Wills, probate, tax and trusts 

Whether the issue concerns organising a will, the elderly, bereavement, tax or trusts dgb's experienced team will provide you with professional, friendly, sympathetic and cost effective advice and assistance.   

dgb is a renowned expert in these areas borne out by its exceptionally high level of business from personal and professional recommendations. 

We can meet you to discuss your personal affairs either at our prestigious, comfortable offices or alternatively visit you at your home or elsewhere, if required. 

Wills 

It is estimated that around two out of three people do not have a will.  Where no will is made, an individual's assets are shared under rules determined by law and the process is more complex and expensive. 

Making a will protects your assets and gives you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how your estate will be dealt with after your death.  A will can also be used to minimise tax. 

We give highly personalised and clear advice on wills to suit our clients' particular wishes and circumstances.  We have particular expertise in drafting simple but clear and accurate wills as well as complex wills for those with high value estates, businesses or circumstances that require trust arrangements. 

Once created, your will should be reviewed regularly.  Legal and tax rules may change as might your personal and financial circumstances. 

Incapacity 

At dgb we recognise just how important it is to consider what may happen in the event of illness or mental incapacity and to plan appropriately.  

We advise on and draft lasting powers of attorney.  This allows you to set out, in advance, who you wish to make important decisions for you should you ever be unable to.  You can make lasting powers of attorney about your property/financial affairs and your personal welfare/life sustaining treatment.  dgb also advise on and apply, where needed, to court to register lasting powers or attorney (or its predecessor, enduring powers of attorney). 

If you are an attorney under a lasting or enduring power of attorney, dgb can advise you on your duties and responsibilities.  We can also help you with any applications you may need to make to court. 

We also manage clients' property and financial affairs.  Our clients regularly choose our partners as attorneys for their professional expertise. 

If somebody becomes incapable of managing their affairs without having a lasting or enduring power of attorney, someone usually needs to apply to court to be appointed as a deputy.  We are experienced at handling these applications. 

dgb's expertise extends to advice and assistance in relation to long term care issues and asset protection.  Our specialist team can guide you through all the implications and ultimately secure the right solutions for you. 

Bereavement and probate 

dgb has many years' experience of dealing with the administration of estates of all sizes and complexity. 

We are experts at securing assets, managing property, paying bills, preparing the necessary tax and probate papers, liaising with asset holders, family and other professionals and making all necessary arrangements in order to wind up estates and pass on the inheritance to the beneficiaries.  We achieve all this in a realistic time frame and deliver our services with utmost efficiency and compassion. 

We can deal with all legal, administrative and accounting matters or undertake only those tasks you need us to.  We can carry out this process whether somebody has died leaving a valid will or died intestate (without having left a valid will). 

We are particularly skilled at winding up estates in a tax efficient way and minimising tax wherever possible. 

We also provide advice and assistance to individuals who are entitled to an inheritance.  For example, we can advise on and prepare deeds of variation for tax planning or other reasons and act in relation to inheritance disputes. 

Estate planning and trusts 

dgb understand that individuals' estates can vary hugely in complexity and value.  For those clients who need it we can explore methods of passing on assets and wealth to future generations to minimise tax and provide security.  

Trusts usually play an important part in this process.  A trust can be a flexible way of giving assets to beneficiaries where you may not wish them to take control immediately.  Similarly, a trust can be a way of making a gift to various beneficiaries but leaving the decision about how it is distributed between them to a later date, when it may be clearer who should benefit.  Trusts are often an important way of providing security for vulnerable or potentially vulnerable beneficiaries.  

At dgb we pride ourselves on being able to assist our clients with careful planning and expert advice.  We simplify complex matters wherever possible and liaise with other professional advisers where required, to provide you with tailored solutions.