Goodwills Legal Services Limited

20/01/2024

𝟓 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥...

Provide instructions for distributing your assets and care of your dependents after your passing ✅

Ensure your children and loved ones are financially supported by leaving assets to beneficiaries of your choosing ✅

Protect your family home by specifying it passes to your spouse/partner rather than following intestacy rules ✅

Minimise taxes on your estate by taking advantage of exemptions and making planned bequests ✅

To protect your partner if you're unmarried ✅

18/01/2024

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐬

Parents, have you considered what would happen to your children's financial support if the unexpected occurred?

Children's protective trusts (also called bereaved minor trusts) are an important estate planning tool to prudently provide for your kids in your absence. By establishing a trust, you can help ensure your children's future needs are met even if tragedy strikes.

Don't assume "it won't happen to me" - contact us today to discuss setting up a trust that protects what matters most.

Read more about it here: https://www.goodwills.net/trusts/childrens-protective-trusts/

16/01/2024

Why do clients choose us?

𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 - We take a comprehensive approach for our clients, carefully considering their unique circumstances and providing advice on Wills as well as Trusts, Tax, and other legal matters.

𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 - We take a personalised approach to client service. Recognising that not all clients can visit our office, we are pleased to arrange meetings in clients' homes to ensure they receive top-quality legal guidance in a comfortable setting.

𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐒 - We endeavour to provide initial draft wills to clients within a week of receiving instructions, which is considerably faster. service than many of our competitors offer.

𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐒 - We offer our clients some of the most competitive fees in their Estate Planning.

14/01/2024

Islamic inheritance law outlines how to distribute an estate...

The Quran and teachings of Prophet Muhammad provide the rules for how a Muslim's wealth should be divided after their death. An Islamic will, called a Al-Wasiyyah, ensures one's assets are distributed according to these religious guidelines.

Much like a will in the UK, an Islamic will only takes effect after funeral costs and debts are paid. The person writing the will is known as the Al-Musi or testator. Writing a will is encouraged in Islam to ensure property is shared as instructed by the Quran and hadith when one passes away.

If you want to find out more about this then feel free to give us a call on 0345 222 0022

12/01/2024

Why is it important to register your LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney)?

LPAs are important legal documents that give someone authority to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. But they can easily be invalidated if certain requirements aren't followed properly. Even small technicalities or logistical mistakes in the witnessing or registration process could cause problems down the line.

A lawyer can guide you through all the steps and ensure everything is done by the book. They'll help choose your attorneys and witnesses, act as the certificate provider verifying you understand what you're signing, and handle the registration. If any issues arise later, having legal certification of the process will help.

DIY LPAs may seem like a simpler option, but they're also riskier. Why leave the validity of such an important document up to chance when a lawyer can make sure it will stand up if needed? Protect yourself and your attorneys by getting legal help to create a lasting power of attorney from the start.

Know the Basics About Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)

11/01/2024

As our parents and grandparents get older, it can become more difficult for them to live independently at home. Things like mobility issues, falls and health conditions such as dementia are unfortunately more common.

If home care or hospital visits can no longer meet their needs, a care home may seem the next best option. But figuring out how to pay for long-term residential care isn't always straightforward.

Care home fees vary hugely depending on where you live in the UK. On average though, residential care costs over £3,000 per month. Dementia or nursing care tends to be even pricier - around £4,000 monthly!

This article goes into more detail about the complexity of Residential Care Fees: https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/who-pays-what

06/01/2024

What is the best way to protect your home from care home fees?

Your home is likely your biggest asset, so it's important to protect it from being taken into account for care home fees. The best way is seeking legal advice early.

Our solicitors can advise on exemptions, gifts, trusts and other options to shield your property. Don't leave it too late - contact Goodwills today for a free consultation.

03/01/2024

As we all want to age with dignity, it's important to plan for your future long-term care needs.

we can help you understand the options available to protect your assets from catastrophic care home costs. Whether it's taking advantage of exemptions, making lawful gifts, or putting in place a legal care fee protection plan - we have the expertise to advise you on the best strategies.

Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your options. Peace of mind is just a phone call away.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year from everyone at Goodwills.

We wish you all a prosperous and healthy new year filled with joy, success and new opportunities.

Here's to what's ahead in 2024!

30/12/2023

What if you die leaving no Will? 💭

This is known as Intestacy.

Did you know that if you pass away without having a will, the law determines who inherits your estate? The order of inheritance is:

Spouse/civil partner - They inherit the first £250,000 of the estate plus personal possessions. This may not cover the full value of the family home.

Children - Anything remaining is split equally between children over 18.

Parents - If there is no spouse/partner or children, everything goes to parents.

Siblings - If no parents, brothers and sisters inherit next.

Grandparents, uncles/aunts, other blood relatives - They are considered next in line.

His Majesty’s Government – the Crown – is the final resort.

It's important to have a will so that you can decide who gets your assets, not the law. Make sure to draft one with a solicitor to ensure your wishes are clear! Dying without a will can leave loved ones struggling to settle your estate.