Wills, Trusts and Probate

Our Private Client Team has built up considerable experience in relation to wills and the administration of estates. Probate is an area of law in which the highest degree of sensitivity and confidentiality is required and we are proud of the service we offer to our clients in this respect.

We charge on a fixed-fee basis, and offer a one third discount when a legacy is left to a charity supported by our charity wills scheme. Charities included in the scheme are Keech Hospice Care, Friends of Luton and Dunstable Hospitals, and the St Albans Cathedral Trust.

Our specialist team appreciates the sadness which accompanies the death of a close family member or friend and the uncertainty surrounding the steps that need to be taken. Very often the legal issues are complex. We pride ourselves on being sympathetic and understanding while dealing with the administration of the estate as efficiently and practically as possible.

We are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and are recognised as being able to give expert advice. We regularly advise private individuals, couples, family businesses, trustees and beneficiaries on a variety of topics relating to:

• Wills

• Trusts

• Probate

• Inheritance Tax planning

• Powers of Attorney

Legal Advice for the Older Person

Machins has access to expertise in all matters of concern to our older clients. We are affiliated with independent financial advisors and associated with accountants, and together work as a team to offer advice on the following:

• Wills and Inheritance Tax planning

• Lasting Powers of Attorney (to enable your family to help deal with your finances)

• Court of Protection and deputyship (where you are not able to obtain a lasting power of attorney)

• Trust advice, creation and management

• Probate advice and administration

• Protection of your assets

• Accountancy, inheritance and tax advice.

• Advice about benefits.

We are also happy to advise on care home contracts and can help you choose the right care home. We are able to help you plan and pay for your care and will advise on funding if needed. We can explain the free nursing care component and NHS funding and assist you to challenge incorrect funding assessments.

We are on the panel of legal advisors with the non-profit making organisation Care Aware, which specialises in helping the elderly. We are also members of Solicitors for the Elderly and can provide the following range of information sheets at our offices:

• Lasting powers of attorney

• Registering a lasting power of attorney

• Information to assist personal representatives

• Benefits: What are you entitled to?

• Nursing home fees: Local Authority and NHS funding

If you are house bound, in hospital or in a care home, you might wish to make use of our free home visit service. Our offices have facilities for disabled people, including wheelchair access, a car park, lift and toilets.

Meet the Team

Nic Pestell - Department Head
Email: Nic.Pestell@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514332

Nigel Gibson-Birch - Associate Solicitor
Email: Nigel.Gibson-Birch@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514361

Lydia Housden - Solicitor
Email: Lydia.Housden@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514335

Gemma Dilley - Solicitor
Email: Gemma.Dilley@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514365

Josie Birnie - Solicitor
Email: Josie.Birnie@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514372

Nicki Denton-Masih - Solicitor
Email: Nicki.Denton-Masih@Machins.co.uk
DDI: 01582 514365

Contact our Private Client Team on 01582 514332 or email us at Probate@Machins.co.uk