Premier Solicitors Private Client

31/01/2026

We're delighted to announce the acquisitions of Norfolk Will Writing, Notary Express, Will & Probate Partnership, and Waller Pollins Goldstein! 🚀

This strategic move substantially reinforces our position as a leading provider of probate and estate administration services throughout the UK, strengthening our market presence in an increasingly fragmented sector.

💬 Our Chief Revenue Officer, David Masterton comments:

"We're thrilled to complete our first acquisitions of 2026, which mark an important chapter in Premier Solicitors' strategic development. Whilst Premier Solicitors does not currently operate as a high-volume will-writing or estate planning firm and has no immediate plans to position ourselves in that particular market segment, these strategic acquisitions are perfectly aligned with our core business objectives.

They include a substantial client database and a significant volume of stored wills, which directly supports our strategy to enhance and increase the flow of probate and estate administration instructions into the firm. This in turn supports our customers and firm through our wider full-service law firm capability.

Furthermore, this strengthens our position as the second-largest probate provider in the United Kingdom by volume, behind only Co-op Legal Services.

The probate market remains highly fragmented, with the top five providers collectively accounting for less than 15% of the total professional probate application volume annually. This fragmentation presents significant potential for further consolidation, and we remain committed to pursuing strategic acquisitions that align with our values and enhance our service offering to clients."

🗨️ From Jamie Playford FABRP MIPA, Founder & Director of Leading Business Recovery:

"From my very first discussions with David, it became clear that Premier Solicitors was unquestionably the best home for our valued clients and their interests. The firm offers not only the reassurance and comfort of a full-service law firm capability, but also the professional expertise and resources that our clients deserve and expect.

Throughout this entire process, I have been genuinely impressed by David and the wider Premier team's approachability, flexibility, openness, and integrity. Their commitment to ensuring a seamless transition has been exemplary, and it has been a pleasure working with such professional and personable individuals.

This is an exciting time for everyone involved, and I very much look forward to supporting and facilitating a smooth transition that prioritises the needs of clients whilst maintaining the high standards of service they have come to expect. I'm confident that this partnership will deliver excellent outcomes for all parties."

Thanks also to Rakash Mattu & Sunil Kambli for their support with bringing these deals to completion.

25/11/2025

As the festive season approaches, it’s vital to be aware of potential scams hidden amongst the surge of online shopping, deliveries and donations this time of year brings.

Take a moment to protect yourself and vulnerable people around you by knowing what to look out for this Christmas.

Here are some trusted places to find advice, tools and training to help you stay scam-smart this season:

• Stop, hang up, call 159: An initiative from Stop Scams UK; if you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or details, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank.

• Age UK Scams Prevention and Support: tailored advice for older people, with information guides and awareness sessions. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/programmes/how-we-deliver-advice/scams-prevention-and-support-programme/

• The Little Book of Big Scams: Produced by the Metropolitan Police, this resource is designed to help make you aware of the latest and most prolific scams. Download here: https://nbcc.police.uk/crime-prevention/cyber-and-fraud/little-book-of-big-scams-fifth-edition

• Action Fraud: The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, with up-to-date resources and alerts: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/resources

18/11/2025

⚠️ LPA Fees Just Jumped 12.2% – Here's What You Need to Know

Bad news for anyone who's been putting off their Lasting Power of Attorney...

As of 17 November 2025, registering an LPA now costs £92 per document (up from £82). That means couples setting up both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs are paying an extra £40 just in registration fees.

And it's not stopping there. Government fees across the board are climbing:

Court of Protection applications: up 13.1% in just 11 months
Land Registry charges: nearly doubled
Probate fees: up from £273 to £300

Why does this matter to YOU? 🤔

Without LPAs in place, if you lose mental capacity, your family faces a much more difficult path:

❌ Longer delays
❌ Higher costs
❌ Less certainty
❌ Court of Protection applications required

LPAs give YOU control – you choose who makes decisions about your finances and health if you can't. For financial matters, your attorneys can even help you sooner if you wish.
The clock is ticking ⏰

With fees rising and another increase likely on the horizon, waiting will only cost you more.

Premier Solicitors can help you:

✅ Draft your LPAs correctly
✅ Tailor them to your specific needs
✅ Register them without errors
✅ Avoid costly mistakes and delays

Don't wait for the next fee hike. Protect your wishes and your family's future today.

