Premier Solicitors Private Client

23/09/2026

✍️ "I'll get round to it."

The most common thing people say about making a will, and the reason so many families end up dealing with an estate that doesn't reflect what their loved one actually wanted.

This October, there's one less reason to put it off 👇

🗓️ Premier Solicitors is taking part in Free Wills Month.

👥 If you are aged 55 or over, you can have a simple will written or updated by a qualified solicitor, free of charge. For couples making mirror wills, only one of you needs to have reached 55.

❤️ The campaign is funded by charities including Guide Dogs, Mind, Age UK, Mencap, The Royal British Legion, Breast Cancer Now and Dogs Trust, in the hope that some people will choose to leave a gift in their will. It is entirely your decision. There is no obligation to leave anything at all, and the will is yours either way.

📌 Worth doing if you have never made a will, if yours predates a marriage, divorce, house move or grandchildren, or if the executors you named years ago are no longer the right people.

📄 The campaign covers simple wills, which is what most people need. If your circumstances turn out to be more complex, we will tell you clearly what is involved and what it would cost before anything goes ahead. No surprises.

⏱️ One thing to know. Appointments are limited and allocated first come, first served. Campaigns often close before the end of the month, so booking early matters.

📅 Bookings open at 9am on Thursday 1 October 2026.

🔗 https://lnkd.in/gFrj-XU

Free Wills Month

02/06/2026

🎉 We're incredibly proud to share some wonderful news from Will Aid 2025.

Premier Solicitors has been recognised as the third highest donating firm in the Home Counties and, even more remarkably, we have now surpassed £170,000 raised for Will Aid since we first took part in this extraordinary campaign.

That milestone doesn't belong to us alone. It belongs to every client who chose to give a charitable donation in place of a will-writing fee, every one of our talented solicitors who gave their time and expertise, and every member of our team who has championed this cause year after year.

Will Aid is about so much more than wills. It's about reminding people that the act of putting their wishes in writing protecting the people they love can also change the lives of others. Nine incredible charities benefit from every pound raised, and knowing that our work contributes to that is something we carry with enormous pride.

To everyone who has been part of this journey with us: thank you.

We look forward to continuing to make a difference, one will at a time. 💙

Press release in comments 👇

31/01/2026

We're delighted to announce the acquisitions of Norfolk Will Writing, Notary Express, Will & Probate Partnership, and Waller Pollins Goldstein! 🚀

This strategic move substantially reinforces our position as a leading provider of probate and estate administration services throughout the UK, strengthening our market presence in an increasingly fragmented sector.

💬 Our Chief Revenue Officer, David Masterton comments:

"We're thrilled to complete our first acquisitions of 2026, which mark an important chapter in Premier Solicitors' strategic development. Whilst Premier Solicitors does not currently operate as a high-volume will-writing or estate planning firm and has no immediate plans to position ourselves in that particular market segment, these strategic acquisitions are perfectly aligned with our core business objectives.

They include a substantial client database and a significant volume of stored wills, which directly supports our strategy to enhance and increase the flow of probate and estate administration instructions into the firm. This in turn supports our customers and firm through our wider full-service law firm capability.

Furthermore, this strengthens our position as the second-largest probate provider in the United Kingdom by volume, behind only Co-op Legal Services.

The probate market remains highly fragmented, with the top five providers collectively accounting for less than 15% of the total professional probate application volume annually. This fragmentation presents significant potential for further consolidation, and we remain committed to pursuing strategic acquisitions that align with our values and enhance our service offering to clients."

🗨️ From Jamie Playford FABRP MIPA, Founder & Director of Leading Business Recovery:

"From my very first discussions with David, it became clear that Premier Solicitors was unquestionably the best home for our valued clients and their interests. The firm offers not only the reassurance and comfort of a full-service law firm capability, but also the professional expertise and resources that our clients deserve and expect.

Throughout this entire process, I have been genuinely impressed by David and the wider Premier team's approachability, flexibility, openness, and integrity. Their commitment to ensuring a seamless transition has been exemplary, and it has been a pleasure working with such professional and personable individuals.

This is an exciting time for everyone involved, and I very much look forward to supporting and facilitating a smooth transition that prioritises the needs of clients whilst maintaining the high standards of service they have come to expect. I'm confident that this partnership will deliver excellent outcomes for all parties."

Thanks also to Rakash Mattu & Sunil Kambli for their support with bringing these deals to completion.

25/11/2025

As the festive season approaches, it’s vital to be aware of potential scams hidden amongst the surge of online shopping, deliveries and donations this time of year brings.

