Category Archives: Legal Services

Lodge Brothers: Lighting the Path Through the Probate Process

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When a loved one passes away, the grieving process is often accompanied by a series of legal and financial responsibilities, with probate being a significant aspect of settling an estate. At Lodge Brothers Probate Guildford, we understand the challenges that families face during such emotional times, and we are here to guide you through the probate process with compassion and expertise.

Probate is the legal process of validating a deceased person’s will and distributing their assets to beneficiaries as outlined in the will. In cases where there is no will, the process involves appointing an administrator and distributing assets according to the law. Our experienced probate solicitors provide expert guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring a smooth and efficient administration of the estate.We handle all legal aspects, including obtaining the Grant of Probate, liaising with financial institutions, and dealing with any legal challenges that may arise.

We believe that open and transparent communication is paramount during the probate process. Lodge Brothers Legal Services prioritises keeping clients informed at every stage, explaining legal proceedings in a clear and accessible manner. This commitment to communication ensures that families remain well-informed and involved throughout the probate journey.

We know that efficiency is key when it comes to probate administration. Our wealth of experience and resources allow us to navigate the legal landscape with precision. By handling paperwork, court filings, and other administrative tasks efficiently, we aim to expedite the process of probate Ashford and bring closure to families in a timely manner.

Lodge Brothers Probate Feltham stands as a pillar of support for individuals and families grappling with the probate process. Through compassionate guidance, legal expertise, and a commitment to efficient probate administration, we strive to make a challenging time more manageable. By entrusting the probate journey to Lodge Brothers Legal Services, families can find solace in knowing that their loved one’s wishes are being honoured with care and professionalism.

Navigating the probate process can be complex, but with the right legal support, it becomes more manageable. Lodge Brothers probate Woking is dedicated to assisting families in fulfilling their legal responsibilities with care and professionalism. Contact Lodge Brothers probate Weybridge today to discuss how we can guide you through the probate process and provide the support you need during this difficult time.

 

Lodge Brothers | Your Trusted Partner in Probate Matters

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Probate is the legal process through which the assets and estate of a deceased person are distributed and their debts are settled. This process is typically supervised by a court to ensure that the deceased person’s wishes, as outlined in their will (if they have one), are carried out, and that any outstanding debts and taxes are paid.

It may not be necessary for a person to use an attorney for this process however if this is something that you are not familiar with, it is highly recommended for you to let an attorney assist you in order to ensure that everything is completed and assessed as it should be. Without the appropriate experience in this area, the situation can be over-whelming and may end up cost you in the long run.

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Lodge Brothers Legal Services employees are not only familiar with the process, they have dedicated their life’s work to offering the best service and expertise to those who seek them out for assistance. After the passing of your family member or loved one, a person has many difficult decisions to make, least of which is dealing with the will of the person who has passed away. What happens if the will is not verified or is contested at court? Well this is the time when its better to hand over to the professionals.

A Probate Ashford estate comprises of all the assets and liabilities that a person has when they pass away. These assets and liabilities are verified by proving that the Will that the person has left behind, if they have indeed left a Will and instructions therein, is a genuine instruction from the departed as to how they would like their estate to be dealt with and settled. Assets include everything that the deceased physically owned both specified and unspecified in the last Will and testament. All the possessions that a person has, must be dealt with correctly at the time of passing, no matter how big or small, no matter how valuable, be it emotionally or financially. Probate is an active process which helps to sort the estate of the passed individual out as intended.

The process of probate Feltham can sometimes be sorted out in as little as 6 months, in some cases. Probate can at the same time, take as long as 2 years or more to assess and verify. The timeframe of the probate process depends on the complexity of the estate which can also be affected when the Will is disputed by a family member. Some small estates are the rare exception to the process and may not require probate at all.  A court supervised process, probate can be a complex procedure.