📞 Contact Kyle Wren
☎️ 01234 800 086
📧 [email protected]

06/11/2025

Estate disputes don't just divide assets — they can fracture families. 💔

Contentious probate cases are among the most emotionally charged legal matters I encounter. When families are already grieving, disagreements over Wills, asset distribution, or executor conduct can quickly escalate into devastating conflicts.

What triggers these disputes?

The most common issues include challenges to a Will's validity (lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper ex*****on), ambiguous Will language that leads to conflicting interpretations, executor misconduct or mismanagement of estate assets, and claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 by family members or dependents who feel inadequately provided for.

One of our Private Client Director's, Emma Charlton, emphasises: "These disputes can be particularly distressing for families already coping with loss. Having an early understanding of the potential causes and legal remedies available can prevent conflicts from escalating."

A cautionary note: If you're concerned about an estate, a Caveat can be applied to halt administration while irregularities are investigated. However, contentious probate can become expensive — with legal fees, court costs, and expert witness expenses mounting quickly.

Prevention is always better than cure. Clear, professionally drafted Wills that are regularly updated, transparent communication with family members about estate plans, and consideration of all potential beneficiaries and dependents can dramatically reduce the risk of post-death disputes.

If you're involved in estate planning or facing a probate dispute, early expert advice can make all the difference — both financially and emotionally.

Read our full guide on contentious probate: https://www.premiersolicitors.co.uk/blog/what-is-contentious-probate

Is someone contesting your inheritance? Unsure about what contentious probate means? This blog explains what it is and how it can impact your loved ones' estate.

04/11/2025

Probate vs. Estate Administration: What's the Difference? 🏛️

When a loved one passes away, you're already dealing with grief—the last thing you need is confusion over legal terminology.

Many people use "probate" and "estate administration" interchangeably, but they're actually different stages of the same journey. Understanding the distinction can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

Here's what you need to know:

✅ Probate = The legal validation of a Will, giving the Executor authority to act on the deceased's behalf

✅ Estate Administration = The entire process of managing the estate—from valuing assets and paying debts to distributing inheritances

Think of probate as the key that unlocks the door. Estate administration is everything that happens once you're inside.

If you've been named an Executor or Administrator, your responsibilities include:

→ Securing and valuing all assets
→ Applying for Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration)
→ Paying outstanding debts and taxes
→ Distributing assets to beneficiaries

The process can take months—sometimes over a year—depending on the estate's complexity.

As Gary Kiely, who is one of our Private Client Directors puts it: "Effective estate administration requires careful organisation, clear communication with beneficiaries, and accurate record-keeping. Executors must balance compassion with diligence."

The bottom line? While straightforward estates can be handled independently, seeking professional guidance ensures legal compliance and protects everyone involved—especially during an already difficult time.

📖 Read our full guide to probate and estate administration:

Learn more about what probate and estate administration is, as well as how to apply for it.

30/10/2025

Accessing a Child Trust Fund for a Young Person Without Capacity? Let Us Help.

If your child or a young person in your care lacks the mental capacity to manage their own money, you may need a Court of Protection order to access their Child Trust Fund (CTF).

This process can feel overwhelming — but our expert team at Premier Solicitors is here to take the pressure off you.

What You Need to Know
• Children born between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011 likely have a CTF account in their name.
• If they cannot manage money themselves due to a learning disability or other condition deeming to not have the capacity to manage their property and financial affairs, you cannot access those funds without legal authority — even as a parent.
• The solution? A Court of Protection application.

We’ll Handle the Whole Process for You
Our specialist team will:
• Assess whether a deputyship or one-off order is right
• Obtain the required mental capacity report
• Prepare all legal documents and court forms (COP1, COP1A, COP3 etc.)
• Ensure interested parties are notified properly
• Apply for fee exemption if eligible
• Keep you updated every step of the way

Save Time. Avoid Stress. Get Peace of Mind.
The Court of Protection process involves strict legal steps and missing one can cause delays. With Premier Solicitors, you’ll have a dedicated legal team ensuring your application is completed accurately and efficiently.

Get in touch today for a free initial consultation with our friendly CoP team — and let us help you secure access to the funds your child deserves.
• Call us: 01234 481060
• Email: [email protected]

29/10/2025

What is Contentious Probate? 💡

When family disputes meet estate administration, emotions can run high. 🏛️

Contentious probate disputes are more common than you might think—and they can quickly escalate when grieving families disagree over Wills, asset distribution, or Executor conduct.