Take a moment to protect yourself and vulnerable people around you by knowing what to look out for this Christmas.

Here are some trusted places to find advice, tools and training to help you stay scam-smart this season:

• Stop, hang up, call 159: An initiative from Stop Scams UK; if you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or details, hang up and call 159 to speak directly to your bank.

• Age UK Scams Prevention and Support: tailored advice for older people, with information guides and awareness sessions. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/programmes/how-we-deliver-advice/scams-prevention-and-support-programme/

• The Little Book of Big Scams: Produced by the Metropolitan Police, this resource is designed to help make you aware of the latest and most prolific scams. Download here: https://nbcc.police.uk/crime-prevention/cyber-and-fraud/little-book-of-big-scams-fifth-edition

• Action Fraud: The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, with up-to-date resources and alerts: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/resources

18/11/2025

⚠️ LPA Fees Just Jumped 12.2% – Here's What You Need to Know

Bad news for anyone who's been putting off their Lasting Power of Attorney...

As of 17 November 2025, registering an LPA now costs £92 per document (up from £82). That means couples setting up both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare LPAs are paying an extra £40 just in registration fees.

And it's not stopping there. Government fees across the board are climbing:

Court of Protection applications: up 13.1% in just 11 months
Land Registry charges: nearly doubled
Probate fees: up from £273 to £300

Why does this matter to YOU? 🤔

Without LPAs in place, if you lose mental capacity, your family faces a much more difficult path:

❌ Longer delays
❌ Higher costs
❌ Less certainty
❌ Court of Protection applications required

LPAs give YOU control – you choose who makes decisions about your finances and health if you can't. For financial matters, your attorneys can even help you sooner if you wish.
The clock is ticking ⏰

With fees rising and another increase likely on the horizon, waiting will only cost you more.

Premier Solicitors can help you:

✅ Draft your LPAs correctly
✅ Tailor them to your specific needs
✅ Register them without errors
✅ Avoid costly mistakes and delays

Don't wait for the next fee hike. Protect your wishes and your family's future today.

📞 Contact Kyle Wren
☎️ 01234 800 086
📧 [email protected]

06/11/2025

Estate disputes don't just divide assets — they can fracture families. 💔

Contentious probate cases are among the most emotionally charged legal matters I encounter. When families are already grieving, disagreements over Wills, asset distribution, or executor conduct can quickly escalate into devastating conflicts.

What triggers these disputes?

The most common issues include challenges to a Will's validity (lack of capacity, undue influence, or improper ex*****on), ambiguous Will language that leads to conflicting interpretations, executor misconduct or mismanagement of estate assets, and claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 by family members or dependents who feel inadequately provided for.

One of our Private Client Director's, Emma Charlton, emphasises: "These disputes can be particularly distressing for families already coping with loss. Having an early understanding of the potential causes and legal remedies available can prevent conflicts from escalating."

A cautionary note: If you're concerned about an estate, a Caveat can be applied to halt administration while irregularities are investigated. However, contentious probate can become expensive — with legal fees, court costs, and expert witness expenses mounting quickly.

Prevention is always better than cure. Clear, professionally drafted Wills that are regularly updated, transparent communication with family members about estate plans, and consideration of all potential beneficiaries and dependents can dramatically reduce the risk of post-death disputes.

If you're involved in estate planning or facing a probate dispute, early expert advice can make all the difference — both financially and emotionally.

Read our full guide on contentious probate: https://www.premiersolicitors.co.uk/blog/what-is-contentious-probate

Is someone contesting your inheritance? Unsure about what contentious probate means? This blog explains what it is and how it can impact your loved ones' estate.

04/11/2025

Probate vs. Estate Administration: What's the Difference? 🏛️

When a loved one passes away, you're already dealing with grief—the last thing you need is confusion over legal terminology.

Many people use "probate" and "estate administration" interchangeably, but they're actually different stages of the same journey. Understanding the distinction can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

Here's what you need to know:

✅ Probate = The legal validation of a Will, giving the Executor authority to act on the deceased's behalf

✅ Estate Administration = The entire process of managing the estate—from valuing assets and paying debts to distributing inheritances

Think of probate as the key that unlocks the door. Estate administration is everything that happens once you're inside.

If you've been named an Executor or Administrator, your responsibilities include:

→ Securing and valuing all assets
→ Applying for Grant of Probate (or Letters of Administration)
→ Paying outstanding debts and taxes
→ Distributing assets to beneficiaries

The process can take months—sometimes over a year—depending on the estate's complexity.

