Wills, Trusts and Probate Solicitors Brighton

Yes. A Will ensures your money, property, and possessions go to the people you choose. Without one, the law decides who inherits, which may not reflect your wishes. A Will also allows you to appoint guardians for your children and choose your executors. 

Step 1: Identify your wishes by considering who you want to inherit your assets (beneficiaries) and how they will be distributed, who will be the executor and your end-of-life wishes.

Step 2: Assess your estate by making a list of your property, savings and investments, personal possessions, digital assets and debts.

Step 3: Speak to a solicitor to ensure your Will is legally valid, that it uses tax-efficient planning and complex arrangements (business assets, foreign property, blended families) are handled correctly.

Step 4: Review the Will with your solicitor and ensure the wording meets legal requirements. Then sign and witness the Will.

You should review your Will every 3–5 years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, having children, buying property, or receiving an inheritance. A solicitor can update it quickly and ensure changes are legally valid.

A Trust is a legal arrangement where trustees manage assets for beneficiaries. Trusts can protect vulnerable beneficiaries, control how inheritance is used, reduce tax, and safeguard assets from divorce, care fees, or financial risk.

Step 1: Contact our office to arrange a call to ask questions and we will schedule your first appointment.

Step 2: Discuss your needs and determine which Trust will best suit you.

Step 3: Appoint trustee(s) to manage the Trust. You can use a professional trustee, such as a solicitor, for added security.

Step 4: Your Trust solicitor drafts the Trust deed, which is a legally binding document outlining the important details of what assets are included, who receives them, and how and when they are distributed.

Step 5: Transfer assets, register the Trust and consider ongoing management by a professional.   

Executors and trustees should be people you Trust to act responsibly, such as family members, close friends, or a solicitor. A professional executor is often advisable if your estate is complex or if there is potential for family conflict.

Probate is the legal process of administering someone’s estate after they die. It’s usually required if the person owned property or had assets over a certain value. The executor applies for a Grant of Probate before distributing the estate, which you’ll want a probate solicitor to help with to ensure it’s done correctly.

Most probate cases take 6–12 months, but complicated estates, disputes, Trusts, or overseas assets can take longer. A solicitor helps speed up the process by handling paperwork, HMRC requirements, and asset collection efficiently. The cost of probate varies depending on your situation..

Yes, Wills can be disputed on grounds such as lack of capacity, undue influence, mistakes in signing, fraud, or inadequate financial provision. Strict time limits apply, so early legal advice is essential.

The estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy, which prioritise spouses, civil partners, and children. Unmarried partners and step-children do not automatically inherit, which is why having a Will is so important.

An LPA allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. Without an LPA, your family may need to go to court to manage your finances or medical decisions — a slow and expensive process.

You can, but DIY Wills and probate often lead to costly mistakes, family disputes, or invalid documents. A solicitor ensures everything is legally correct, tax-efficient, and tailored to your circumstances.