Preparing for the finality of the future is one of the most important financial planning issues one can undertake. George Ide LLP boasts an experienced team of professional and motivated trusts, Will and Probate solicitors who have an established reputation as sensitive, approachable, thorough and committed.
Our integrity is assured, as is our knowledge and ability to help in all instances of Will writing and preparation, power of attorney, the setting up of trusts, and the complex issues relating to the Court of Protection when decision-making becomes impossible on the grounds of mental incapacity.
George Ide’s Will and Probate lawyers realise that the administration of an estate is fraught with emotional as well as practical decisions which are complex and possibly upsetting for those involved.
We aim to provide a professional, courteous service, which not only gives full attention to your plans and fulfils every aspect of your wishes for the future, but will also, through our knowledge and experience, point out any foreseeable issues and complications – the sooner our clients know of potential problems which may occur from their Will or estate administration then, by working as a team, we can agree on solutions and plans to alleviate concerns and speculation.
Above all, George Ide LLP’s Wills and Probate solicitors believe our clients have the right to full choice in these important matters and that control over the future of one’s wealth and financial affairs is paramount.
To contact our team of legal professionals about wills, financial planning, probate and trusts either call us on 01243 786 668 or email one of our partners shown on this page.
AVOIDING INTESTACY
For most people, the making of a legally binding Will is a very necessary undertaking. If a person dies intestate, without making a Will, the consequences for would-be beneficiaries can be traumatic and detrimental.
Without a valid Will a person’s estate will be shared out according to strict rules of intestacy and the outcome could be very far from what the deceased would have wanted. On occasion, even if a person has made a Will, it may be invalid, or may have been superseded by another which has not been drawn up correctly and this will also result in total intestacy.
If a Will does not dispose of all assets this can result in partial intestacy and will again mean that the Treasury Solicitor has to decide who receives any residuary assets.
To avoid such situations of intestacy, it is always advisable to consult a solicitor when drawing up this important legal document.
George Ide LLP has many years’ experience in this field and our solicitors have helped clients from Chichester and all over West Sussex to draw up effective Wills.
ESSENTIAL CLAUSES TO AVOID TOTAL AND PARTIAL INTESTACY
- Revoking a previous Will– Each Will a testator makes should begin with a clause which makes it clear that it is the primary document and supersedes all previous Wills made before that date. When making a new Will and revoking all others, it is important to ensure that any change is not merely an addition or codicil, and that all aspects of how an estate is to be divided are reiterated on the new Will. When making changes to an existing Will it is always a good idea to consult your solicitor to ensure any amendments do not invalidate the document.
- Residuary Gifts– If, following the gifting of specific legacies, pecuniary legacies and personal belongings to beneficiaries upon death of the testator, there are any residuary assets, i.e, money or property which has not been specifically allocated to beneficiaries, a clause can be included to ensure that what is left over (residue) is allocated to a specific beneficiary or divided amongst those already named in the Will. Making provision for residuary gifts is a sound idea, especially when a Will is being drawn up at the very early stages of a person’s life and their estate is likely to change in value over the coming years.
GEORGE IDE LLP CAN HELP TO ENSURE YOUR WILL IS BINDING
If you wish to make a change to your Will and are unsure how to go about it, or if you just wish to check whether your current Will is binding, why not talk to the solicitors for Wills here at George Ide.
Our entire team of Wills and Probate solicitors work together to ensure our clients’ best interests are upheld at all times and we can advise on and draw-up documents which will uphold your wishes in the event of death.
We have an office in Chichester where we welcome clients or we are happy to help customers over the phone and through email.
For a comprehensive, dedicated and expert Wills service, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team is ready to help.
George Ide LLP. We're on your sideContact our team
For further information about any of our services or to book a no-obligation consultation, call us on 01243 786668 or email directly at info@georgeide.co.uk.
