Category Archives: Legal Services

Easing Probate Burdens: How Lodge Brothers Can Help

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Probate, the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate, can be a complex and overwhelming process for many families. During such challenging times, having the support and guidance of experienced professionals can make all the difference. This is where Lodge Brothers Probate Weybridge comes into play, offering invaluable assistance and expertise to navigate the intricacies of probate proceedings.

When a person passes away, their estate – comprising assets, properties, debts, and possessions – must be distributed according to their will. Probate involves validating the will, identifying and valuing assets, settling debts, and ultimately distributing the remaining estate to beneficiaries.

Lodge Brothers is not just a probate service provider but a compassionate companion for families during the probate journey. Lodge Brothers’ team comprises legal experts who provide clear, comprehensive guidance throughout the probate process. From understanding legal requirements to fulfilling administrative tasks, they ensure that every aspect of probate is handled efficiently and accurately.

Lodge Brothers Probate Guildford offer personalised support in your times of grief. Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging, and dealing with probate can add to the stress. Lodge Brothers understands this and tailor their support to each family’s unique needs. They provide a sympathetic ear, offering reassurance and alleviating the burden of probate administration so that families can focus on grieving and healing.

Probate Feltham proceedings involve numerous administrative tasks, including gathering documents, filing paperwork, and communicating with various entities such as banks and creditors. Lodge Brothers’ experienced team manages these tasks with precision and efficiency, streamlining the probate process and minimising delays.

Managing an estate involves not only distributing assets but also ensuring compliance with tax laws and fulfilling any outstanding obligations. Lodge Brothers Probate Woking oversees all aspects of estate management, ensuring that assets are distributed correctly, debts are settled, and taxes are filed appropriately, providing families with peace of mind.

Lodge Brothers prioritises transparent communication, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns promptly, fostering trust and confidence throughout the probate journey. Effective communication is crucial during probate proceedings, keeping families informed at every step of the process. 

Navigating probate can be overwhelming, but with the support of Lodge Brothers Probate Ashford, families can find comfort in knowing that they are not alone. From expert guidance to personalised support, Lodge Brothers offers comprehensive assistance every step of the way, easing the burden of probate administration and allowing families to focus on honouring their loved one’s legacy. When it comes to probate, Lodge Brothers is not just a service provider but a trusted partner dedicated to helping families navigate through challenging times with compassion and professionalism.

Lodge Brothers Legal Probate is Ready to Help You

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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 MacDiarmid

Statistics 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 Guildford 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 Feltham 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.

Lodge Brothers Legal Services | Probate Assistance in time of Need

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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, 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.

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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 Sunbury 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 Feltham . 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 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 jewellery, 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 West Byfleet process the assets will be distributed according to the instructions found within the Will. The process of executing Probate Walton 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.

 

 

Speak to Lodge Brothers Regarding Grant of Probate or the Grant of Letters of Administration

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A lasting power of attorney document serves as a legal instruction which allows you, the donor, to appoint someone, generally an attorney who has expertise and is permitted to provide legal advice, for the purpose of making decisions on your behalf when you are not able to, for instance should you become mentally or medically incapacitated. Lodge Brothers attorneys specialise in providing the Lasting Power of Attorney Guildford service and can direct you in setting up this legal document. There are 2 types of lasting power of attorney; one for health and welfare and the other for property and financial affairs and a donor has the choice to make use of either, or both types.

The first step to appoint your Lodge Brothers attorney who will provide you with the relevant paperwork to complete and advice you regarding the 2 types of lasting power of attorney Ashford which is available and what they cover. For example the Health and welfare power of attorney covers decisions pertaining to your daily care and lifestyle routines, medical care options, care home options and aspects relating to life-sustaining treatment such as which heroic measures or extraordinary procedures that you wish therapists to do in order to either save or extend your life when you are unable to provide instruction. All aspects relating these aspects are very personal and can make a monumental difference not only to your life, but the lives of your family members which is why engaging with a attorney for this purpose will simply the process and ensure that your choices are safeguarded.

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When it comes to property and financial affairs, the Lasting power of attorney Feltham will guide decisions relating to aspects of your bank, building society, account payments, benefit collection and the selling or distribution of your home and assets, allowing you to have the final say as to how these aspects should be managed. This, in conjunction with your last will and testament will ensure that your decisions about your estate and finances are executed legally and with no contest, before your departure, if you are no longer mentally or medically able to refer.

Once you have fully consulted with Lodge Brothers in terms of your options, the paperwork will be completed and lodged with the Office of the Public Guardian which can take to 20 weeks to be finalised, for which there is a nominal cost of (as per gov.uk in 2022) £82.

If a Lasting power of attorney has not been registered at the point at which mental capacity is lost, a deputy will be appointed by the Court of Protection, however this complicated and costly process does not ensure that your personal wishes are met, however all legal aspects relating to a person’s care and well-being will be considered on an on-going basis, as required. The family will not be able to provide input as to what personal care should be or what decisions should be made regarding your finances. This can leave the family in a vulnerable position in the long run.

