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 mind 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

    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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    an image of someone signing a trust deed close up

    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

    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

    We have used Butcher & Barlow several times over the years and have found them very professional, knowledgeable, approachable and efficient at all times. We recently dealt with Nicola Ashworth. She was very good at understanding our needs and explaining the legal matters to us. We would highly recommend.

    Mr & Mrs Morris

    Outstanding and Sympathetic Service. I initially made contact with Sophie Nicholson in order to seek deputyship powers in respect of my wife who had been admitted to a care home as a result of rapidly deteriorating Alzheimer’s disease. Sadly, my wife passed away before we could complete the process. Sophie then undertook to complete the process of probate on my wife’s will. This has now been completed. Throughout the process I have received outstanding service. Communication has been prompt and clear. I have been treated with the utmost respect and empathy, making a sad and uncomfortable process as painless as possible. I cannot overstate my appreciation of the help I have received.

    Mr D Sparks

    Excellent service from Emily in producing our joint Wills. Emily also suggested Powers of Attorney, which we actioned through Butcher & Barlow. Emily was professional with communication and clear on costs for her services. We are happy to recommend Emily and Butcher & Barlow to friends and relatives.

    J Elaze

    Thorough advice, expertise and subsequent execution in producing my Will.

    N Robinson

    Excellent efficient service from Butcher & Barlow. Sophie was always welcoming and a very good listener. Everything was explained clearly and she always had a lot of time for us. Achieved everything we required in excellent time and no hidden costs. Thoroughly recommend Butcher & Barlow for excellent, efficient, clear and friendly service.

    Thank you so much for all your help you have given us regarding our Will. All the staff, especially you, have been so helpful, kind and friendly towards us. You have put our minds at ease and would certainly recommend Butcher & Barlow.

    Mr & Mrs M Griffiths

    Great advice and efficient . Would use again without hesitation

    Pauline

    Butcher & Barlow provided excellent advice on preparing our Wills. We appreciated the considerable time Helen spent with us. It is reassuring to know that we are legally up to date and in very competent hands.

    Mr and Mrs C

    Following a recommendation from a friend who has been a long standing client, we found Chris Hopkins and his staff very pleasant, friendly and efficient to deal with. The helpful advice and service was much appreciated.

    K Toppig

    Thank you Donna and Diane for your good work in dealing with my late father's estate. I found you both to be efficient, polite, pleasant and timely when dealing with my numerous queries and concerns. I will certainly have no hesitation in recommending Butcher & Barlow to anyone who may have need of the services of a Solicitor.

    Mr M