When a child is born via a surrogacy arrangement, the legal parents are the surrogate mother and,...
The topic of death is hard for many individuals to fathom and is often avoided as a subject of discussion for that very reason. However, having the right provisions in place is essential for the future. This can keep the stress on your family to a minimum when you pass away, and also if you lose capacity to manage your own affairs in the meantime.
We appreciate how difficult it can be to discuss or handle matters concerning death. When you choose to work with the Hains & Lewis Team, we will approach your affairs in a sensitive and comforting manner, making sure you feel heard and supported throughout.
Our team of expert Lawyers have years of combined experience assisting clients in a variety of Wills and Probate matters. From those more complex, such as high net worth estates and commercial/business entities, to those more straightforward, for example, simple Wills and applying for Grants of Probate.
Our Carmarthen Team has expertise in matters including:
- Estate and Succession planning
- Wills
- Probate and administering estates
- Inheritance Tax planning
- Lasting Powers of Attorney applications, amendments and revocation
- Court of Protection applications
- Contested probate
- Farming estates
To discuss how our Carmarthen team can help you, please contact our Carmarthen office or you can make an online enquiry and we will get back to you quickly.
We also have local offices in Haverfordwest and Narberth for your convenience.
Plan your journey to visit our Carmarthen family lawyers
Car
Should you be driving to our office, the nearest public car park is Friars Park Car Park. Situated only a four minute walk from the office.
Bus
We are fortunate to be situated near the local Blue Street bus stop, which is a short two-minute walk away.
Plan your journey
Thinking about visiting our Wills and probate lawyers in Carmarthen? You can plan your journey here.
How our Wills and probate solicitors in Carmarthen can help you
Wills
Making sure you have a valid Will in place is essential for the future. It provides reassurance that your assets will be handled following your final wishes and given to those you want to benefit from your estate.
Our team have years of combined expertise in helping a range of clients with their Wills, clarifying their final wishes for after they pass. We provide the utmost sensitivity throughout, so you are completely comfortable and supported.
Our Team can provide practical expertise on matters including:
- Writing a Will
- Updating your Will
- Will storage
- Will trusts
- Inheritance Tax advice
- Succession planning
For more information on how we can provide assistance, see our Making a Will page.
Probate and Administering Estates
If you are an Executor or Administrator of an estate, it can feel like a significant responsibility, especially while dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. There are many set procedures that must be accurately followed to ensure you comply with the law and prevent any potential disputes.
Whether you are following a Will or are navigating an estate under the rules of Intestacy, our Team has the skills and knowledge to provide practical guidance. We ensure you are fully supported each step of the way. We are also able to act as the Estate Administrator if you do not wish to carry out the role.
Our Team have expertise in matters such as:
- Locating the deceased’s Will
- Providing advice and guidance on the Estate Administration
- Applying for Grant of Probate or Grant of Letters of Administration
- Acting as an Estate Administrator
- Valuing the estate
- Collecting the assets of the Estate
- Selling assets of the Estate to include Property and Chattels
- Undertaking a HMRC Inheritance Tax Return if required
- Paying all liabilities on behalf of the Estate
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries listed in the Will or according to the Rules of Intestacy, where there is no Will
For more information on how we can provide assistance, see our probate solicitors page.
Contested probate
It is quite common for Wills to be contested for many reasons, such as claims the Will was not legally valid, beneficiaries being left less than expected, loved ones not receiving any inheritance and more. Whether you are an executor/administrator, beneficiary or someone else, seeking professional legal advice for contested probate is important.
Our solicitors have dealt with many types of contested probate claims, representing both those contesting and defending an estate.
Our contested probate Team can guide you on issues including:
- Removing and replacing Executors and Administrators
- Intestacy
- Will interpretation issues
- Inheritance disputes e.g. claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- Farming estate disputes
- Advice on entering a caveat
For more information on how we can provide assistance, see our contested probate page.