As Gary Kiely, who is one of our Private Client Directors puts it: "Effective estate administration requires careful organisation, clear communication with beneficiaries, and accurate record-keeping. Executors must balance compassion with diligence."

The bottom line? While straightforward estates can be handled independently, seeking professional guidance ensures legal compliance and protects everyone involved—especially during an already difficult time.

📖 Read our full guide to probate and estate administration:

Learn more about what probate and estate administration is, as well as how to apply for it.

30/10/2025

Accessing a Child Trust Fund for a Young Person Without Capacity? Let Us Help.

If your child or a young person in your care lacks the mental capacity to manage their own money, you may need a Court of Protection order to access their Child Trust Fund (CTF).

This process can feel overwhelming — but our expert team at Premier Solicitors is here to take the pressure off you.

What You Need to Know
• Children born between 1st September 2002 and 2nd January 2011 likely have a CTF account in their name.
• If they cannot manage money themselves due to a learning disability or other condition deeming to not have the capacity to manage their property and financial affairs, you cannot access those funds without legal authority — even as a parent.
• The solution? A Court of Protection application.

We’ll Handle the Whole Process for You
Our specialist team will:
• Assess whether a deputyship or one-off order is right
• Obtain the required mental capacity report
• Prepare all legal documents and court forms (COP1, COP1A, COP3 etc.)
• Ensure interested parties are notified properly
• Apply for fee exemption if eligible
• Keep you updated every step of the way

Save Time. Avoid Stress. Get Peace of Mind.
The Court of Protection process involves strict legal steps and missing one can cause delays. With Premier Solicitors, you’ll have a dedicated legal team ensuring your application is completed accurately and efficiently.

Get in touch today for a free initial consultation with our friendly CoP team — and let us help you secure access to the funds your child deserves.
• Call us: 01234 481060
• Email: [email protected]

29/10/2025

What is Contentious Probate? 💡

When family disputes meet estate administration, emotions can run high. 🏛️

Contentious probate disputes are more common than you might think—and they can quickly escalate when grieving families disagree over Wills, asset distribution, or Executor conduct.

Key issues that trigger disputes:

✔️ Challenges to Will validity (lack of capacity, undue influence, forgery)

✔️ Ambiguous Will language leading to interpretation conflicts

✔️ Claims under the Inheritance Act 1975 for inadequate provision

✔️ Executor mismanagement or breach of fiduciary duties

✔️ Intestacy disagreements when there's no valid Will

The cost and emotional toll can be significant—but early expert legal advice can help navigate these complex situations and explore efficient resolution paths like mediation.

Proactive estate planning with clear, legally sound Wills is your best defence against future disputes.

Want to understand more about contentious probate and how to protect your estate? Read our comprehensive guide: https://www.premiersolicitors.co.uk/blog/what-is-contentious-probate

Need expert assistance? Premier Solicitors offers specialist support in both contentious and non-contentious probate matters.

📞 01234 358 080

Is someone contesting your inheritance? Unsure about what contentious probate means? This blog explains what it is and how it can impact your loved ones' estate.

22/10/2025

Advance care planning: How we can help you plan for the future

It’s something to celebrate that more people enjoy longer lives these days, but it also brings with it the challenge of planning for future care needs.

Advance care planning is about preparing for the possibility that you or your loved ones may need care in the future, and doing so in a way that ensures dignity, control, and peace of mind.

But how do you begin such an important and often overwhelming process? That’s where seeking specialist legal advice can make a real difference.

Why advance care planning matters

Living longer often means an increased likelihood of needing medical or social care later in life. Whether this care is provided at home, in a care home, or through NHS - funded services, the costs involved can be significant - both emotionally and financially.

Without proper planning, families can face:
🤔 Confusion over care funding eligibility
😖Stress navigating local authority assessments
💷 Unexpected costs or care home contract issues
⏲ Delays or denials in support from NHS Continuing Healthcare

These decisions often arise suddenly, during times of stress or illness. Having a robust, forward - thinking plan in place can spare your family uncertainty and distress when it matters most.

What support is available?
You may be eligible for local authority contributions, NHS Continuing Healthcare, and even care - specific annuities to help cover the cost of long - term care. This can be a vital source of
relief, but applying for it is far from simple. The application process is complex and involves lengthy forms, strict documentation requirements, and often, multiple assessments.

Unfortunately, many people give up or delay applying due to the overwhelming nature of the process - or worse, they make errors that result in funding being denied or delayed.