Private Client

Adcocks has built a reputation over the last 100 years for providing high quality advice to private individuals on all aspects of wealth management, asset protection and tax planning. We pride ourselves on the level of service we can offer, and do not simply rely on our established name. We advise in the following key areas:

Wills & Probate
Powers of Attorney
Court of Protection
Tax and Estates Planning

Wills & Probate

Adcocks has been drafting wills and dealing with the administration of estates since the practice was first established over 100 years ago. We have a wealth of experience in this department which is matched by the most up to date computer software. We provide a range of services including-:

Bespoke will writing
Filing of inheritance tax returns
Obtaining grants of probate
Administration of estates including making practical arrangement for the sale and distribution of assets
Contentious probate
Intestacy
Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Families and Dependants) Act 1975

At Adcocks we understand how easy it is to put off making a will. We also know the consequences of failing to make a will before it is too late. It is estimated that 60% of the population of England and Wales does not have a will. When a person dies without leaving a will (known as being ‘intestate’), the law intervenes and determines entitlement to assets. Although the law does make provision for spouses and other relatives, it is unlikely that assets will be distributed exactly as the deceased would have intended. The only way that assets can be distributed in accordance with your wishes is to leave a valid and up to date will. We regularly receive instructions to administer intestate estates which are often much more complicated and contentious than instances when a will has been left. For peace of mind and to avoid any dispute we urge you to make a will as soon as possible. We offer a free consultation and can often complete the will writing process in as little as 7 days

Remember even if you have already made a will it is sensible to have it reviewed if it is more than three years old. Your circumstances may have changed substantially. For example, a lot of people are unaware that marriage and divorce revoke any will which you may have made.

If you are disabled or would find it difficult to attend one of our offices, we can easily arrange to visit you at home. Contact Kerry Davies by telephone on 01543 442100 or by e-mail at kd@adcocks.com

Court of Protection/Powers of Attorney

There may come a time in life when you are no longer able to make decisions about your healthcare and financial arrangements. If so it is essential that someone you trust makes important decisions on your behalf, by acting as your attorney either solely or jointly with another trusted person. Authority to take decisions in this way is normally granted by way of a Power of Attorney. There are different types of Powers of Attorney depending on the capacity of the person giving the power and the nature of the decisions which they wish to delegate. Adcocks can advise on the types of powers which are available and which is appropriate in any particular situation.

We are also specialists in dealing with the affairs of people who lack mental capacity. We are able to apply to the Court of Protection to appoint a deputy to make a decisions on a person’s behalf where no power of attorney exists. Both Mark Adcock and Kerry Davies frequently act as professional Attorneys and Court of Protection Deputies where clients are unable to manage their own affairs and both have extensive experience in this area.

Please contact Kerry Davies on 01543 442100 or email at kd@adcocks.com for further information.

Tax & Estates Planning

In view of the ongoing reforms of tax legislation it is essential that you keep your tax affairs under constant review. We are able to provide strategic tax consultancy to private clients to ensure their assets and investments are as tax efficient as possible. In particular we offer the following services:

Inheritance Tax Planning
Capital Gains Tax
Taxation of Estates

We have close links with qualified wealth advisors who can provide investment and pensions advice suited to your needs. We ensure that your tax affairs are in good order and that you do not pay more tax than you need to.

For further useful information and advice on the avoidance of inheritance tax, please click this link to the UK Care Guide website.