Key issues that trigger disputes:

✔️ Challenges to Will validity (lack of capacity, undue influence, forgery)

✔️ Ambiguous Will language leading to interpretation conflicts

✔️ Claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 for inadequate provision

✔️ Executor mismanagement or breach of fiduciary duties

✔️ Intestacy disagreements when there's no valid Will

The cost and emotional toll can be significant—but early expert legal advice can help navigate these complex situations and explore efficient resolution paths like mediation.

Proactive estate planning with clear, legally sound Wills is your best defence against future disputes.

Want to understand more about contentious probate and how to protect your estate? Read our comprehensive guide: https://www.premiersolicitors.co.uk/blog/what-is-contentious-probate

Need expert assistance? Premier Solicitors offers specialist support in both contentious and non-contentious probate matters.

📞 01234 358 080

Is someone contesting your inheritance? Unsure about what contentious probate means? This blog explains what it is and how it can impact your loved ones' estate.

22/10/2025

Advance care planning: How we can help you plan for the future

It’s something to celebrate that more people enjoy longer lives these days, but it also brings with it the challenge of planning for future care needs.

Advance care planning is about preparing for the possibility that you or your loved ones may need care in the future, and doing so in a way that ensures dignity, control, and peace of mind.

But how do you begin such an important and often overwhelming process? That’s where seeking specialist legal advice can make a real difference.

Why advance care planning matters

Living longer often means an increased likelihood of needing medical or social care later in life. Whether this care is provided at home, in a care home, or through NHS - funded services, the costs involved can be significant - both emotionally and financially.

Without proper planning, families can face:
🤔 Confusion over care funding eligibility
😖Stress navigating local authority assessments
💷 Unexpected costs or care home contract issues
⏲ Delays or denials in support from NHS Continuing Healthcare

These decisions often arise suddenly, during times of stress or illness. Having a robust, forward - thinking plan in place can spare your family uncertainty and distress when it matters most.

What support is available?
You may be eligible for local authority contributions, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and even care - specific annuities to help cover the cost of long - term care. This can be a vital source of
relief, but applying for it is far from simple. The application process is complex and involves lengthy forms, strict documentation requirements, and often, multiple assessments.

Unfortunately, many people give up or delay applying due to the overwhelming nature of the process - or worse, they make errors that result in funding being denied or delayed.

15/10/2025

We’re delighted to share that Premier Solicitors has won Probate Provider of the Year (South) at the 2025 British Wills and Probate Awards! 🏆

This achievement is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and excellence of our colleagues and the strength of our operational services as a full-service law firm.

A huge thank you to Today's Wills and Probate and Today's Media hosting another brilliant event – and congratulations to all the other winners and finalists.

03/10/2025

Why is Probate required

When a person dies, their estate, which includes money, property, and belongings, must be managed and passed on to the rightful people (beneficiaries). If there is a will, the person named as executor will usually need to apply for a Grant of Probate.
This is due to the following reasons:

1) For you to be able to legally manage the deceased’s estate you will need the Grant of Probate to liaise with banks, HMRC, and other organisations will ask to see it.

2) Most banks won’t release funds (especially larger sums) without probate, the threshold varies, but many require it for estates over £5,000–£10,000.

3) If the deceased owned land or property you will require probate for this.

4) Executors need probate to settle outstanding debts and pay any tax due, such as Inheritance Tax.

5) Probate ensures assets are distributed correctly and protects the executor from personal liability.

Applying for a Grant of Probate is often technical and paperwork-heavy. While some executors may feel confident handling the estate administration themselves once probate is granted, many choose professional support specifically for this initial step because:

1) The probate application involves completing detailed legal forms and submitting supporting documents correctly. A small mistake can lead to delays or rejection, so expert guidance ensures the process goes smoothly.

2) Professionals know what assets need to be included and how to report them, avoiding errors that could cause complications later.

3) Even at the probate application stage, executors must provide information about potential Inheritance Tax liabilities. Specialists can help prepare and submit these correctly to prevent costly mistakes.

4) Having a solicitor or probate expert handle the application gives executors peace of mind that they have followed the legal process properly, avoiding risks of personal liability.

