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Wills, Trusts and Estate Solicitors

At Butcher & Barlow, we understand the importance of planning for your future. We also understand that few people are comfortable thinking about their own mortality and consequently the conversation is difficult to begin. However, once started, that conversation can be a much easier than anticipated and with our guiding hand, you’ll find peace of mine in knowing that your loved ones are protected and provided for.

Our Private Client Team looks after the affairs of individual clients and trustees throughout the North West, from the young couple about to purchase their first house together, to business owners wanting to ensure that their business retains its value after their death. We can help to plan and manage all aspects of your finances, including Wills and Probate, Trusts, and Tax matters, both in life and on death.

We aim to get to know you and your objectives so that we can provide detailed, common-sense legal advice as well as practical assistance, tailored to your situation and needs. With branches across Cheshire and Manchester, our team are all highly-trained and well-regarded to always ensure your matter is dealt with expertly.

Our team are on hand to support you and your family when you need us. If you would like to arrange an appointment, whether by video, telephone of in person, to discuss your requirements, please get in touch with any member of our team. Alternatively, complete our enquiry form we will call you back as soon as possible.

How can we help you?

Whether your situation is simple or complicated, we will listen to your needs and provide tailored advice on the best way to ensure that your loved ones are protected and provided for. You will know what our fees will be from your very first appointment, and there will be no hidden charges for storing or releasing your Will.

If your circumstances change, so too may your needs and requirements in respect of your Will. Marriage revokes a Will so it is vitally important to revisit your Will if you are about to tie the knot.

 

 

We can ensure that your estate is set up in the most tax efficient way, whilst still ensuring that your personal requirements are met and your assets pass to those that you wish to benefit.

Trusts are often used for tax planning purposes as well as the protection of assets for future generations of the family. If our team think this is the best route for you, we will ensure that you fully understanding how a Trust operates, and the benefits which may be obtained as a result of having a Trust in place.

When a loved one passes away, you may be faced with the task of acting as their executor or administrator to deal with their affairs. We understand the stress that this adds to an already difficult and emotional time, especially if you have not received the right advice and support to guide you through the daunting process.

Our Team aims to provide a responsive and proactive service to ensure that the wishes of your loved ones are respected and carried out whilst also making the process as simple and straightforward as possible.

We offer a range of services, tailored to your specific needs, from simply obtaining the Grant of Probate, through to advising on and dealing with a range of tax issues and dealing with the full estate administration, including the calculation and settlement of any Inheritance Tax liability.

For information on our pricing, click here.

As we get older our thoughts often turn to what the future may hold and in particular the possibility of requiring some sort of care services. We provide advice as to the way that the care funding system works, what exemptions are available and the best way to ensure that your assets are protected or maintained for the longest period possible.

Our Dispute Resolution Team can assist with a disputes relating to complex trusts, agricultural arrangements, insolvent estates, actions to the Probate Registry, Court of Protection claims and Inheritance Act disputes. Our focus is on reaching a resolution and we will always explore all options for Alternative Dispute Resolution before deciding whether or not it is necessary to commence court proceedings. Click her to read more

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    Wills

    The Will writing process

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    Wills

    Choosing an Executor

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    Probate

    The probate process

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    Probate

    The Intestacy Rules explained

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    Probate

    Applying for probate: what you need to know

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    Probate

    Probate sales: What executors need to know

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    Tax & Succession Planning

    The Residence Nil Rate Band

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    Tax & Succession Planning

    Gifting property: What you need to know

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    Tax & Succession Planning

    Don’t make HMRC your biggest beneficiary

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    A Guide to Setting up a Trust

    When many of us think of a trust, we would be forgiven for first thinking of large sums of money...

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    Chris Hopkins

    Partner

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    Tim Bailey

    Tim Bailey

    Partner

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    Sam Dale

    Samuel Dale

    Partner

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    Meet the
    Wills, Trusts and Estate Team

    Our people are what makes Butcher & Barlow what it is. Each one of our team is committed to building a solid, long-lasting working relationship with our clients across Bury, Manchester and Cheshire.

    Wills, Trusts and Estates Solicitors Insights

    What our clients say about our Wills, Trusts and Estates Solicitors Service

    Professional service. Sophie Nicholson was very helpful and explained everything I needed to know and consider when drafting my Will. She was also very reassuring. Should I need to make any adjustments in the future, I will only need to call in. I would recommend Butcher & Barlow to anyone needing legal advice.

    M Short

    Butcher & Barlow Solicitors in Sandbach, South Cheshire have recently dealt with both the Conveyancing and assisted with the administration of my mother's estate. I could not recommend them highly enough. They have kept me updated throughout the process and have been extremely helpful. Particularly, the work of Amanda O'Hare and Samuel Dale has been exemplary. I would like to extend my thanks to them both. Anyone requiring a reputable and professional solicitors could not find a better Firm than Butcher & Barlow.

