Ashby

01530 414111

Leicester

0116 2551901

Coalville

01530 834466

Melbourne

01332 863810

Living Wills

Gemma Parkinson

Solicitor
A “Living Will” is a written statement setting out your wishes in relation to medical treatment should you become terminally ill or incapacitated. A Living Will may also be referred to as an “Advance Directive” or an “Advanced Medical Decision”.

A Living Will is not a right to life or a right to die. It can only be used to refuse a treatment – it cannot be used to ask for specific treatment or request a treatment which is unlawful.

The document needs to be a clear statement of the decision and the treatment to be refused. It also needs to clearly set out the circumstances of when it is to apply. The statement should be as detailed as possible.

Living Wills do now have a legal status under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and must be following if applicable to the situation. It is imperative that your GP or Health Care Professional is aware of the existence of the document as there may be criminal consequences if a valid Advance Directive is ignored.

It is important to review your Living Will regularly as treatments change rapidly, to ensure that your Living Will remains valid.

We can help with advice on the preparation of your Living Will so that you can make personal choices in advance regarding the medical treatment you receive going forward.

Meet the team

Matthew Needham

Solicitor and LLP Member

Rebecca Taylor

Solicitor, LLP Member and Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly

Philippa Crane

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

Laura Doherty

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

Leanne Cooper

T.E.P, Trust and Estate Practitioner, Solicitor and LLP Member

Rebecca Abraham

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

With our exceptional knowledge and experience we know you are looking for keen fees and speedy responses.

Accreditations

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Matthew Needham

Solicitor and LLP Member

I head the Private Client Team and my work involves advising clients on establishing effective inheritance tax solutions to include wills, trusts, administration of estates, deeds of variation and family trusts. I also advise on alternative commercial arrangements in order to maximise the inheritance tax reliefs available.

I am a Corporate Member of Crane And Walton LLP and qualified as a Solicitor in May 1994.

Rebecca Taylor

Solicitor, LLP Member and Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly

I am a Solicitor advising on Private client matters including; Wills, Administration of Estates, Court of Protection applications, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Elderly Client issues and Tax Planning matters. I also have experience in dealing with transfers of property, including Assents and Declarations of Trust.

I qualified as a Solicitor in January 2004.

Philippa Crane

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

I have over ten years post-qualified experience and specialise in wills, trusts and probate. 

I advise a wide range of clients on their wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, providing tailored advice in relation to inheritance tax and estate planning for each client’s individual circumstances. 

I assist clients with all elements of estate administration, from probate applications and intestacy to complex inheritance tax matters, post-death variations and estate income and capital gains tax. I have a thorough knowledge of trust law and advise clients on all aspects of trust creation, taxation and administration. 

I am a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. 

Laura Doherty

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

I advise on matters regarding the drafting of Wills, Administration of Estates, Court of Protection applications, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Elderly Client issues and Tax Planning matters. I also have experience in dealing with property transactions to include, Assents, Transfers and Severance of Tenancies.

I am a Member of the Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners.

I qualified as a Solicitor in August 2013.

Leanne Cooper

T.E.P, Trust and Estate Practitioner, Solicitor and LLP Member

I have worked within the private client department of Crane and Walton LLP for over 17 years and have a wealth of experience and knowledge of private client law and procedure. 

I specialise in the administration of estates, drafting and interpreting Wills,  drafting Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applications. I also advise clients on trust issues relating to trust administration as well as private client taxation involving inheritance tax, capital gains and income tax.

I offer a professional and supportive service to my clients, providing clear and concise legal advice. 

I am a full member of STEP and cross qualified from a FILEX to a solicitor in August 2021. 

Rebecca Abraham

T.E.P, Solicitor and LLP Member

I have over 13 years of post-qualified experience in private client law and advise on all areas of estate and Inheritance Tax planning and administration including the drafting and interpretation of Wills, creation and management of Trusts, Powers of Attorney and Probate and administration of estates including complex and taxable estates and post death variations.

I work with a wide range of clients with differing needs and backgrounds including high net worth individuals but always with the aim of providing legal solutions tailored to their individual concerns and requirements.

I am a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.