Lodge Brothers probate Woking legal services, partner to the Lodge Brothers family of funeral directors, have the know-how of the legal process of probate is a stress-free one. Once all is said and done there are only benefits to contact Legal Brothers Legal Service attorneys, Sophie, Emily and Hannah, to assist you with this emotionally draining process. Services for probate can be agreed to and paid for ahead of time which will ease the process at the end of the day and ensure that the estate is correctly and accurately handled as preferred.

Your will is your last opportunity to tell your loved ones what your preferences

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Life inevitably tends to get away from us, with busy family lives, balancing mental, emotional and physical well-being, care-taking responsibilities, logistics of time and energy and generally trying to squeeze it all in and doing the things that need doing being more of a focus for the average individual. List of things to do can often extend over to page 2 as we try to stay on top of our lives. Which is why our end-of-life plans tend to come at the end of the list… after all, this isn’t something that has to be dealt with now, right? Not necessarily and unfortunately for some, this time of life comes to us sooner than later and we are forced to take a long hard look at how we want to manage our end of life.

Helen MacDiarmidStatistics show that roughly 1/3rd of people living in the UK die intestate resulting in extreme emotional and financial hardship being placed on families. Without a will in place, you risk negatively affecting those you love the most at a time when they are already suffering.  Your will is your last opportunity to tell your loved ones what your preferences are and to wde them when you are not physically here to do so. Having a will ensures that your last wishes are enforced and this can have a lasting impact on your family once you are gone. Not preparing a will may result in your estate being distributed to members of your family who may well not be your preferred inheritor.

The process of probate is the legal process which occurs when a person passes and is how your estate is legally assessed. Probate Weybridge attorneys at Lodge Brothers offer probate services which assist individuals with preparing for their end of life. Contacting Probate Ashford attorneys empowers you to finalise all aspects of your life, the way in which you would choose allowing you to have your final choices carried out as you would have done if you were still able. Not planning for your estate via your will, you leave much to chance.

If you have not lived your life leaving all matters to chance, why let it be the case in your demise. No other individual truly knows your wishes and desires so when you pass away without a will, you effectively leave your estate to be governed by the laws of intestacy meaning that everything that you have accrued in your life is now governed by a set of rules enforced by the courts. These rules prioritise married or civil partners and close relatives inheriting your estate under the laws of intestacy which means that the courts may assign your possessions to someone who you had never intended them for.

Lodge Brothers legal attorneys specialise exclusively in Probate, Wills and Power of Attorney. Probate Woking is the process which confirms who will handle a person’s estate after their death and it is important to have as it is a legal requirement. Probate is a complicated system which is best handled by a competent probate attorney. Aspects of the probate Ashford process include, establishing the value of your assets and liabilities, finalising Inheritance Tax, applying for Probate Registry for the Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration. Lodge Brothers offer caring and practical legal advice efficiently and professionally to make your life easier during distressing times.

A Lawyer to answer your questions in times of trouble

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Probate is the lawful process that takes place after someone dies which facilitates the distribution of their assets and settlement of their debts. When an individual dies, their property and assets (referred to as their estate) are left behind. Probate is the legal process used to identify, value and finally distribute the assets of the deceased person’s estate, in accordance with the deceased person’s Will (should there be one). While it is possible to handle probate without an attorney, it can be a complex and time-consuming process.

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The probate process starts when an executor or personal representative named in the will files a petition with the court initiating the process. If there is no will and no legal attorney to appointed to represent the deceased and their estate, the court will appoint an administrator to manage the estate.

During the probate process, the court will verify the validity of the will (if there is one), identify and catalogue the deceased person’s assets, firstly paying any debts and taxes owed by the estate and then distribute the remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in the will or, according to the law.

Probate can be a time-consuming and complex process, especially if the deceased person had a substantial or complicated estate. It is therefore highly recommended to work with an attorney who specialises in probate Sunbury to help navigate the process and ensure that everything is handled properly.