We can advise on making LPA’s, prepare the documents and deal with registration at the Office of the Public Guardian (“OPG”).

Contact Lodge Brothers Lasting power of attorney Woking and Lodge Brothers Lasting power of attorney Weybridge to speak to us and find out how we can assist you.

Lodge Brothers Your Trusted Probate Solicitors

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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.

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 long-standing professional reputation

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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.

 

Contact us if you require help with probate, wills or lasting powers of attorney

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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 will give Peace of mind for you and your loved ones

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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 West Byfleet 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.

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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

Take steps to reduce the Inheritance Tax payable with the help of Lodge Brothers Probate Services

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If you parent, sibling or partner were to pass away unexpectedly tomorrow, would you know what is legally required in terms of handing their death? Did you know that all deaths must be registered within 5 days, including weekend and bank holidays? This is just the first step on the list of things to do when dealing with an individual’s passing.

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Once the event has been registered, a certificate of burial or an application for cremation, which ever the case is, must be processed. The certificate of burial must be provided to your funeral director after which you can begin the process of arranging the funeral or cremation. The funeral director should be registered and can help you to plan the funeral and will also be able to assist you how to make payment arrangements.

Bear in mind the updated Covid-19 restrictions which will be applicable at the time and how this will impact on the events of the funeral or the cremation. Scotland, Wales and Norther Ireland will have different restrictions for attending funerals and so these should be noted where applicable.

The UK government offers their “Tell us Once” service which allows a death to be reported to all government departments so as to save further bereavement for the family which could result from on-going reporting of the passing of their loved one. As yet, Ireland does not offer this service.

Other legal requirements include managing tax and benefits and applying for probate Sunbury. Applying for probate Shepperton is what must be done when requesting the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions, commonly referred to as their ‘estate’. If there is a Will, the grant of probate will be provided and letters of administration will need to be annexed. In the event that the individual concerned did not leave a Will, then letters of administration will be provided.

Lodge Brothers Legal Service is a specialist firm of solicitors who deal with wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney. Clients who require legal services have accessible, affordable legal advice across Middlesex, Surrey and Berkshire.

Probate West Byfleet services are offered at a fixed fee which are tailored to your needs regardless of the type of advice you are looking for. From consultations to ensure that probate paperwork has been completed correctly, to simply submitting the entire probate Walton process to Lodge Brothers Legal Service to handle.

It is common for clients of the firm to express their gratitude for the level of personal service, which is provided as our professional solicitors understand that clients are often going through a difficult emotional period of time, following the death of a beloved person. Lodge Brothers Legal Service are passionate about client care, and endeavour to make the process of providing clients with legal advice infinitely easier avoiding “legalise” language and rather taking a step by step approach to help guide clients through the legal obligations required of them at a most stressful time.

Lodge Brothers Wills, Probate, or Lasting Power of Attorney

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Lodge Brothers Funeral Legal Services Weybridge will be continuing services during the Coronavirus pandemic whilst maintaining the health and safety of colleagues and clients. Our qualified professionals are all available via email and are maintaining the service levels which our clients have come to know and trust. Alternatively, you can logon to the website and request a call back, regarding funeral legal services Guildford including Wills, Probate, or Lasting Power of Attorney assistance.

The funeral Legal services offered is essential for everyone. When uncertain times come, as they are currently, it forces us to take stock of where we stand in our lives. Unfortunately, the truth is that people with comorbidities including being over the age of 60, maybe paying attention to the going ons in the world and taking action to ensure that they are prepared in the event that the worst should happen. Thinking ahead and taking precautions is always a positive step and one which you can control, the way that you want it to be controlled. Lodge Brothers Funeral Legal Services Sunbury attorneys will ensure that your Will is exactly as it should when it comes time for it takes effect. Anyone can be struck down at any time, but a global pandemic brings it home as to just how vulnerable a person can be. Take the opportunity now to reach out for assistance with Funeral Legal Services Shepperton.

Having a Will ensures that your possessions and finances are distributed as you wish. Unfortunately, many people die each year without a Will in place which leaves the estate open for interpretation by those who have a vested interest in your estate. Perhaps their vested interest is correctly placed, but perhaps not. At the end of the day, this is your last word and testament which confirms your final intention and wishes for your estate. Leaving this box unchecked will open the door to questions being raised as to the distribution of your estate and can end up in a long and costly court battle which is both difficult and trying for your loved-ones. Protect your loved ones from facing this unnecessary torment once you have passed.

Probate services are a necessary part of finalising an estate and it is highly recommended that anyone with property or large sums of money or trust, take advantage of the probate services offered by legal attorneys. Allowing a legal attorney to deal with the probate process is a simple one: simply appoint Lodge Brothers Funeral Legal Services West Byfleet as the guardian of your legal power of attorney, so that we may act on your behalf so that they can ensure the accuracy of your will, and all subsequent processes which will allow your Will to be implemented as required. Primarily the assurance is that your Will be created with no loop-holes and when the time comes to finalise your estate, you are guaranteed efficient professional services from beginning to end.