Inheritance Tax planning
Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a form of death tax and can be quite a considerable liability due and payable by the Estate. It is important, therefore, that careful consideration is given to your assets during your lifetime, and such liability is mitigated as far as possible.
We have handled estates of many different types and values and have, as a result of the direct advice given, saved clients thousands of pounds in Inheritance Tax. Whatever your personal circumstances, our Team have the collective knowledge and expertise to deliver exceptional service, allowing your beneficiaries to receive the most out of your estate.
We can provide advice and guidance on matters such as:
- Nil-rate bands (Inheritance Tax thresholds)
- Residential Nil-Rate Bands
- Transferrable Nil Rate Band and Residential Nil Rate Band
- Trusts
- Lifetime gifts and Potentially Exempt Transfers (PET)
- Transferring tax-free allowances to spouses and civil partners
- Charity donations
For more information on how we can provide assistance, see our Inheritance Tax planning page.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
There may come a time in your life when you are either no longer able to take care of yourself or you no longer wish to look after your own affairs. This can come about as a result of a short stay in a hospital or respite care or a sudden decline in your general health.
Thankfully, there are precautionary actions that can be taken to plan for such events and such documents are known as a Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). An LPA allows you to select a trusted Attorney/ies to manage your affairs when you are no longer able to.
In order to put such powers in place, the Donor (ie. the person making the Lasting Power of Attorney), must have the necessary mental capacity to do so. Should he/she have lost mental capacity, then the application is known as a Court of Protection application (see below for further information and guidance).
Our Team will deliver effective advice, including explaining the types of LPAs available, their benefits and drawbacks. We can also help with selecting trusted individuals to act as your Attorney/ies and with drawing up the LPA document(s) to submit to the Office of the Public Guardian.
You can be confident of receiving a supportive service, with our Lasting Power of Attorney lawyers always having your best interests at heart.
Our LPA team in Carmarthen have expertise in matters such as:
- Making a Lasting Power of Attorney
- Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney
- Advice for Attorneys
- Lasting Power of Attorney disputes
- Amending/revoking a Lasting Power of Attorney
For more information on how we can provide expert assistance, see our Lasting Powers of Attorney page.
Court of Protection Deputyship
If a family member has lost the mental capacity to manage their own affairs, it can be very upsetting and stressful. There can be many limitations as to what you can do to assist them during this difficult time. It is, however, possible to become a Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection. This empowers you to assist with making important decisions about the incapacitated person’s finances and health.
At Hains & Lewis, our lawyers have worked with many clients in both straightforward and complex cases. This gives us a broad scope of knowledge in Court of Protection matters.
Our Team can aid with issues including:
- Applying to become a Court of Protection Deputy
- Acting as a Deputy
- Advice for Court of Protection Deputies
- Court of Protection applications to sell property
- Statutory Wills
- Court of Protection Deputy disputes
For more information on how we can provide expert assistance, see our Court of Protection deputyship page.
Farming estates
Owning a farm, agricultural business or rural estate is a huge responsibility with lots to consider, particularly around the future of your estate and the succession of the business.
Our farming estate solicitors in Carmarthen can provide clear, realistic advice you can trust, helping you to create a robust plan for the future.
Our skilled team can assist with matters including:
- Agricultural and farming estate planning
- Probate and estate administration for farming families
- Resolving agricultural inheritance disputes
For more information on how we can provide expert assistance, see our farming estate pages.
Local Wills and Probate resources for Carmarthen
Carmarthen Citizens Advice
Should you require free and confidential advice and support for your Wills and probate matters, Carmarthen Citizens Advice can assist where possible.
Please see their website for further information regarding their services.
Talk to our specialist Wills and Probate Team in Carmarthen
To arrange an initial consultation with our approachable and sensitive Wills and Probate Team in Carmarthen, please contact our Carmarthen office or you can make an online enquiry and we will get back to you quickly.
We also have local offices in Haverfordwest and Narberth if either of these is more convenient for you.