Wills & Probate Solicitors in Leicester

A Will is likely to be the most significant document we ever sign — even if writing one doesn’t seem like an immediate priority for the time being. It is such an important thing to get done. Without a proper Will, your assets and belongings may be distributed according to the law, rather than your personal wishes.

We understand the topic can be a difficult one to discuss. At Johnson Astills, our compassionate team is at hand to help you organise your estate in a way that protects your assets for the future and provides for loved ones while keeping the tax burden low. Rest assured that writing a Will can be kept simple.

In the event of a loved one's passing, we are here to guide you through Probate and Estate Administration. Our team of dedicated Wills and Probate solicitors are ready to support you — and every detail is in capable hands.

Book an appointment with our Wills and Probate solicitors in Leicester or Loughborough

If you wish to get in touch with our Wills and Probate solicitors and arrange an appointment, please call 0116 255 4855. Alternatively, you can reach us via email at legal@johnsonastills.com, or simply complete our easy online enquiry form.

How can our Wills and Probate solicitors help?

Our friendly team in both Leicester and Loughborough has breadth of experience in all matters relating to Wills and Probate, such as:

• Will drafting
• Advance decisions
• Estate planning and Inheritance Tax planning
• Obtaining Grants of Representation (Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration)
• Estate administration
• Creating and managing trusts
• Trustee powers and duties
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Applications for Deputyship​

Why is it important to have a Will?

A Will outlines how you wish for your possessions to be distributed after your passing. It holds significant legal importance, ensuring your assets are shared as desired, reducing financial strain on your loved ones, and minimising family conflicts during a challenging time. Writing a Will provides clarity, but it can also bring financial benefits, such as reducing Inheritance Tax. Designating guardians for children helps to secure their well-being for the future.

Creating a Trust within a Will safeguards assets, especially for vulnerable family members, and allows you to provide for unmarried partners and stepchildren. Trusts serve as containers for money and property, used to make sure these assets are given out according to the wishes of the Will holder. In a trust, a chosen person (trustee) manages assets for the benefit of others (beneficiaries), following instructions in a trust document.

What does the process of drafting a Will involve?

With the help of solicitors who specialise in Wills, writing one should be fairly simple for most of us. Of course, the more one has in terms of assets, property, and so on, the more time it might involve.

Typically, the steps for writing a Will involve:

• Gather Information: Create a thorough list of your assets, beneficiaries, and instructions. This forms the foundation of your Will's content.
• Choose Executors: Choose trustworthy individuals to ensure your wishes are carried out as intended and your intentions are faithfully followed.
• Drafting the Will: Our Will writing service can help create a precise document that reflects your wishes and adheres to Wills and Probate laws.
• Witnesses: Two impartial witnesses are required during signing, our solicitors will provide this as part of the service.
• Sign: Once signed by you and the witnesses, the Will gains legal validity.

After your Will has been signed, we will provide a copy and store the original securely. It is important to review your Will periodically, whenever your life circumstances change. This will ensure it represents your wishes, even as they change over time.

What is a Grant of Probate?

Probate is the legal process of handling a person's Will after they have passed away. The Grant of Probate is a document granting the Will's Executor the power to manage the deceased's affairs and gather and distribute the estate to the named beneficiaries. It all serves to make sure asset distribution is followed in the right way. It also serves to make sure debts are resolved.

The role of the Probate Solicitor is to help distribute a person's belongings, money, and property according to their Will. Wills and Probate solicitors are often trained to deal with both. Your Probate Solicitor will guide you through the necessary legal steps to ensure that assets are properly valued, debts are settled, and everything is distributed according to the person's Will.

If there is no Will, the Probate Solicitor would play an important role in identifying beneficiaries, distributing the Estate, and resolving disputes. Having a proper Will in place is the best way to avoid disputes.

What is an Executor?

The Executor is the person you appoint to carry out your wishes and oversee your estate after you pass. When making a Will, you will name this individual. You should choose someone trustworthy and capable — their role will be to handle asset distribution, debt settlement, and ensure your wishes are met. If no Executor is named or available, the court may choose an Administrator for estate management.

Executors often seek legal assistance for estate administration, as it can be tough alone, particularly during grief. Our Probate solicitors have a breadth of experience and knowledge to help with all aspects of Probate.

What are your Wills and Probate solicitors fees?

The costs for making a Will can differ due to various circumstances but tend to be very reasonable. Cases involving complicated circumstances may be more costly.

The fees for a Probate can also depend on the circumstances involved. We would charge based on the time spent working on your case, with different hourly rates. We are also able to discuss fixed fees if you prefer. For a straightforward estate that meets certain criteria — for example, one or two properties, a small number of other assets, and a limited number of beneficiaries — the process is efficient and our fees reflect that.

Please have a look at our guide for more information on probate pricing.

Why choose Johnson Astills Wills and Probate solicitors?

Thinking about the future or dealing with tough situations can be challenging. We are compassionate and here to support you. It is important to plan ahead so that your family can manage your affairs as needed and in accordance with your wishes, and be cared for in case of your passing. Our goal is to ensure your Will truly reflects your wishes. Johnson Astills is a trustworthy firm committed to safeguarding your legacy with the utmost care.

Our aim is to simplify the process of writing a Will, making it easy for you to grasp each step without unnecessary complexity. We take pride in clear communication, avoiding legal terms, and providing the necessary guidance for writing your Will.

If you are handling a loved one's estate after their passing, we understand the difficulty involved. Our team is dedicated to keeping things straightforward. We approach all matters with sensitivity, thoroughness, and professionalism, acknowledging the challenges you are facing.

We place value on using straightforward language and being approachable. With many years of experience, we are proud to hold the Lexcel accreditation — a recognition of our commitment to excellent client care and effective legal practice management by the Law Society. You are always welcome to reach out to us via phone, email, or visit our local offices for timely support.

Book an appointment with Wills and Probate Solicitors in Leicester or Loughborough

If you would like to reach out to our Wills and Probate solicitors and book an appointment, please call 0116 255 4855. If you prefer, you can send us an email at legal@johnsonastills.com, or simply complete our enquiry form. We will be in touch promptly.