Client Testimonial
I have worked with George Ide LLP for many years, initially as a support worker but now as a Registered Manager. I have found their brain injury
team, more specifically Paul Fretwell, to be highly efficient, supportive and effective when working alongside me with a very challenging group of clients. Paul and the team at George Ide LLP have secured settlements ranging from £1-6 million and beyond, ensuring financial security and peace of mind for life for the clients and their families.
I have worked closely over many years with Ursula Watt and Stephen Shine in George Ide LLP’s Court of Protection team. I am always impressed by how adaptable and attentive they are in looking after their brain-injured clients who often display challenging behaviour. They are able to communicate in a way our clients understand and work in a very person centered way. They are firm but fair and always have the clients’ best interests at heart. Karl Thompson. Managing Director, THCS Ltd
Paul Fretwell/ Ursula Watt/Steve Shine
Dear Ursula. Many thanks for your fine work in handling my Dad’s estate. My Mother and I feel very fortunate to have been so well looked after, and, as well as being thorough, you have been especially kind in the manner in which you spoke with my mother. I feel confident that I can provide for my Mum’s every need which is just as my father would have wished.
Angela Rider
Ursula Watt
Thank you for your email advising me of the situation. It’s a great relief to know that this is finalised as **** parents are continuing to deteriorate. I’m very grateful to you for the caring and efficient way you dealt with **** herself and for your advice generally and the scale of your fees. I’m glad that we were recommended to you and I will pass on my own recommendations too.
C
Ursula Watt
I am happy for you to continue finalising the Estate .
Many thanks and best wishes to you all, you have made my Sister and my life so much easier with your efficiency.
It has been an emotional time and somewhat chaotic for us both and your company have shown us great kindness and sensitivity throughout and for this we will always be grateful.
Best wishes
Ursula Watt
Shelley and I are most grateful to you for your guidance and most excellent advice in this matter, and we will not hesitate to recommend you and your firm – in fact we have already done so. With kind regards.
Nick Cook
Jan Conrad
I would like to thank Ursula, Jill and Mr Enticott for all your hard work. You did a wonderful job.
Head of Legacies, National Trust
Ursula Watt
Your service with Edna’s legal affairs has been outstanding and it’s been a pleasure to work with such an efficient team. Best wishes and many thanks.
Ken Rimmell
Stephen Shine
I want to take this opportunity to thank you all at George Ide so much, for all the help and support you have given to the family down the years and in particular of course whilst acting for us as professional executor. This is an emotional period for all families I’m sure. It has been no different for us. You have handled everything with consummate professionalism throughout and especially so in our more fractious moments.
Henry Bennett
Ursula Watt
Dear Ursula
I would like to thank you & the team at George Ide LLP for the efficient & sensitive management of Mum’s estate which has made a huge difference to both my sister & I after her death.
Many thanks & Kind regards
Jayne Rogers
Ursula Watt
Dear Jan
We are writing to thank you for your help in drawing up our new Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We were most impressed with the efficiency and friendliness of everyone involved.
Yours sincerely,
Norman and Jane Dicker
Jan Conrad
I found the service really professional and I was glad I instructed George Ide.
Tom Roberts
Ursula Watt. John Standring. Imogen Collier
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jan for her understanding, compassion and sympathy, and the professional approach with the work she carried out on my behalf.
Thank you for your kind words when we spoke on the phone recently. You were so lovely with mum; I know her will was difficult for her because she was too young, but you made the air light and helped her in some small way that was touching.
Jan Conrad
Contact Our Friendly Legal Experts Today
For general enquiries or to discuss more specific needs in personal or commercial law please get in touch with a friendly member of our team today.
Latest News
21st May 2025
How to Contest a Will: Everything You Need to Know
29th April 2025
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – Are you ready for MTD?
14th March 2025
All You Need to Know About Contentious Probate
4th March 2025
Myth busting Mediation - What is it, and how can it help?
26th February 2025
Your Quick Guide to End of Year Tax Planning
26th February 2025
