Wills and Probate

People live complicated lives. They may own assets abroad or live outside the UK, they may need to look after the affairs of others who have lost mental capacity. These are difficult issues when planning for succession, making wills and administering estates. They need experts to help them make decisions to produce the right outcomes for them and their families.

At Forsters, we have legal experts in drafting and interpreting wills and probate. We help:

  • with estate planning in more than one jurisdiction where assets are owned abroad or people are domiciled outside the UK but have interests here. We have a thorough understanding of the effects of competing legal systems on succession and frequently collaborate with foreign lawyers to produce the right result for our clients
  • where a person can no longer make a will because of a lack of mental capacity. We can manage the application to the court for the making of a statutory will. We also advise on related matters, such as lasting powers of attorney and deputyship orders
  • when someone dies. Our expert probate lawyers help the executors undertake the process of administering the estate and fulfilling the terms of the will. Where someone has died without a valid will, we will obtain letters of administration and guide the administrator through what can be a complicated process. We also deal with post-death restructuring, drawing up deeds of variations and appointments under discretionary wills, whenever the family's needs or wishes require them.

Forsters' Wills and Probate practice is ranked as top tier in the Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate section of the Legal 500 UK 2020.

Forsters' Private Client practice is top ranked in the latest editions of The Chambers HNW Guide.

View our Probate Pricing Information

Forsters' Tax, Trusts and Probate team is top ranked in the Legal 500 2022


The Life Cycle of Family Wealth

From growing a business to starting a family or handing over control of that business to the next generation, every individual has their own goals to aspire to. Our Private Wealth lawyers advise our clients throughout this family life cycle, providing the legal advice required for specific transactions such as purchasing a home or selling a business, whilst also advising on the long-term opportunities for succession and estate planning.

Forsters' Private Wealth - The Life Cycle of Family Wealth logo


Private Client 2021 - Lexology - Getting The Deal Through

In Lexology Getting the Deal Through's Private Client 2021 guide, Forsters' Private Wealth team have outlined the important estate planning issues that international clients need to consider if they wish to invest in or come to the UK.

A busy international motorway scene from above


How to make a will during this period of lockdown, social distancing and self-isolation

The social restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated tasks that would have been simple only a few weeks ago. One such task is the making of a will, which must now be done in a way that takes account of the need for social distancing while also complying with the law.

How to make a will during this period of lockdown, social distancing and self-isolation


Our Insights

"The team is acutely aware of the business needs of the organisation and adopts an excellent, no-fuss approach. We always get a quick but considered response comprised of clear and practical advice."
Chambers Guide, 2023
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