Wills, Trust & Probate Solicitors in London | Gardner Champion
Comprehensive estate planning and probate services to protect your family's future and manage inheritance matters. Expert wills, trust & probate services in London, Greater London. London is the UK's legal capital, home to the world's leading law firms and courts. In London, our team provides expert legal services across all practice areas with deep local knowledge and international expertise.
Wills, Trust & Probate in London
Local Expertise: London is the UK's legal capital, home to the world's leading law firms and courts. In London, our team provides expert legal services across all practice areas with deep local knowledge and international expertise.
Our private client team provides sensitive and expert advice on wills, trusts, probate, and estate planning. We help families plan for the future and navigate difficult times with compassion and professionalism.
Local Legal Expertise in London
London's legal landscape is unique, with the City of London hosting the world's largest concentration of international law firms. Our team understands the complex regulatory environment, from FCA compliance in Canary Wharf to planning permissions in Westminster.
Industry Focus
Our London practice specializes in serving the financial services sector, with particular expertise in FCA compliance, fintech regulations, and international commercial transactions. We also serve the growing tech sector in Shoreditch and King's Cross.
Local Networks
We maintain strong relationships with local chambers, the Law Society, and key business organizations including the City of London Corporation and Canary Wharf Group.
Recent Legal Changes in London
Recent changes to London's planning laws and the introduction of the new Building Safety Act have created new challenges for property developers and landlords, requiring specialist legal advice.
Recent Success Stories in London
- Successfully represented a fintech startup in securing Series A funding, navigating both UK and EU regulations
- Led a complex M&A transaction for a West End property company, involving multiple jurisdictions
- Resolved a high-profile employment dispute for a Canary Wharf investment bank
Common Legal Challenges in London
- Brexit regulatory changes affecting international businesses
- High property costs creating unique commercial lease challenges
- Competitive talent market requiring sophisticated employment contracts
- Complex planning regulations in conservation areas
Our Services
- Will drafting and estate planning
- Trust creation and administration
- Probate and estate administration
- Inheritance tax planning
- Court of Protection matters
- Lasting powers of attorney
Why Choose Gardner Champion?
- Experienced private client lawyers
- Sensitive and personal service
- Tax-efficient planning strategies
- Comprehensive estate administration
Expert legal support for London clients
Our solicitors have extensive experience with London legal requirements and can provide expert guidance for your specific situation.
Get your quote todayDetailed Information
Estate Planning and Family Protection
Will Writing
A well-drafted will is the foundation of effective estate planning. We help you create wills that clearly express your wishes, minimize potential disputes, and ensure your assets are distributed according to your intentions. Our team ensures your will is legally valid and regularly updated to reflect changing circumstances.
Trust Planning
Trusts can be powerful tools for protecting assets, reducing tax liabilities, and providing for future generations. We help you understand when trusts are appropriate and create structures that meet your specific needs and objectives.
Probate and Estate Administration
Probate Process
We guide families through the probate process, handling all necessary paperwork and legal requirements. This includes obtaining grants of probate, valuing assets, settling debts, and distributing the estate according to the will or intestacy rules.
Estate Administration
Our comprehensive estate administration service covers all aspects of managing an estate, from initial assessment to final distribution. We work closely with families to ensure the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible during a difficult time.
Need urgent legal assistance?
Our experienced solicitors can provide immediate consultation and priority handling for London clients.
Get immediate supportFrequently 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
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. 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
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