Wills and Probate Solicitors
Bringing experience and value to our clients.
Planning for the future is an important aspect of life. Making a will is often not as complex or as expensive as many people think. Whether you wish to draw up a legally sound and effective will, seek advice on succession planning or deal with the estate of a loved one, we can help you at Malone Hegarty Solicitors LLP.
A will is a legal document that ensures your assets, money and possessions go to your chosen beneficiaries after you die. It’s important to update your will to reflect any changes in your circumstances, your dependents or your wishes.
If you die intestate (without leaving a valid will), the distribution of your estate may be more complex and your assets will most likely be divided along the statutory guidelines set out in the Succession Act 1965.
For parents with minor children, a will can also appoint guardians for your children and make important decisions regarding their welfare if the worst were to happen. It may also be necessary to draw up a trust deed so that your assets are protected for their future use.
It’s critical that your will is legally sound and accurately reflects what happens to your estate after your death. At Malone Hegarty, we work closely with you to understand your wishes and offer clear and comprehensive advice on the process. We can also act as executors of your estate, should you wish.
Our experienced team of solicitors can provide succession planning advice independently or in tandem with your own Financial Advisor so that the transfer of your estate is structured in a tax-efficient manner.
Probate is the legal process that happens after you die. Every will must be validated and the deceased’s estate must be correctly administered. The will must be submitted to the Probate Office who issues a Grant of Probate.
If there is no will, a Letter of Administration must be issued by the Probate Office and the deceased’s estates is distributed according to strict rules and guidelines.
If you have been appointed as an executor, you have a legal duty to administer the estate in line with the deceased’s wishes and to the benefit of the beneficiaries. We can provide legal assistance to executors with obtaining Grants of Probate and the administration of an estate.
You may find that you disagree with the provisions of a will made by a close family member. While this is an unfortunate circumstance, it happens and you will need a solicitor with extensive experience of probate law and one who is able to negotiate and litigate on your behalf. It’s important to obtain legal advice early so that you can get timely and in-depth advice that is specific to your personal situation. At Malone Hegarty, we act with the highest integrity and strictest confidence in these matters.
There may be a time when you need the assistance of others to care for you if you are no longer able to take care of yourself. An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legally validated document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your property, assets and affairs if you become mentally incapacitated. It’s important that your EPA is drawn up and structured correctly as it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian.
EPAs may provide peace of mind for families and individuals. However, if you are considering creating an EPA, you will need to be fully aware of the risks should it need to be implemented. It’s essential that you seek independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor who specialises in this area of law, such as Malone Hegarty Solicitors.
Our experienced team of solicitors have a proven record of providing clear and comprehensive legal advice to individuals and families. Whether you wish to draft a will, administer an estate, need help with planning for the future or need legal assistance to contest a will, Malone Hegarty is here to help. We pride ourselves on our responsive and clear communication, expert legal advice and approachable manner.