In some cases, probate Shepperton can be straightforward and simple, for example, if the estate is small, with few assets and a clear distribution plan, probate may be handled by the executor. However, if the estate is intricate, with significant assets, debts, or tax matters, or if there are disputes among heirs or beneficiaries, it is advisable to work with Lodge Legal Probate attorneys, who specialise in probate Walton and can assist with the navigation of the process. Working with an experienced probate West Byfleet attorney can help to ensure that everything is handled properly and that the estate is settled in a timely and efficient manner.

Lodge Legal solicitors will help you with the legal requirements of probate, including filing the necessary paperwork, complying with deadlines, requirements and communicating with the court and other parties involved in the process. They can also provide guidance on the distribution of assets and help to resolve any disputes that may arise.

It’s also a good idea to start thinking about making these arrangements once you reach the age of 18 years old. At this age, you may want to consider creating a will and designating beneficiaries for your assets, as well as selecting a person or persons to act as your executor, who will manage your estate after your death. It’s important to keep in mind that these arrangements are not set in stone and can be updated as your circumstances change. It’s always a good idea to consult with Lodge Brothers Legal attorneys to help you create a plan that suits your needs and goals.

Lodge Brothers Legal Services understands all the aspects of Probate

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The passing of a loved one can change your world in an instant. In one moment, everything is as it should be, and then within a heartbeat, it can all come crashing down. Sometimes we are prepared for the passing of our loved one in that we know it is coming but it does not take away the impact of that final moment when it actually happens. No matter how mentally prepared you may be, especially when a person has an illness for an extended period of time, there is always that sense of hope that things will be ok. When that call comes and hope dissolves, you need a support structure in place to help you navigate the unknown road ahead.

Grieving loved ones, are advised to include, in their support system, a probate legal expert.

When it comes to the legalities associated with the end of life, Lodge Brothers Legal Services probate Shepperton knows what is needed to the executor of an estate is responsible for the probate West Byfleet process which authenticates a last will and testament of the deceased person.

Should the deceased have a will in place, Lodge Brothers Legal Services have the training and expertise required to facilitate the court-administered legal process of probate Walton. Even more importantly, when an individual does not have a last will and testament, the process can become significantly more difficult. While families deal with the immense emotional grief which they must face when their loved one passes, Lodge Brothers Legal Services solicitors take care of the legal logistics.

There are 4 steps to the probate Sunbury process. Firstly, the will, should there be one, has to be proved for authenticity. This is required to make sure that the Will is the most valid and latest version. In order for this to happen, a case is filed at the court. Once the court has validated the Will, the court will be in contact with the relevant beneficiaries and creditors. Before the beneficiaries can inherit assess indicated in the Will, creditors will need to be paid. Thus clearing all debts and outstanding taxes, so that the court can process the remaining assets as stipulated by the Will. At this stage there may be objections raised either as a result of complicated family dynamics or resulting from the process whereby all debts were settled. Should the debts out-weigh the assets, beneficiaries would not be advised and this may cause financial and emotions stress for the family. Should the estate be unaffected by the debtors payments, an inventory of the properties and other assets such as jewelry, furniture and other possessions. The assessment covers everything from bank accounts affected by joint-tenancy with rights of survivorship, to distinguishing between probate or non-probate assets and properties.

At the end of the probate process the assets will be distributed according to the instructions found within the Will. The process of executing probate and closing an estate can be a long and difficult one and your Lodge Brothers Legal Services attorney will be available for consultation until such time as all details are legally finalised.

 

Ask a Probate Lawyer

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Lodge Brothers Legal services is a team of dedicated attorneys who specialise in assisting with Lasting Power of attorney, Wills and Probate services. Inspired by personal attention Lodge Brother Legal aims to provide practical and caring services to all who reach out to them in their time of need.

Where a person is taking the proactive approach to their end-of-life management, or planning ahead for the protection of their families, they can be assured that they will have all of their questions answered and be provided with answers to questions that they didn’t know they had yet.

