Estate Planning
Comprehensive estate planning services to protect and transfer wealth efficiently across generations.
Estate Planning
We help individuals and families develop comprehensive estate planning strategies that minimize tax liabilities, protect assets, and ensure smooth wealth transfer. Our team provides personalized advice tailored to your specific circumstances and goals.
Key Services
- Inheritance tax planning and mitigation
- Asset protection strategies
- Family business succession planning
- Charitable giving and philanthropy
- International estate planning
- Estate planning reviews and updates
Related Wills, Trust & Probate Services
Professional will drafting services to ensure your wishes are properly documented and legally binding.
ProbateExpert probate and estate administration services during difficult times.
Trust AdministrationComprehensive trust services including creation, administration, and tax planning.
Court of ProtectionSpecialist Court of Protection services for those lacking mental capacity.
Lasting Powers of AttorneyExpert Lasting Power of Attorney services for property, financial, and health and welfare decisions.
Inheritance DisputesExpert representation in inheritance disputes including will challenges, family provision claims, and estate administration disputes.
Why Choose Gardner Champion?
- Experienced private client lawyers
- Sensitive and personal service
- Tax-efficient planning strategies
- Comprehensive estate administration
Need expert legal advice?
Contact us for a personalized consultation and quote for your specific legal needs. All our fees exclude VAT.
Get Free ConsultationDetailed Information
Comprehensive Estate Planning
Tax Planning
We help minimize inheritance tax through various strategies including trusts, gifts, and other tax-efficient structures. Our goal is to preserve as much of your wealth as possible for your beneficiaries.
Asset Protection
We help protect your assets from potential creditors, divorce, and other risks through appropriate legal structures and planning techniques.
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Our experienced solicitors can provide you with a free estimate and priority service.
Request a free estimateFrequently Asked Questions
Help Guides
Preparing for Will Writing
Essential steps to take before meeting with a solicitor to write or update your will.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Make a list of all your assets including property, investments, and personal belongings
- 2Consider who you want to benefit from your estate and in what proportions
- 3Think about who you would like to appoint as executors of your will
- 4Consider guardianship arrangements for any minor children
- 5Review any existing wills or estate planning documents
- 6Think about any specific bequests or charitable gifts you want to make
- 7Consider inheritance tax implications and planning opportunities
- 8Gather information about any trusts or complex assets you own
Helpful Tips
- Be specific about your wishes to avoid potential disputes
- Consider the impact of your decisions on family relationships
- Think about the practical aspects of your chosen executors
- Keep your will in a safe place and tell your executors where it is
Important Warnings
- Don't delay will writing - you never know what might happen
- Don't try to write your own will without legal advice
- Don't forget to update your will after major life changes
- Be careful about making changes to your will without proper legal advice
What to Do When Someone Dies
A step-by-step guide to the immediate steps and longer-term processes following a death.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Register the death and obtain death certificates
- 2Locate the will and any other important documents
- 3Contact the deceased's solicitor or find a probate solicitor
- 4Secure the deceased's property and valuables
- 5Notify relevant organizations (banks, insurance companies, etc.)
- 6Apply for probate or letters of administration
- 7Value the estate and calculate any inheritance tax due
- 8Distribute the estate according to the will or intestacy rules
Helpful Tips
- Don't rush into major decisions during the immediate aftermath
- Keep detailed records of all expenses and transactions
- Seek professional advice early in the process
- Be prepared for the process to take several months
Important Warnings
- Don't distribute assets until probate is granted
- Don't ignore inheritance tax obligations
- Don't make assumptions about the will or estate distribution
- Be careful about dealing with joint assets
Ready to get started?
Let our expert team handle your legal needs with confidence and care.
Additional Information
Our Process
Our estate planning process begins with a detailed consultation to understand your circumstances and objectives. We then provide tailored advice on will writing, trust planning, and tax-efficient strategies. For probate matters, we guide families through the entire process with sensitivity and efficiency, handling all legal requirements while keeping you informed throughout.
Timeline
Will writing typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on complexity. Probate and estate administration usually takes 6-12 months, though simple estates may be completed more quickly. We provide realistic timelines at the outset and keep you updated on progress throughout the process.
Costs & Fees
We provide clear, upfront pricing for will writing and estate planning services. All our legal fees exclude VAT. Probate costs depend on the complexity of the estate and are typically paid from the estate funds. We discuss all costs at the outset and ensure you understand what's included in our fees.
What You'll Need
- Details of all assets and their approximate values
- Information about family members and beneficiaries
- Names of proposed executors and guardians
- Any existing wills or estate planning documents
- Details of any trusts or complex assets
- Information about debts and liabilities
- Any specific wishes or bequests
- Previous legal correspondence or advice
Pricing & Service Information
Our Legal Fees
£250 - £5,000+ VAT
Depending on service type and estate complexity
Will writing and most probate services are VAT exempt. Contentious probate work is subject to VAT.
Additional Costs (Disbursements)
These are costs paid to third parties on your behalf:
Probate application fee(Required)
Court fee for Grant of Probate
Statutory notices(Required)
Legal notices in London Gazette and local newspaper
Estate valuation reports
Professional property or asset valuations if required
LPA registration fee
Per Lasting Power of Attorney document
What's Included
- Initial consultation and advice
- Preparation of all legal documents
- Liaising with relevant parties and institutions
- Court applications where required
- Asset collection and distribution
- Tax returns and compliance
- Regular updates throughout the process
What's Not Included
- Inheritance Tax (payable to HMRC)
- Estate agent fees for property sales
- Professional valuation fees
- Accountancy fees if required
- Storage fees for valuable items
Typical Timescales
Varies by service - Simple wills: 2-3 weeks | Probate: 6-12 months
Probate timescales depend on estate complexity, asset types, tax requirements, and court processing times
Key Stages of Your Matter
Initial Consultation
We understand your situation and requirements, provide initial advice
Document Preparation
Wills, LPAs, or probate documents prepared and reviewed with you
Asset Investigation (Probate)
Identifying and valuing all estate assets, obtaining documentation
Grant Application (Probate)
Submitting probate application, dealing with HMRC, obtaining Grant
Estate Administration
Collecting assets, paying debts and taxes, distributing to beneficiaries
Completion & Accounts
Final distributions made, estate accounts prepared and approved
Example Pricing Scenarios
Simple Will (single person)
Straightforward will with standard provisions
£250-£400 (VAT exempt)
Mirror Wills (couple)
Paired wills for married couple or civil partners
£400-£600 (VAT exempt)
Probate (straightforward estate under £250k)
Estate with property and standard assets, no inheritance tax
£3,000-£4,500 (VAT exempt) plus disbursements
Probate (complex estate over £250k)
Estate with multiple assets, inheritance tax, complex arrangements
£5,000-£8,000+ (VAT exempt) plus disbursements
Get Expert Legal Advice
Contact our estate planning specialists for a consultation.