Estate Planning Lawyers in London

Estate planning lawyers in London help families decide who inherits, who manages money if someone loses capacity, and how to pass on wealth without avoidable tax. The city has a large private client market, partly because so many residents hold assets in more than one country. Typical clients are homeowners writing a first will, business owners planning succession, expats with property abroad and parents setting up trusts for children.

The core documents are a will, lasting powers of attorney for property and health, and sometimes a trust. Powers of attorney only take effect once registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. After a death, executors apply for a grant of probate through HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and inheritance tax is dealt with by HMRC. International families should also look at how UK residence rules affect their tax position, and whether a will made abroad still works for English assets. A solicitor in London can be checked on the Law Society's Find a Solicitor register, and many private client specialists are also members of STEP.

Fixed fees are common for wills and powers of attorney, while trust planning and probate on larger or cross border estates are usually charged by the hour. Some estate planning lawyers in London charge a percentage of the estate for probate, so ask for that in writing. Before you choose, list your assets and where they are held, note any foreign wills, decide on executors and guardians and ask for a written fee quote. Then compare the firms below and contact them directly.