New partner at law firm
Naomi Hill, David Sutton and Lynnette Hilliard
The maxim ‘nothing is certain but death and taxes’ is as true today as when Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase 250 years ago.
So Wiltshire law firm Awdry Bailey & Douglas has expanded its probate team to ensure that when death comes, the effects of taxes are mitigated.
Head of probate David Sutton, who is based at the Marlborough branch, has been made a partner in the firm.
He is joined by two experienced lawyers who have recently been recruited to the company: Lynnette Hilliard, who is based at the Wootton Bassett branch, and Naomi Hill, who is based at the Devizes office.
The new lawyers compliment a probate team which also includes Catherine Cole in Calne and Chris Linton at Marlborough.
David said: "Probate is a growing area of the business. Property prices mean even modest estates are worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
"Through careful planning we can ensure that, on the death of a client, the state doesn't walk off with 40 to 45 percent of the inheritance."
Lynnette said: "There's a popular toast at the Chancery Bar: ‘To the man who makes his own will’.”
"Forty percent of people never make a will. While no-one likes to think about their own mortality, a couple of hundred pounds spent preparing a will can save beneficiaries thousands of pounds in legal costs further down the line.
"Unmarried couples who live together should be particularly mindful of the need for a will to provide for their partners in the event of their death, especially if they have been married before, or there are children from previous relationships.
Naomi said: "We're very approachable and people always find an appointment with a lawyer to be nothing like as bad as they thought it was going to be!
"Besides sound legal advice, we can also offer practical guidance, like how to protect your assets if you need care, or have move to a nursing home, in your old age.
"People rarely come in with a 'problem' we haven't seen and addressed before."
The team also backed a warning issued by the Law Society to regulate will writers.
"Anyone can set themselves up as a will writer and charge a lot of money for what is often terrible advice,” said David.
"Badly written wills can end up in court, with families disputing inheritance or the validity of the will.
“From as little as £135 people can help to ensure their estate is properly dealt with after their death, by coming to ABD."
For more information log on to www.awdrys.co.uk/wills or call David on 01672 518620, Lynnette on 01793 853200 or Naomi on 01380 722311.