Practice Area
Estates & Wills
Probate, wills, estate planning, and inheritance matters, handled with the care and expertise your family deserves.
Making a will, or administering an estate after a bereavement, is exactly the kind of matter where sound legal advice makes a real difference.
Our estates and wills team has worked with families across Northern Ireland for generations, from drafting wills to managing probate, powers of attorney, and estate disputes. We approach every case with the discretion and thoroughness it requires.
Whether you are making your will for the first time, updating an existing one, or administering an estate after a bereavement, we will handle your matter with thoroughness and care. Our six offices mean we are always accessible, and our team is experienced across the full range of estate and probate matters in Northern Ireland.
We also advise clients on powers of attorney and other planning measures that protect them and their families for the future. Taking professional advice at the right time is always preferable to leaving these decisions unaddressed.
Areas We Cover
- Will Drafting & Execution
- Probate Applications
- Intestacy (Dying Without a Will)
- Estate Administration
- Powers of Attorney
- Letters of Administration
- Trust Creation & Administration
- Inheritance Disputes
- Contentious Probate
- Estate Planning Advice
Why Choose Us
Our Estates & Wills Expertise
01
Sensitive & Discreet
Probate and estate administration add a significant burden at an already difficult time. Our team takes that burden on. We manage the legal process thoroughly, keep the family informed at every stage, and treat every matter with complete discretion.
02
Clear, Jargon-Free Guidance
Probate and estate administration involve legal processes that most people have not encountered before. We explain every step in plain language, tell you exactly what is needed from you, and keep you updated throughout so there are no surprises.
03
Complete Estate Service
Whether you are making a will, applying for probate, or dealing with a disputed estate, our team covers all of it. You will not need to look elsewhere for any aspect of your estate matter.
Common Questions
Estates & Wills FAQs
Why do I need to make a will?
Without a will, your estate will be distributed according to the intestacy rules in Northern Ireland. These rules may not reflect your wishes or the needs of those you want to provide for. A properly drafted will ensures your assets go to the people and causes you choose, and can help minimise unnecessary delay and expense for your family. It also allows you to appoint executors you trust, provide for children, and plan tax-efficiently. We strongly recommend that every adult has a current, properly executed will in place.
What is probate and when is it needed?
Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's estate is administered. It involves confirming the validity of the will, establishing the value of the estate, paying any debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. A Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration if there is no will) is usually required before banks and other institutions will release assets. We handle the entire probate process on your behalf.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
Dying without a will is called dying intestate. In this situation, the estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules under Northern Ireland law, which prescribe a fixed order of priority for next of kin. This may not reflect the deceased's wishes and can cause particular difficulties for unmarried partners, step-children, and close friends, who are not recognised under the intestacy rules. We can advise on the process and help administer an intestate estate.
How long does the probate process take?
The length of time depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether there is a valid will, whether Inheritance Tax is payable, and whether any disputes arise. A straightforward estate may be administered within six to twelve months. Estates involving multiple properties, business interests, or disputed matters can take considerably longer. We will give you a realistic estimate at the outset based on the specific circumstances.
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and should I make one?
An Enduring Power of Attorney (in Northern Ireland) is a legal document that authorises one or more people (attorneys) to manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity to do so yourself. This can cover financial decisions, property, and in some cases health and welfare decisions. Making a power of attorney while you still have capacity is one of the most important planning steps an adult can take. Without one, your family may need to apply to court to manage your affairs. This is a much more costly and time-consuming process.
Related Practice Areas
Estates & Wills Enquiry
Plan for the Future —
or Deal with Today
Whether you want to make or update a will, or need assistance administering an estate, speak to our team today. We will handle every detail with thoroughness and care.
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