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Long term care fees
An individual in need of nursing or personal care must meet the cost his/herself or seek assistance from social services or the NHS. Support given by social services is means tested and NHS funding is free. There is a thin line between nursing care that is free and social care which you must pay for. We have the expertise to give advice on how best to get free nursing care and challenge social services over financial assessments.
Court of Protection
If someone does not have the capacity to manage their affairs or be able to delegate the role to someone else, it may be necessary to apply to the Court of Protection to be appointed as the person’s Deputy. Becoming a Deputy allows the person’s affairs to be managed under supervision. What is more, the Deputy can take steps to make applications to avoid inheritance tax. Advisers at Stennett & Stennett have been appointed as the Deputy to act for people lacking capacity and helped many others in making applications to the Court of Protection.
Lasting Power of Attorney
It may happen that a person can no longer do the simplest things such as pay their bills. Their house may have to be sold so they can move to smaller accommodation. There may be questions about residential or nursing care. They may want the peace of mind in knowing there is somebody they trust to make decisions about their health and welfare. With a lasting power of attorney the person can give legal authority to a trusted person to manage their property and financial affairs and health and welfare. Stennett & Stennett has a wealth of experience in guiding people in the preparation of a lasting power of attorney.
Later life financial planning
As solicitors and independent financial advisers Stennett & Stennett can give holistic advice about the legal and financial issues that exist in later life. Many people want to leave as much as they can to their loved ones whilst at the same time making sure they have enough income and capital to lead a comfortable retirement. Whether you want to avoid inheritance tax through trusts or need advice about planning for retirement or nursing care fees funding, we have the legal and financial expertise to help you make an informed decision.
Probate
The death of a loved one is a difficult time. Having to sort out the deceased’s financial affairs during a period of bereavement can be hard. The executor must locate and identify the assets and any liabilities of the estate, deal with the administration of the estate according to law by collecting in all the assets. Also the executor must determine the entitlement of the beneficiaries and prepare detailed inheritance tax accounts. An application must be made to the court for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration (where the deceased died without a will). The executor must ensure all claims and debts are received, assessed and paid if substantiated. At the end of the administration estate accounts must be prepared and the net estate distributed in accordance with the will or under the rules of intestacy where the deceased failed to make a will.
Wills
Making a will is important because it controls how your assets are distributed, it can save inheritance tax, family disputes can be avoided and just as importantly, it gives you peace of mind. By using solicitors to make your will, you are more than likely to get it right. A solicitor can draft suitable trust provisions that can save the estate substantial sums by avoiding death duties. A letter of wishes carefully drafted with the help of a solicitor that accompanies a will can explain to those you leave behind why a loved one received more than another.
Residential sales and purchases
Property is at the heart of what we do. Buying or selling your home is a major financial step and you need an experienced practitioner to handle the matter. Hiring a professional to tackle the legal issues in this area of law will help the transaction to run smoothly. Stennett & Stennett has over 25 years experience in conveyancing. The residential and commercial department is supported by a case management system that allows clients to track the progress of their transaction. When you sell your home through Stennett Properties you will have our conveyancing team working closely with your estate agent that will enhance the efficiency in the way the matter is dealt with.
Collective leasehold enfranchisement
Exercising your legal right to extend your lease or buy your freehold requires legal expertise and can prove a minefield for the unwary. Legal notices must be drafted correctly otherwise the lessee’s right to extend their lease can be delayed, resulting in delays and increased costs. It is important to check if lessees qualify to purchase the freehold of the building. Strict time limits for the service of statutory notices must be avoided. At Stennett & Stennett we have a team that specialises in collective leasehold enfranchisement.