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Specialist Estate Planning

Estate Planning Solicitors

Protecting your family's future with expert wills, trusts, inheritance tax planning and lasting powers of attorney. Specialist solicitors in Chester, Cheshire and North Wales.

SRA RegulatedFixed Fee QuotesHome Visits AvailableChester & North Wales

Our estate planning services:

  • Wills & mirror wills
  • Life interest trust wills
  • Inheritance tax planning
  • Lasting powers of attorney
  • Protective property trusts
  • Business succession planning
  • Care fee planning
  • Probate & estate administration
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What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of putting arrangements in place to ensure your assets pass to the right people, in the most tax-efficient way, with the minimum of delay and cost. It is not just about making a will — a comprehensive estate plan covers everything from inheritance tax to care fee planning, lasting powers of attorney to business succession.

Good estate planning is proactive, not reactive. It means thinking ahead about what you want to happen to your estate — and taking steps now to make that happen, rather than leaving it to chance or the default rules of intestacy.

Our specialist solicitors will take the time to understand your circumstances, your family, your assets, and your wishes — and then advise you on the most appropriate planning for your situation.

Why estate planning matters

Without a will, your estate passes under intestacy rules — which may not reflect your wishes.

Inheritance tax at 40% can significantly reduce what your family inherits — planning can reduce or eliminate this.

Without planning, care home fees can consume the family home — trusts can protect it.

Blended families and unmarried couples face particular risks without proper planning.

Business owners risk their business passing to the wrong people without succession planning.

Why Choose PDA Law for Estate Planning?

Specialist Expertise

Our solicitors specialise in wills, trusts and estate planning — not generalists covering every area of law.

Fixed Fee Transparency

Clear, fixed fee quotes before any work begins. No hidden costs, no surprises.

Local Knowledge

Based in Chester, serving clients across Cheshire, North Wales and beyond. Home visits available.

Proactive Planning

We help you plan ahead — not just react to events. Regular reviews to keep your estate plan up to date.

Start Your Estate Planning Today

Contact our specialist estate planning solicitors for a free initial consultation. We will listen to your circumstances, explain your options, and provide a clear fixed fee quote.

Free initial consultation
Fixed fee quotes
Home visits available
Chester, Cheshire & North Wales
Acting across England & Wales
Call 01244 757 352
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Estate Planning FAQs

What does estate planning involve?

Estate planning is the process of arranging your affairs to ensure your assets pass to the right people in the most efficient way possible. It typically involves making a will, setting up trusts, planning for inheritance tax, putting lasting powers of attorney in place, and considering care fee planning. A good estate plan is reviewed regularly as your circumstances change.

When should I start estate planning?

The best time to start estate planning is now — regardless of your age or the size of your estate. Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly, but this is a misconception. Anyone who owns property, has children, runs a business, or has assets they want to protect should have an estate plan in place.

How can I reduce inheritance tax?

There are several legitimate ways to reduce inheritance tax, including: making use of the nil rate band and residence nil rate band; making gifts during your lifetime; setting up trusts; taking out life insurance written in trust; making use of business property relief and agricultural property relief; and charitable giving. The right strategy depends on your individual circumstances — we provide personalised advice.

Do I need a solicitor for estate planning?

While it is possible to make a basic will without a solicitor, professional advice is strongly recommended for any estate planning beyond the simplest circumstances. Errors in wills and trusts can be costly and difficult to correct after death. A specialist solicitor will ensure your estate plan is legally valid, tax-efficient, and tailored to your circumstances.

How much does estate planning cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of your estate and the planning required. A straightforward will starts from a few hundred pounds. More complex estate plans involving trusts, IHT planning and LPAs will cost more, but the potential savings — in tax, care fees, and family disputes — typically far outweigh the cost. We provide fixed fee quotes before any work begins.

Expert Estate Planning Solicitors in Chester

Speak to a specialist today. We'll protect your family's future with a tailored estate plan — wills, trusts, IHT planning and more.

Free initial consultation. Fixed fee quotes. Chester, Cheshire & North Wales.

SRA Regulated
Sensitive & Confidential
Free Initial Consultation
Chester, Cheshire & North Wales
Speak to a Wills Solicitor
Laura Kirton — Wills & Probate Solicitor
Darren Steele — STEP Member
Nikolina Vukovic — Legal Executive
David Stahler — Estates Executive