A probate Guildford process is one which deals with the administrative side of a person’s estate once they are deceased. This is something that most people will need however which few are aware of. Reaching out to an attorney to assist you with the process is the fastest and most accurate way of making sure that all T’s are crossed, and I’s are dotted. The probate Ashford process is approved by the Probate Registry which must take place before the process can proceed. There are 2 types of probate Feltham processes which is dependant on whether or not the deceased person has left a valid Will, or not. As long as there is a valid Will, the Grant of Probate will be required if there is an executor of the estate. This is where it is beneficial to have consulted with Lodge Brother Legal attorneys in preparation of this time, as they will ensure that the Will is valid and they will then be able to be nominated as executor of your probate process, keeping it simple and in the right hands.

Should a person die without a Will or the Will is found or be legally invalid, the Probate Registry will need to provide a Grant of Letters of Administration. When a person passes under these circumstances, the person is deemed to have died intestate and the administration of their Will will fall to the legal system to establish the most correct way to administer the estate of the deceased. It is highly advisable for a person to have their Will drawn up by professional attorneys who will ensure that there are no loopholes which may raise questions as to the validity of their Will. Those who are caught short in this area may leave their estate in the hands of the courts and as such, may result in intended recipients of the estate to lose out on what you intended to provide for them after your death.

A lasting power of attorney will assist in situations where, should you fall victim to a situation which may render you powerless to speak for yourself and advise what you would like to happen in the event of your death, whether you would like to be considered an organ donor, whether you would like heroic actions in the event of resuscitation and general provide guidance as to how you would like to be treated medically should you not be of sound mind to do so on your own behalf.

Lodge Brothers Legal Services Lasting Power of Attorney Walton

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One thing that you can be guaranteed of when you engage with a Lodge Brothers Legal attorney is that you will receive the personal touch. Lodge Brothers Legal Services Lasting Power of Attorney Sunbury are affiliated with the Lodge Brothers Funeral Directors family of companies with a unique past. In operation for over 240 years, the Lodge Brothers managed to grow throughout the UK for 8 generations, making them the epitome of the family business. As part of the services offered to their client base which spans the breadth and length of the UK, Lodge Brothers looked to increasing their funeral director services, with that of legal Services specifically related to the needs of the families who came to them, to say goodbye to their loved ones.

When a family member or loved one dies, dealing with estate administration can be a daunting task and is often the last thing on a person’s mind. Lodge Brothers  offer an efficient, professional and above all personal service to make your life easier at such a distressing time.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”) is a legal document that lets you appoint another person, the attorney, to make financial and/or welfare decisions on your behalf, if in the future you become unable or unwilling to make your own decisions.

There are 2 types of Lasting Powers of Attorney:

Property and Financial Affairs

  1. gives your Attorney authority to deal with your property and finances
  2. can be used whether or not you lack mental capacity
  3. your Attorney will be able to manage your bank account, pay your bills, collect your pension and sell your home

Health and Welfare

  1. allows your Attorney to make welfare and health care decisions for you, including decisions about life sustaining treatment
  2. can only be used if you lack mental capacity to make your own decisions
  3. your Attorney can make decisions about your daily routine, medical care and care home

Click here to find out how we can assist you! Lasting Power of Attorney  Shepperton and Lasting Power of Attorney Walton

Speak to Lodge Brothers about their fixed fee Probate service

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A great deal of anxiety and emotional distress can be alleviated when we take responsibility of preparing for the end of life. Leaving family or friends with this enormous responsibility, due to a lack of planning or inability to choose, may mean that someone else gets to choose for you. Taking on this responsibility for yourself, and not ignoring this (admittedly) large task, leaves your family and loved ones better off both financially and emotionally at the end of the day.

Parents can lead by example and show their children the value of being sufficiently preparing for when the time comes. Speaking about your wishes with your family will also help them by knowing what to expect when the times comes that you can no longer speak for yourself. Engaging with a Probate Guildford attorney means having someone who is able to assist you with the appropriate legal documentation, which will literally speak for you when you are unable to.

