experts can be appointed to act in this role for you.

Our private client lawyers are on hand to assist with:

making a will;
drafting a letter of wishes, to deal with things like funeral arrangements;
preparation of a lasting power of attorney for the management of your financial affairs and to cover decisions concerning your health and welfare;
preparation of a business power of attorney to cover the management of your business interests;
creating an advanced decision confirming whether you wish to receive life-sustaining treatment if you become seriously ill;
applying to the Court of Protection for permission to deal with a loved one’s affairs if no power of attorney has been made;
establishing a trust to protect the inheritance of your children, spouse, partner or other beneficiaries;
making decisions if you have been asked to act as a trustee for someone else;
acting as a professional trustee on your behalf;
planning for the payment of care home fees and other long-term care costs, particularly for elderly clients;
tax planning
applying for a grant of probate to enable your money and property to be distributed in accordance with your will, or under the rules of intestacy where no will exists
assisting those appointed in your will, or under the rules of intestacy, in dealing with your affairs and your estate.

There can on occasion be some contention around the contents of a will from relatives and associates. Our teams can help with disputes or challenges to a will if there is question concerning its validity. For instance, this could be due to the mental capacity of the will holder at the time of writing, potential outside influencers or the suspicion of unfair pressure being applied from a third party.

Advising families throughout Kent and beyond

We have offices in Tonbridge, Maidstone, Gravesend, Chatham and Tenterden where we can meet you to discuss your requirements.

We can also offer meetings at your home, in hospital or in a care facility, or via Skype where appropriate.

How much does it cost?

An initial appointment to discuss your requirements can be arranged from £150 plus VAT. After that we can agree funding arrangements to suit your budget.