Our wills and probate solicitors help you plan for the future, protect your assets and provide for the people who matter most. Led by Angela Smith, a member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners (STEP), our team offers clear, fixed fee advice on everything from drafting a straightforward Will to administering complex estates. We also have solicitors accredited by Solicitors for the Elderly, giving us specialist expertise in later life planning, care fee protection and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Whether you need a simple Will, help with probate after a bereavement, or a strategy to reduce your family's inheritance tax exposure, we explain your options in plain English and give you an honest assessment of what you need. We offer home and hospital visits for clients who cannot travel to our offices, and appointments are available across all six of our Greater Manchester offices in Oldham, Ashton, Radcliffe, Stalybridge, Worsley and Newton Heath.
Understanding Wills & Probate: Our Approach
Our wills and probate solicitors understand that every client's situation is unique. We guide you through the complexities of tax planning, care costs, and the ever-evolving legislation landscape.
Whether you are drafting a will, navigating the Court of Protection, or administering an estate, our qualified solicitors bring years of experience to handle your affairs with professionalism and care.
Our Wills and Probate Services
Wills
A properly drafted Will is the single most important thing you can do to protect your family. Without one, the intestacy rules decide who inherits -- and they do not recognise unmarried partners, stepchildren or close friends. Our will writing solicitors offer single Wills from £250 plus VAT, with mirror Wills and more complex trust Wills also available at fixed fees.
Probate and Estate Administration
When someone dies, their estate needs to be dealt with properly, from obtaining the Grant of Probate to valuing assets, settling debts and distributing inheritances. This process can be straightforward or highly complex depending on the size and nature of the estate. Our probate solicitors handle everything from simple grant-only applications to full estate administration involving property, business assets and inheritance tax.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
A Lasting Power of Attorney lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose the capacity to make them yourself. There are two types: one for property and financial affairs, and one for health and welfare. Our solicitors can prepare, check and register your LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Effective inheritance tax planning can significantly reduce the tax your beneficiaries pay on your estate. With the nil-rate band frozen at £325,000 until at least 2030 and significant changes to business and agricultural property reliefs taking effect from April 2026, professional advice has never been more important. Our inheritance tax planning solicitors help you use available exemptions, reliefs and trust structures to protect more of your estate for your family.
Asset Protection and Trusts
Trusts are not just for the wealthy. A well-structured trust can protect your home from care fees, ring-fence assets for your children in the event of remarriage, or provide for a vulnerable family member without affecting their benefits. We set up discretionary trusts, life interest trusts and property protection trusts tailored to your circumstances.
Long-Term Care Planning
The cost of residential care in England can exceed £50,000 a year, and local authorities carry out financial assessments to determine how much you should contribute. Early planning can help protect your assets while ensuring you receive the care you need. We advise on care fee funding, property protection and the rules around deprivation of assets.
Court of Protection and Deputyship
If someone loses mental capacity without having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, you may need to apply to the Court of Protection for a Deputyship Order. This gives you the legal authority to manage their finances or make welfare decisions on their behalf. We handle standard and complex deputyship applications from start to finish.
Living Wills and Advance Decisions
An Advance Decision, sometimes called a Living Will, sets out the medical treatments you would refuse if you were unable to communicate your wishes. It must be carefully drafted to be legally effective. Our solicitors ensure your Advance Decision is clear, unambiguous and properly witnessed.
Deed of Variation
A Deed of Variation allows beneficiaries to redirect part or all of an inheritance within two years of a death. This can reduce inheritance tax, provide for someone who was left out of a Will, or redirect assets into a trust. We advise on whether a variation is appropriate and draft the deed to ensure it is legally effective.
Contesting a Will
If you believe a Will does not reflect the true wishes of the person who made it, or if you were financially dependent on the deceased and have not been adequately provided for, you may have grounds to challenge it. Our litigation team handles Will disputes including claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.
Unmatched Expertise and Personalised Probate Services
- Expertise and Experience: Our team, comprised of members affiliated with the STEP (Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners) and accredited by Solicitors for the Elderly, offers unparalleled expertise in handling your wills and probate needs.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand that no two families are the same. Our solutions are customised to fit your specific circumstances and goals.
- Comprehensive Services: We cover all aspects of wills and probate law, from drafting to estate administration.
- Community Commitment: Our involvement with Age UK Tameside and support for Will Aid and Remember a Charity reflects our commitment to the community.
Our Wills & Probate Team's Expertise
- Angela Smith: As Head of the Department and a STEP member, Angela brings a wealth of knowledge in trusts and estate planning.
- Jill Latimer: Accredited by Solicitors for the Elderly, Jill specialises in issues affecting older clients.
- Jade Hussey: With more than a decade of experience, Jade Hussey is our legal executive who specialises in private client work, including wills, probate, deputyship, and Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of having a will?
Drafting a will is crucial as it ensures the distribution of your assets aligns with your preferences following your death. It offers the reassurance that your estate will be managed according to your directives, securing the future of your loved ones as per your wishes.
How can Garratts assist with estate administration?
Our solicitors have extensive experience in administering both simple and complex estates. We handle all aspects, from valuing assets to distributing them to beneficiaries, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
What services do Garratts offer for later life planning?
We offer comprehensive services for later life planning, including advice on care costs, tax planning, and setting up trusts. Our goal is to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are respected.
Can Garratts help with setting up trusts?
Yes, our team can assist in establishing trusts as part of your estate planning. Trusts can be an effective way to manage your assets, protect your legacy, and provide for your loved ones.
What should I consider when choosing an executor for my will?
Choosing an executor is a significant decision. It's important to select someone who is trustworthy, capable of handling financial matters, and willing to carry out your wishes as specified in your will.
How does the probate process work?
Probate involves the legal process of administering your estate after your death. This includes validating your will, assessing the value of your assets, paying off any debts and taxes, and distributing the remainder to your beneficiaries.
Wills and Probate Fees
