I joined the Probate Team at Shentons in 2022 as a paralegal after completing my law degree. Since starting, my perception of the work that probate solicitors do has completely shifted. At university, we barely scratched the surface on the invaluable work and support that lawyers can offer their clients in this area. Seeing first hand the impact that having the right Will, with the right Trusts can do for a client’s peace of mind has been extremely rewarding.

Details of the below case study have been changed to protect the privacy of our clients.

In a recent case that I worked on with Senior Legal Executive, Lisa Warriner, Ben and Sarah, a married couple in their 60’s, ask us to write their Wills. They didn’t currently have Wills as their recent marriage had revoked them, they owned various properties both together and separately and had children from previous marriages. When they came to us they were at a loss about how to protect their joint interests and their children in the event of their deaths.

We set out a variety of options with different types of trusts and explained all of the options clearly, without jargon, so that they could make the right decision for them. Sarah was concerned as she was a few years older than Ben and wanted to make sure both her husband and her adult children were adequately supported in any eventuality.

We were able to build a simple structure that worked for all of their needs, we used a Life Interest Trust that would allow their children to each own part of their home but protected the rights of the surviving partner to live in the house.

Our clients were able to leave our office with the confidence that their wishes will be fulfilled and their loved ones supported in the event of their deaths.