What happens to my house if something happens to me? Will my partner be looked after? What if I can’t manage my own affairs one day?
These aren’t easy questions to think about. Most of us put them off for years. But getting things in order doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful, and once it’s done, it’s a weight off your shoulders.
At Hill and Company, we’ve been helping families in Altrincham and across South Manchester and Cheshire create and update their Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney for over 170 years.
We aren’t another faceless city firm. We’re your local high street solicitors, based in Altrincham town centre. We take the time to sit down with you, explain things properly, and answer every question, no matter how small.
If getting to us is a challenge, we’ll come to you. We offer home visits throughout Cheshire and South Manchester, and we’re used to working with older clients and families who need a little bit more time and patience.
Our Private Client team is Law Society accredited for Wills and Inheritance quality, so you know your affairs are in safe hands.
A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It ensures your property, savings and personal possessions go to the people you choose – and that your loved ones are looked after in line with your wishes.
Without a valid Will, the law decides who inherits from you. This might not reflect your wishes and can create unnecessary stress for your family during an already difficult time.
Our Will writing solicitors in Altrincham can help you with:
- Simple Wills for individuals and couples
- Mirror Wills for married couples and partners
- Estate planning to reduce Inheritance Tax
- Trusts within Wills to protect assets for future generations (for standalone trusts, see our Trusts & Tax Planning service
- Reviewing and updating existing Wills
- Advice on making provision for children and dependants
Life changes (marriages, divorces, new grandchildren or moving house) can all affect your Will. We recommend reviewing your Will every few years or after any major life event to make sure it still reflects your wishes.
A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to make them yourself, whether through illness, an accident, or in later life.
Many people assume their spouse or children will automatically be able to manage their affairs if something happens. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.
Without an LPA in place, your family may have to apply to the Court of Protection, which is a process that can be lengthy, expensive and stressful.
There are two types of LPA:
- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – Gives your attorney authority to manage your finances, pay bills, deal with your bank, handle pensions and make decisions about your home or other property. This can be used while you still have mental capacity (for instance, if mobility issues make it difficult to get to the bank) or only once you lose capacity. The choice is yours.
- Health and Welfare LPA – Allows your attorney to make decisions about things like medical treatment, where you live, your day-to-day care and daily routine. This type of LPA can only be used once you lack the capacity to make these decisions yourself.
We strongly recommend putting both types of LPA in place. An LPA must be made while you have the mental capacity to understand what you’re signing. By the time you need one, it may be too late to create one.
Our LPA solicitors in Altrincham have extensive experience helping elderly and vulnerable clients across Cheshire and South Manchester. We take the time to explain everything clearly and can arrange home visits if attending our office is not practical.
- Over 170 years of experience serving families in Altrincham and across Cheshire
- Law Society accredited for Wills and Inheritance quality
- Home visits available throughout Cheshire and South Manchester
- Clear, fixed-fee pricing for straightforward Wills and LPAs
- A friendly, approachable team who take the time to listen and explain
- We can act as your professional executor if needed
We believe in being upfront about costs. For straightforward Wills and LPAs, we offer fixed fees so you know exactly what you’re paying from the outset.
Fixed-fee services:
- Simple Wills
- Mirror Wills for couples
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (per document)
- Codicils (legal document allowing for Will amendments)
- Severance of joint tenancies
- General Powers of Attorney
For more complex estate planning or Wills involving trusts, we will provide a custom estimate based on your circumstances.
Government registration fee for LPAs: There is a £92 fee payable to the Office of the Public Guardian to register each LPA.
Wills and LPAs FAQ
Do I need a Will if I’m married?
Yes. Many people assume everything automatically passes to their spouse, but this is not always the case, especially if you have children from a previous relationship, own property jointly, or have significant assets.
Without a Will, intestacy rules apply and your estate may not be divided as you would expect. A will ensures your spouse, children and anyone else you want to benefit are properly provided for.
How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney cost?
The cost of setting up an LPA varies depending on complexity. At Hill and Company, we offer fixed fees for straightforward LPAs. There is also an £92 government registration fee per LPA payable to the Office of the Public Guardian. We can provide a personalised quote for your circumstances, just get in touch.
Can I make an LPA if I have dementia?
It depends on the stage. You must have the mental capacity to create an LPA, meaning you understand what an LPA is, what powers you’re giving, and the consequences.
In the early stages of dementia, many people can still make a valid LPA with proper support. Our solicitors are experienced in working with elderly and vulnerable clients and can assess whether an LPA is still possible. If you’re concerned, it is best to act sooner rather than later.
What is the difference between a Will and an LPA?
A Will only takes effect after you die. It says who inherits your property and possessions.
An LPA takes effect while you’re still alive. It allows someone you trust to manage your affairs if you become unable to do so yourself. They serve different purposes and ideally you should have both.
Do you offer home visits for Will writing in Altrincham?
Yes. We understand that visiting our office is not always practical, especially if you have mobility issues or caring responsibilities.
We offer home visits across Altrincham, Cheshire and South Manchester. Just let us know when you get in touch and we will arrange a convenient time.
How often should I review my Will?
We recommend reviewing your Will every three to five years, or sooner if your circumstances change. Getting married or divorced, having children or grandchildren, buying or selling property, or changes to your finances can all affect your Will.
If in doubt, contact us.
Contact Our Wills Solicitors in Altrincham
Whether you need a simple Will, want to set up Lasting Powers of Attorney, or have questions about estate planning, our friendly team is here to help. We’re based in Altrincham town centre and offer home visits across Cheshire and South Manchester.
We’re the law firm for life – here for the big moments, the difficult decisions, and everything in between.
