Wills, Trusts & Probate Solicitors

Planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and the people you love. Whether you’re putting a Will in place, navigating the administration of a loved one’s estate, or protecting your assets for the next generation, having the right legal support makes all the difference.

We understand that these matters are often deeply personal. At Chattertons, our Wills, trusts and probate solicitors work with individuals and families across Lincolnshire, the East Midlands and London, providing practical, compassionate guidance at every stage.

Our private client team offers support across a wide range of matters, including:

• Wills
• Probate and estate administration
• Trusts and asset protection
• Lasting powers of attorney
• Court of protection
• Inheritance tax planning
• Contested Wills and probate
• Care home fee planning
• Property gifts and transfers
• Corporate lasting power of attorney

Speak to our Wills and probate solicitors today

You can contact our local Wills, trusts and probate teams in Boston, Bourne, Grantham, Horncastle, Lincoln, London, Newark, Sleaford, Spalding or Stamford.

To ask a question or request a call back at a time that suits you, please complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.

Our Wills, trusts and probate services

Wills

A professionally drafted Will is the clearest way to ensure your wishes are legally protected after you die. Without one, the rules of intestacy apply and your estate may not be distributed as you intend.

Our Wills solicitors advise on all types of Will, from straightforward arrangements to more complex Wills involving trusts, business assets or overseas property. We take time to understand your circumstances, explain your options in plain English and draft a Will that fully reflects your intentions.

You can start your Will online using our secure questionnaire, or speak with one of our solicitors for Wills at your local office.

Probate and estate administration

When someone dies, their estate usually needs to go through the probate process before it can be distributed to beneficiaries. This involves applying for a grant of probate, or letters of administration where there’s no Will, collecting assets, settling debts and tax liabilities, and transferring what remains to those entitled.

Acting as an executor can be time-consuming and emotionally difficult, particularly when you’re grieving. Our probate solicitors can manage the entire process on your behalf, or provide as much or as little support as you need. We handle every estate with care, efficiency and complete transparency over costs.

If you’d like help with probate or estate administration, please get in touch.

Trusts and asset protection

Trusts are a powerful tool for protecting family wealth, managing assets for vulnerable beneficiaries and planning for inheritance tax. Our trust solicitors advise on a range of arrangements, including discretionary trusts, property protection trusts and family trusts.

We also offer professional trustee services through Chattertons Trustee Corporation, providing a seamless, continuous service for trust and estate management. Whether you need a trust set up as part of your estate plan or ongoing administration support, we’ll guide you clearly throughout.

Lasting powers of attorney

A lasting power of attorney (LPA) allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one covering property and financial affairs, and one covering health and welfare.

Without an LPA in place, your loved ones may face significant legal difficulties when managing your affairs. Our power of attorney solicitors advise on both types, guide you through the registration process and help you choose the right attorneys for your circumstances. Planning ahead gives you, and your family, genuine peace of mind.

Court of Protection

If someone has already lost the capacity to manage their affairs and no LPA is in place, an application to the Court of Protection may be required to appoint a deputy to act on their behalf.

Our court of protection solicitors have specialist experience in deputyship applications and ongoing compliance with court supervision requirements. We approach every case sensitively and work hard to resolve matters as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Inheritance tax planning

Unless further relief is available Inheritance tax (IHT) is charged at 40% on the value of an estate above the nil rate band of £325,000. For many families, IHT represents a significant financial concern, but there are legitimate strategies that can reduce or eliminate the liability.

Our team advises on a wide range of IHT planning options, including gifting strategies, available exemptions and reliefs, and the use of trusts to pass wealth in a tax-efficient way. We work closely with our Chattertons Wealth Management colleagues to ensure your plan is coordinated, practical and tailored to your long-term goals.

Contesting a Will and disputed estates

Disagreements over a Will or estate can arise for many reasons: concerns about the validity of a Will, disputes over the distribution of assets, or claims that adequate financial provision hasn’t been made under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

Our contentious probate solicitors are experienced in all aspects of disputed estates, from initial negotiation through to court proceedings where necessary. We always explore mediation and settlement options first, with the aim of resolving matters as quickly and as amicably as possible.

To discuss a potential dispute, please contact our team.

Care home fee planning

The cost of residential care can place a significant financial burden on families, and many people are understandably concerned about what it means for the assets they’ve built over a lifetime.

We provide clear, practical advice on care home fee planning, helping you understand your options at an early stage. Taking proactive steps sooner rather than later can make a meaningful difference to what you’re able to preserve for your family.

Property gifts and transfers

Transferring ownership of a property, whether as a gift to a family member or as part of a wider estate plan, carries important legal and tax implications. Our solicitors ensure transfers are carried out correctly and that you fully understand any potential tax consequences before proceeding.

Corporate lasting power of attorney

For business owners, a corporate lasting power of attorney ensures that your organisation can continue to operate without interruption if you become incapacitated. We advise directors and business owners on putting the right provisions in place to protect both their business and their personal interests.

Why choose Chattertons for Wills, trusts and probate?

Chattertons is recognised in The Legal 500 2026 as a leading firm in the East Midlands for private client work. Our specialist team spans 10 offices across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, including Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, Newark, Sleaford and Spalding, as well as London.

We bring together expertise in Wills, trusts, probate, tax planning and wealth management under one roof. Our in-house Chattertons Wealth Management team means you can access coordinated financial and legal advice without the need for multiple advisers. Our clients benefit from:

• A dedicated, experienced private client team
• Plain English advice at every stage
• Transparent, fixed-fee pricing for Wills
• An integrated approach covering legal and financial planning
• Sensitive, compassionate support throughout

Clients often ask us…

Do I really need a solicitor to write my Will?

You don’t legally need a solicitor to write a Will, but professional advice significantly reduces the risk of errors, ambiguity or challenges further down the line. Our Wills and probate solicitors ensure your Will is legally valid, clearly drafted and properly executed, giving you confidence that your wishes will be honoured.

What happens if someone dies without a Will?

If someone dies without a Will, they die “intestate” and the rules of intestacy govern how their estate is divided. These rules may not reflect the person’s wishes, particularly for unmarried couples, stepchildren or more distant relatives. Making a Will is the only way to ensure your estate passes to the people you choose.

How long does probate take?

The timeframe depends on the complexity of the estate. A straightforward estate can often be resolved within a few months, while matters involving property, overseas assets or disputes can take considerably longer. Our team will give you a realistic timeframe at the outset and keep you updated throughout.

When should I set up a lasting power of attorney?

You can only set up an LPA while you have mental capacity, so it’s important not to wait until a health concern arises. We’d encourage anyone to consider putting an LPA in place well in advance, as the registration process alone takes several months from start to finish.

Can I challenge a Will I think is unfair?

Yes. There are a number of grounds on which a Will can be contested, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or failure to make reasonable financial provision for a dependant. Our contentious probate solicitors can assess the strength of your position and advise on the most appropriate course of action.

Speak to our Wills and probate solicitors today

You can contact our local Wills, trusts and probate teams in Boston, Bourne, Grantham, Horncastle, Lincoln, London, Newark, Sleaford, Spalding or Stamford. To ask a question or request a call back at a time that suits you, please complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will get back to you promptly.