    G Longson

    We recently instructed Butcher & Barlow to write a Will for my 94 year old mother. We arranged a home visit and were visited by Jade Kay. Mum is extremely hard of hearing and Jade was brilliant at communicating with her. Jade was patient and understanding. She explained everything in detail and made sure mum was happy with everything. Excellent service and happy to recommend.

    Miss B

    This is the second time I have had dealings with Butcher & Barlow. The first was to set up Power of Attorney for my Mother, the second was to arrange Grant of Probate following my Mother's death. On both occasions I found Butcher & Barlow to be highly professional and efficient. Remi Kelly was particularly helpful at a time when I was expecting major surgery. I have no hesitation in recommending this Firm.

    Pete

    I am very grateful for your help following the death of my husband. Every member of your staff I came into contact with was professional, efficient and kind. Thank you.

    Mrs LJB

    Thank you for all your hard work on mine and Lesley's behalf over the last year. To say that we appreciate everything that you have done for us is an understatement. You took all the hard work away from us when we were vulnerable and grieving, and we will always be grateful.

    PP

    Jade at Butcher & Barlow helped us with the process of applying for Deputyship for a family member. From the outset, the whole process and fees were explained fully to us. We were kept informed throughout the whole process and would recommend Butcher & Barlow in the future.

    J & M

    We would highly recommend Butcher & Barlow, especially Helen for completing our Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney for both Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare. Helen has specialised in these services for many years. Her professional and friendly manner and expertise enabled us to use her knowledge and experience to fully understand the many complications and alternatives we needed to consider. Helen afforded us as much time and courtesy to understand each aspect of our financial considerations and particularly our health and welfare, which is often controlled by doctors and not ones family, which many people do not understand. Helen has enabled us to have that important control. We are delighted to have peace of mind.

    Mr M C

    The team at Butcher & Barlow are a perfect example of synergy. The communication and professionalism of its employees are outstanding. Right down from the legal team through to the reception team, who are as equally impressive. They are friendly and warm but remain professional and straight to the point – translating the intricate details of a complex legal system into a language I can easily understand. Their legal knowledge, speed at which they work, meticulous attention to detail, communication between the departments and ability to think outside of the box are truly impressive, so I feel confident that all aspects of my business are totally safe in their hands. So far, I have employed the services of their phenomenally tough and brilliant Dispute Resolution Department, the extremely detailed and fast Commercial Property Department, and also their Wills, Contracts and HR departments who leave no stone unturned, protecting my future and mitigating any unforeseen events. Somehow, they have the ability to be succinct, yet provide a vast amount of pertinent information without waffling. They have always provided regular email updates which sum up the situation, reiterate what has been said, and then clearly state 'the next steps or options to choose from.' Brilliant. Amazingly, there has never been a spelling mistake or error in all the vast communication we’ve had over the past few years. If ever they propose any work, they always confirm the cost and ensure that I am happy to proceed first. I will never, ever go to any other solicitors’ firm - I have used many other solicitors throughout my life and none even come close to the ability, legal knowledge and meticulous attention to detail that Butcher and Barlow offer. Their professionalism is second to none. When I first established my business, I will never forget my Bank Manager advising that I ‘invest’ in good accountants or solicitors since they are “worth their weight in gold and ultimately save you money in the long run.” He was dead right.

    Debbie

    Myself and partner were involved with another firm of solicitors for approximately two years. We had an absolute nightmare with them. Nothing was moving forward and solicitor involved would not respond to calls or give any updates. Time was of the essence as my partner had alzheimers. We took the decision to speak to Alex Williams after she was referred to us by a family friend. After speaking to Alex, we decided to move everything over to Butcher & Barlow. Alex very kindly agreed to take on a very complex case that had been ongoing for approximately two years. Alex kept us updated every step of the way and had achieved more in first couple of months than that of the other solicitor in two years. Alex was very easy to speak to and very understanding of our circumstances. Alex showed compassion to my partner and would always involve him with any discussion/decisions when we met in person. Alex would always show patience when he wasn't having his best days. I would always get a response to my calls and emails, no matter the query, and without fail. Alex made our life a little easier when she agreed to take us on as clients. I trusted Alex to do what needed to be done, and I could concentrate on looking after my partner. Sadly after some time, my partner passed from alzheimers. Even then, Alex came to our home with flowers, a card, even a big hug and to pass on her condolences. She didn't have to do that but it just shows the type of person she is..... I'm extremely grateful to Alex and all the staff at Butcher & Barlow for everything, but most of all, for being understanding and patient of Billy's needs. I highly recommend Alex and those at Butcher & Barlow, so much so, I am a client again with Philip who is dealing with different matters. I don't think I could use another firm now, especially after all the trouble we had previously.

    Carole

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