A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a new statutory form of power of attorney created by the Mental Capacity Act. Anyone who has capacity to do so may choose a person (an "attorney") to take decisions on their behalf if they subsequently lose capacity. The LPA will replace the Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) currently provided for by the Enduring Powers of Attorney Act 1985. Unlike an EPA, an LPA can extend to personal welfare matters as well as property and affairs. For further information and for a free quotation please contact Colleen Clevett on 01444 459954

It's hard to imagine not being able to live in your own home, and look after yourself. Planning at the right time to make sure any care you may need in the future is covered without having to sell your home is important for some people. Find out more about the rules about paying for a permanent care home place and how our excellent local contacts with care homes can assist you or your relative or friend.

A Living Will can record your wishes, with respect to certain medical procedures that are/are not to be employed on loss of mental capacity ("advanced directive"). Alternatively, a Living Will can record your beliefs on such procedures for the family to consider should a difficult decision with regard to your health have to be made ("non-advanced directive").

When trying to minimise the inheritance tax payable on your estate by your beneficiaries, there are many different options, depending on the circumstances. Subject to your particular situation, the size of your estate and various other factors, we can provide you with a list of options and their pros and cons.

A Trust is a fund which contains assets that are controlled by you and/or a nominated third party for the benefit of a specific individual(s). They are governed by complex legal regulations and separate tax rules. A Trust can be set up at any time during the lifetime of an individual to become operative immediately or, not until your death. Find out more about what a Trust can do for you.

If you have young children, you should consider appointing guardians to take care of them if you die while they are still young. Even if you have "god parents" we all know that the choice of god parent is sometimes an emotional decision made a specific time. This is usually done whilst making your Will.

Can you believe that over 70% of the UK population does not have a current Will that is an accurate reflection of their financial circumstances and the personal choices at the time of their death? Making a Will creates certainty, reduces worry and gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how your money, property and possessions will be dealt with after your death.

A Will guides those who are left behind and saves worry and heartache at a time of great emotional stress. Making a Will is usually the first step to take in structuring your affairs in order to minimise your liability for Inheritance Tax.

• Advice on gifts to members of your family
• Issues in Wills such as; guardianship, adoption and divorce - including contact and residence issues relating to children.
• Obtaining grants of probate
• Preparation of enduring powers of attorney
• Preparation of Wills, trusts and deeds
• Reviewing and amending Wills
• Winding up and distributing estates .
• Financial planning service using highly regarded and trusted  firms of Chartered Accountants and Independent Financial advisers.