A Will is one of the most important documents you can create, ensuring your wishes are carried out after your death. It allows you to decide how your assets will be distributed, who will care for any dependents, and who will manage your estate as Executors. Without a Will, intestacy laws determine what happens to your estate, which can lead to unintended consequences and disputes. Making a Will gives you peace of mind that your family, friends, or charities are provided for according to your wishes.
Family trusts are an effective way to protect your wealth and ensure it is used for the benefit of your loved ones. Whether safeguarding assets for future generations, managing complex family dynamics, or protecting against unforeseen liabilities, trusts offer flexibility and security. At TLS Solicitors, we help you establish and manage trusts tailored to your needs, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and protecting your legacy. Trusts can also play a critical role in shielding assets from risks such as divorce settlements or creditor claims.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) can significantly reduce the value of your estate if proper planning is not undertaken. Our experienced solicitors can help you understand your IHT liability and explore options to minimise this through exemptions, reliefs, and strategic gifting. Whether setting up trusts, making use of business property relief, or planning lifetime gifts, we ensure your estate is structured to reduce the tax burden on your beneficiaries while remaining fully compliant with HMRC regulations.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. There are two types of LPA: one for property and financial affairs and another for health and welfare. Having an LPA in place ensures your financial matters are managed and your healthcare decisions are respected according to your preferences. At TLS Solicitors, we guide you through the process of creating an LPA to ensure your interests are protected.
If a loved one loses the capacity to make decisions and does not have a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, an application to the Court of Protection may be necessary. This court appoints a Deputy to manage their affairs, whether financial or personal. We provide expert assistance in making these applications, ensuring that the process is as smooth as possible and that the Deputy acts in the best interests of the individual concerned.
Planning for long-term care is essential to ensure that you or your loved ones receive the support they need without exhausting family assets. We provide tailored advice on structuring your finances and assets to meet future care costs while safeguarding your estate. Our team can help you explore options such as care fee planning, deferred payment agreements, and legal tools like trusts to prepare for long-term care needs.
Determining whether care should be funded by the Local Authority or the NHS can be a complex and contentious process. We offer expert advice to help you navigate the eligibility criteria for NHS Continuing Healthcare or Local Authority financial support. If disputes arise, our team can represent you in challenging funding decisions, ensuring your rights are upheld and the correct level of funding is secured.
A Living Will (also known as an Advance Decision) allows you to specify your preferences for medical treatment should you lose the ability to make decisions in the future. Welfare Attorneys, appointed through a Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare, can also make decisions about your care based on your wishes. We help you create these legal tools to ensure your voice is heard, even if you cannot communicate your preferences directly.
Protecting vulnerable adults from financial abuse, neglect, or exploitation is a critical responsibility. At TLS Solicitors, we work with families, carers, and support organisations to ensure that vulnerable individuals are safeguarded. Whether through establishing trusts, appointing legal guardians, or challenging improper actions, we provide comprehensive support to protect the wellbeing and rights of vulnerable adults.
We understand that not everyone can attend an office appointment. That’s why we offer flexible options to meet your needs. If you’re unable to visit us, we’re happy to meet you at your home, in hospital, or in a care home. Our goal is to provide accessible, compassionate support wherever you are.
To arrange your free initial appointment, contact Hannah Smaldon on 01637 872361 (Newquay) or 020 3861 200 (London). We look forward to assisting you.