To sum up, getting a Grant of Probate is an important step for executors to manage and pass on a person’s estate legally. It’s needed to access money, deal with property, pay off debts and taxes, and keep the executor protected. Since applying for probate can be tricky and paperwork-heavy, getting help from a professional can make the process easier and give you peace of mind when things are already tough.

19/09/2025

Lasting Power of Attorney Fees Set to Increase

In the first time in several years, the cost of registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) will be increasing. The current fee to register LPAs with the OPG is £82 and this will be rising to £92 from 17 November 2025. Therefore, if you make both types of LPA; Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare the cost will rise from £164 to £184 in total.

If you are replacing an existing registered LPA (a repeat application), the fee will increase by £5 from £41 to £46.

Why Are Fees Increasing?
The government has explained that the increase is necessary to ensure that fees cover the actual costs of delivering the service. The OPG has recently made significant improvements to its service, including clearing backlogs and completing application with-in their 40-day target. The new fees are designed to help stabilise funding and maintain this improved performance.

Fee Relief Options
Not everyone has to pay the full fee. Below you will see a list of certain applicants who may be eligible to the reduced rate:

• If your annual income is less than £12,000, you may qualify for a 50% reduction.
• If you receive specific means-tested benefits, you may be eligible for a full exemption.

These reductions will still be available after the fee increase.

Why it is Worth Acting Now
If you are considering making an LPA, applying before 17 November 2025 will mean that you will avoid the higher fee. That is a saving of £10 per application or £20 if you intend to register both types of LPA. Acting sooner also gives you the reassurance that arrangements are in place in good time. You also have peace of mind that if the time comes when you cannot make decisions for yourself that someone you trust will be able to make important decisions about your health, welfare, or finances.

To Conclude
The increase in LPA fees is relatively modest, but it underlines the importance of planning ahead. By applying before November 2025, you can save money and put your affairs in order at today’s lower cost.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is one of the most effective tools for safeguarding your future. With fees set to rise to reflect the true cost of running the system, arranging one now means you can, acting early ensures you secure this legal protection at a lower price.

12/09/2025

What is a Lasting Power of Attorney ?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document which allows someone to appoint one or more people they trust to make decisions on their behalf when they no longer have mental capacity to make decision themselves.

Types of LPA
There are two types of LPAs which can be setup. One for Property and Financial affairs and the other for Health and Welfare decisions.

Lasting Power of Attorney for property and financial affairs

A Property and Financial affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document allowing someone appointed by you to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. This includes making decisions on all financial and property matters, from paying the electricity bill to selling your home. A Property and Financial affairs LPA must be formally registered with the Office of the Public Guardian to be valid. However, the LPA must be executed and registered whilst you still have full control of your faculties.

Lasting Power of Attorney for health and welfare

A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows someone to make important decisions about a person's wellbeing if they lose the ability to do so themselves. It involves appointing trusted people to act on their behalf. These decisions cover areas like medical care and daily routines. A Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian to be valid. It can only be used if your health declines and you lose mental capacity as defined by the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Who can have Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney is not just for someone who has poor health conditions. Anyone can have a Lasting Power of Attorney who is over 18 and has mental capacity. Perhaps you feel that family members automatically get responsibility to make decisions , but this is not the case as family members do not have an automatic right to make decisions.

Why is it important to have LPAs in advance?

Where a person is not capable of making decisions in relation to this matter. It is too late for them to make application for LPAs. The Court of Protection will appoint a Deputy according to the Mental Capacity aAct 2005 . When your loved one would apply to be your Deputy. It will be time consuming and there will be legal costs involved to have your application heard. The application can also be refused, and the Court can appoint the local authority as the Deputy. During this process, your accounts will be frozen, and financial decisions would be delayed . So, it is best to have LPAs in advance.

Protect from fraud

It protects you from fraud and could save you money in long run. You can choose your Attorneys who will make decisions in your best interests. You can add your instructions and preferences. These instructions are binding, and Attorneys must follow these instructions. The Office of the Public Guardian can investigate where your attorney does not act in your best interests. So, it is better to have LPAs than not having them in the first place.

How we can help

Whether you are looking for one or both Lasting Powers of Attorney. We are here to help you. We have a team of qualified professionals who can help you in making the application for Lasting Powers of Attorney. You can contact me at [email protected]