When it comes to choosing a Probate Ashford attorney, it is beneficial to find someone who is both empathetic and mindful, as well as being someone who is able understand and navigate the complex legal world. Lodge Brother’s Probate Feltham attorneys believe that the most proactive way of creating a voice for yourself is by preparing your Will in which you can clearly explain how your estate, your belongings and possessions, will be dealt with. Probate Woking attorneys understand that taxes and other costs will have an impact on the outcome of the final value of your estate and will advise you professionally and provide you with peace of mind.

Even though you may be someone who understands the importance of preparing a will, when faced with the task itself, it is not uncommon for a person to feel over-whelmed. Reaching out for assistance by engaging with a Probate attorney and charging that person with the task of assisting you with your Will means you have someone who neutral and knowledgeable to walk beside you and answer any questions that arise. Doing so also ensures that you do not become defeated by the task at hand by placing it on hold “for tomorrow. A Probate Sunbury attorney will also be able to advise you if your life situation changes and you wish to make amendments to your documentation.

In some cases, a person may seek the assistance of a Probate Shepperton attorney to help initiate a living Will, which is an advanced directive for your family to refer to, should you become ill so suddenly that you are unable to advise them yourself. A living will is also of great value, for example, where an illness like dementia leaves doubt in the minds of others, that your wishes are in fact actually what you desire. Your living will spare your loved ones untold anguish, preventing them from the responsibility of what might be perceived as their decision to end your life. Lodge Brothers Probate Walton attorney’s may be given power of attorney leaving you with the peace of mind that someone will be accountable for your affairs once you can no longer be.

Lodge Brothers – Fixed fee for a single Will starting from £325 +VAT

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Lodge Brothers have been assisting the community with funerals for over 230 years offering a professional and personal service that their clients have come to rely on. Lodge Brothers legal arm of the business has helped hundreds of families with accessible, affordable legal advice in relation to Probate, Wills Twickenham and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

They have a highly qualified, strong legal team whom collectively have many years of experience in all aspect of Probate, Wills Ashford and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

MEET SOPHIE ANDREWS – DIRECTOR

Sophie

Sophie joined Lodge Brothers as Head of Legal Services in 2016 to develop and set up its legal services business. Lodge Brothers Legal Services is a separate company, which has been granted a licence by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, allowing Lodge Brothers Legal Services to provide professional Legal Services to its clients through its own legal team.

Sophie grew up in Surrey and studied law at University College London and the College of Law in Guildford qualifying as a Solicitor in 1997. Having trained at a leading Private Client Firm, Charles Russell, Sophie has specialised in Wills, Probate and Powers of Attorney and now has many years of experience in these areas. She is an affiliate member of The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and holds the Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation (passing with a distinction). Sophie lives in Surrey with her husband and three children.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING AN UP TO DATE WILL?

Only 30% of people in this country have made a Will. This is because we do not like thinking about death and we are unaware of the importance of having a professionally drafted Will. Once a person overcomes their fears and makes a Will they find that it is a positive step that gives them great peace of mind. They are reassured that their affairs are in order.

If you die without a Will you die “intestate” meaning the intestacy laws set out which of your family members inherit and the amount. Your spouse will not necessarily inherit all of your estate and if you are unmarried your Partner will not inherit anything.

A legally valid Will, carefully prepared by a qualified expert Solicitor, will ensure that:

you provide for your loved ones in the way you wish;

you choose the Executors who will administer your estate;

you choose the Guardians for your minor children; and

you can take steps to reduce the Inheritance Tax payable.

You can also choose to appoint Lodge Brothers Legal Services as the Executors of your Will. We will ensure that your estate is dealt with promptly and efficiently so that your loved ones do not have the responsibility but do receive their inheritance as quickly as possible.

Fixed fee for a single Will starting from £325 +VAT (£390 inc. VAT).

Fixed fee for mirror Wills starting from £500 +VAT (£600 inc. VAT).

All our fees are fixed and agreed in advance.

Our professional services offer peace of mind to you and your family.

If you don’t have an up to date will click here Wills Feltham and Lodge Brothers Legal Services will assist you.