Will & Estate Planning Solicitors in Cookstown
Helping you make or update your will to protect your family’s future
Plan your future with confidence and ensure your wishes are protected.
Creating a will and planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, secure your assets, and ensure that your wishes are followed. At Doris & MacMahon, our Wills & Estate Planning Solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your estate, your loved ones, and your future financial security.
Whether you’re writing your first will, reviewing an existing one, planning to reduce inheritance tax, or preparing an Enduring Power of Attorney, our experienced solicitors offer guidance tailored to your circumstances. With almost 100 years serving families across Cookstown and Mid Ulster, we take pride in providing trusted, compassionate support through every stage of life.
Drafting & Updating Wills
A well-drafted will ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. We assist with:
- Writing your first will
- Amending or updating existing wills
- Appointing executors you trust
- Providing for spouses, partners, and children
- Safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries
- Leaving gifts, legacies, or charitable donations
We make the process straightforward, ensuring your will is valid, accurate, and legally enforceable.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Inheritance tax can significantly reduce the value of your estate if not managed correctly. Our solicitors provide advice on:
- Available allowances and reliefs
- Gifting strategies
- Property and business succession planning
- Structuring your estate efficiently
- Reducing potential tax liabilities
We work with you to create a tax-efficient plan that protects more of your assets for your family.
Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs)
An Enduring Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make financial or personal welfare decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. We help with:
- Drafting and tailoring EPAs
- Choosing appropriate attorneys
- Registering EPAs with the Office of Care & Protection
- Advising attorneys on their duties
Preparing an EPA gives peace of mind that your affairs will be managed responsibly and according to your wishes.
Planning for Long-Term Care
The potential cost of long-term care is a concern for many older adults and their families. We provide guidance on:
- Care fee planning
- Understanding your rights and responsibilities
- How assets are assessed
- Protecting property legally
- Planning ahead to reduce financial pressure
We offer practical solutions that help you make informed decisions about the future.
Guardianship & Support for Parents
If you have young children, appointing guardians in your will provides clarity about who will care for them if the unexpected happens. We offer supportive guidance on:
Co-Ownership, Partners & Blended Families
Modern families often need carefully structured wills to ensure fairness and avoid disputes. We assist with:
- Second marriages and blended families
- Protecting children from previous relationships
- Co-owned property
- Providing for partners who are not legally married
- Avoiding future conflict with clear instructions
We create solutions that balance family needs with legal clarity.
Why Wills & Estate Planning Matters
Without a valid will or proper planning, your estate may:
- Be distributed under strict intestacy rules
- Exclude partners who are not spouses
- Create disputes between family members
- Result in higher inheritance tax
- Leave vulnerable dependants unprotected
Proper planning ensures your family is supported and your wishes are honoured.
Why Choose Doris & MacMahon?
Clear, Plain-English Advice
We guide you through the process without unnecessary jargon.
Sensitive & Supportive Approach
Estate planning involves personal decisions, we handle them with care.
Nearly 100 Years of Local Experience
Families across Cookstown and Northern Ireland have trusted us for generations.
Holistic Future Planning
We combine wills, trusts, tax planning, and EPAs for a complete, future-proof solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I update my will?
We recommend reviewing your will every 3–5 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, buying a home, or having children.
Do I need a solicitor to write a will?
DIY wills often lead to errors or disputes. A solicitor ensures your will is legally valid and accurately reflects your intentions.
What happens if I die without a will?
Your estate will be distributed under Northern Ireland’s intestacy rules, which may not align with your wishes, especially for unmarried partners or blended families.
How do I reduce inheritance tax?
We can advise on allowances, exemptions, gifts, trusts, and estate planning strategies that may reduce your tax liability.
What is the difference between a will and an EPA?
A will deals with your estate after death.
An EPA appoints someone to manage your affairs if you lose mental capacity during your lifetime.
Can I exclude someone from my will?
In many cases, yes but clear planning is required to avoid future disputes. We can advise you on your options.
Speak to Our Wills & Estate Planning Solicitors
Planning ahead gives you and your family peace of mind. Our experienced solicitors are here to help you make informed decisions and put clear, legally binding plans in place.
Testimonials
We Earn Your Trust and
Handle Your Case
We value the lasting partnerships we build and deliver expert, hands-on guidance led by our experienced team. Our approach is rooted in trust and consistency, ensuring long-term relationships with every client.
Contact us
Here When You Need Us Most
Have a question or need advice? Send us a message and one of our solicitors will get back to you promptly.
