Probate, Trusts and Lasting Power of Attorney

When a loved one passes away dealing with their affairs can seem extremely complicated and daunting, however we can make the process as simple as possible. 

Probate is required when the deceased owned property or land, or had assets worth more than £5,000.

If probate is required, we offer a full estate administration service. We advise, support and guide Personal Representatives through each stage, giving timescales in accordance with the specific needs of the estate.  If you want to administer the estate yourself but need help with the legal aspects of obtaining the Grant of Representation, we can help you. 

RCN Law offers fixed fees, discounted for RCN members, payable by the estate so that there are no unexpected legal bills. 

Trusts

What is a Trust and do I need one?

A trust is a legal arrangement where one or more persons, called trustees, look after and deal with assets (the trust property) for the trust beneficiaries.  

There are many reasons why you might want to set up a trust. You might want to set aside money for a family member, protect an asset or vulnerable person, ensure assets pass down the family line in the event of a second marriage or hold compensation money. 

RCN Law will advise you on how a trust works, who should be the trustees, what type of trust you need, the tax requirements of the trust and the requirements to set up the Trust. And we will notify the relevant authorities on your behalf. 

We offer fixed fees, discounted for RCN members, so that there are no unexpected legal bills. 

Thinking about a Lasting Power of Attorney? 

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is the legal document that gives you the power to appoint one or more people that you trust to make decisions concerning your welfare and finances.  

Your attorney will be able to make decisions on your behalf should you lack mental capacity at any stage in the future. These can be decisions about, for example, paying bills or dealing with the bank. Or these can be health and welfare decisions on treatment, care or medication.  

Should an LPA not be in place and you lose mental capacity, a family member may need to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed to look after your affairs. This can be costly, time consuming and stressful for your family and carers. 

RCN Law can help you create an LPA that is straightforward, and is available to RCN members at a discounted rate.