Estate Planning, Wills, Trust
The Importance of Estate Planning
Estate Planning is an essential part of life that can help individuals not only protect their loved ones, but also ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes. Our firm believes in planning for life’s unexpected with its attorneys tailoring a cost-effective and customized estate plan to suit our client’s specific probate needs.
Comprehensive Legal Expertise
Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of the laws relating to estate planning and probate and are capable of providing insight on effects of pensions, insurance policies, mortgages, guardianship of minors, medical care and much more. They also specialize in asset protection, trusts, wills, etc. and are dedicated to ensuring that their clients make sound decisions that reflect their goals, values and ultimate wishes.
Specialized Estate Planning Services
Our specialized services for the creation or updating of your estate plan includes:
- Drafting of Wills
- Drafting of Power of Attorney
- Creation of trusts and the guardianship and care of minor children
- Petition for Grant of Probate (Will)
- Petition for Grant of Administration (Intestacy)
- Estate and successional planning
- Caveats (estate freezes)
- Resealing of wills
- Guidance related to contentious and non-contentious probate and letters of administration
Legal Requirements for Wills
The Wills Act, Chapter 203 of the Laws of Belize provides that in order for a will to be valid it must be in writing, duly signed by the Testator in the presence of two witnesses and which must also be signed by the witnesses. After the death of the Testator, a Grant of Probate can be applied for at the Probate Registry in Belize City with the firm’s assistance.
Assistance for Non-Resident Executors
Where an executor is not resident in Belize, our firm can assist with appointing someone in his/her stead to apply for this Grant on his/her behalf.
Intestate Succession
Where a person dies without leaving a Will, the Administration of Estates Act, Chapter 191 of the Laws of Belize, sets out the procedure for distributing the assets of the deceased. A Grant of Administration can be applied for with the firm’s assistance.
Leaving a legacy
A curated estate plan, therefore, enables you to leave a legacy that will support the people and causes you care about.