Private Client Specialists

- About Us

Private Client law with Bate & Albon

From planning for the future to making sure your loved ones are protected when you’re gone, at Bate & Albon our Private Client lawyers are specialists in dealing with a broad range of personal services including: Succession Planning, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Deputyship, Trusts and Probate.

We help you navigate these sensitive and highly charged areas, making the process as pain-free as possible. We understand that every situation is unique and that’s why our team provide a tailored approach to your individual circumstances.

- Our Services

What areas do
we cover?

Lasting Powers of Attorney

First, let’s understand the role of a Lasting Power of Attorney. An Attorney is a chosen individual or individuals who are given the authority to make important decisions about wellbeing and finances on behalf of a person who does not have the mental capacity or physical ability to make those decisions themselves.

Decisions such as where you will live, your medical treatment, your property and assets can be handled by trusted and appointed individuals, who you feel comfortable with to make those decisions on your behalf.

It’s important to seek expert advice on what to cover and the decision-level you want to agree on, so you can have peace of mind that you will be taken care of.

Our Lasting Power of Attorney guide provides further information on the importance of having Lasting Powers of Attorney in place and the process involved.

Wills

It’s important to plan for the future and create a Will no matter your age, your current situation, or your assets.

The process for devising a Will can be stressful and uncomfortable for some, but here at Bate & Albon, we’re experienced, compassionate solicitors who can help you create a well-planned Will that ensures your loved ones feel taken care of during a time of distress and grief. Whether you need advice on Trusts, Inheritance Tax or distribution of estate, we’re here to help.

For more details on the benefits of having a Will in place and details of what can be included in your Will, please read our guide.

Administration of estate

Having the role of ‘Executor of a Will’, or ‘Administrator’ if there is no Will, can feel overwhelming as you navigate grief and the responsibilities placed upon you. Here at Bate & Albon, we’re with you every step of the way, helping you with the administration and execution of the Will or estate. From general advice to obtaining the Grant of Probate, our team understand how stressful things can get, that’s why we’re able to take the weight off your shoulders, handling the whole administration process for you, or helping with any ongoing trusts or issues.

For more information you can read our archive of information.

Personal Representatives Guide

Administration of Estate Timescales

Administration of Estate Prices

Our experience

We hold accreditations with the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly known as Solicitors for the Elderly) and are proud to be a Dementia Friend.

Deputyship

If no valid Power of Attorney is in place, it may be necessary for an application to be made to the Court of Protection for a trusted individual to make decisions on behalf of the person who has lost their mental capacity. If the application is approved, the Court of Protection will appoint the applicant as a Deputy.

This can be a difficult and distressing time for loved ones. They may be unable to access the person’s finances, which are required for living costs and the provision of immediate care.

At Bate & Albon Solicitors, we have made many applications to the Court of Protection and can assist you with your application to be appointed as Deputy. Our sympathetic team can also provide advice on the surrounding circumstances and direct you to other organisations, which may be of assistance.

Trusts

Most people are not as familiar with Trusts. You may unknowingly have a trust in place simply by owning a joint property or holding funds for a minor. Trusts can be generated during lifetime or from a person’s Will, when they’ve passed. Examples of this would be protecting assets for vulnerable individuals, adding clarity for shares held by co-owners of property, and protecting personal injury awards, for tax purposes. There are many responsibilities and duties placed on Trustees, and within a range of areas within the Trust landscape. Our knowledgeable team will be able to steer you through the process, providing objective and trusted advice all the way through your journey. We can help Trustees, management of Trusts, or anyone wishing to set up a Trust.

I have a private issue that’s not listed on this page, can you help?

Our skilled team at Bate & Albon have years of experience dealing with many areas of Private Client law. We’re here to help you with any query, concern, or obstacle, pointing you in the right direction and providing sound legal advice at every turn. We recognise that Private Client law can often involve highly charged conversations and difficult terrain, and we’re here to make sure you and your loved ones are protected.

We hold accreditations with the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (formerly known as Solicitors for the Elderly) and are proud to be a Dementia Friend. 

When choosing a legal team, you need straight-talking, dedicated lawyers that offer a specialist service. Talk to us today about your personal situation.

We help you navigate these sensitive and highly charged areas, making the process as pain-free as possible. We understand that every situation is unique and that’s why our team provide a tailored approach to your individual circumstances.

SOLICITOR
Serena Elliott
- Meet the Team

Who handles private client law at Bate & Albon?

Serena is a Consultant Solicitor in the Private Client team, based in the Chichester office and qualified in 2006.

She advises individuals on Administering Estates, Wills, drafting and registering Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications.

To find out more about Serena’s recent transactions, visit her profile.

Or contact Serena to discuss your requirements.

- Contact

Need to Speak to us?

- Let's Talk

Contact one of Our
Landlord and Tenant experts

Brighton: 01273 525766

Eastbourne: 01323 406080

Chichester: 01243 271490

Worthing: 01903 369959

- Where are we?

Commercial Property Solicitors in Brighton, Chichester, Eastbourne & Worthing

As a firm based in in East and West Sussex, Bate & Albon are specialists in our local property landscape. We make it a priority that you and both parties receive full clarity and premium service when it comes to business premises and commercial property. Our highly professional team of legal experts ensure that you and your property are in safe hands.

Looking for a solicitor to help you with your property? Contact Carl Bate to see how we can help you with your matter.