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Wills and Probate

Making a will means you can be sure your money and possessions (your estate) are distributed the way you wish after your death, and avoids causing unnecessary additional problems for your family.

Thinking of making a will?

Everyone wants to make sure their loved ones are looked after. 

Nicola and Jean will help you with experienced, confidential and unbiased advice on the best ways to provide for your family.

It may be that you only need a simple, straightforward will which will give you peace of mind. If your circumstances are more complicated, we have the resources to provide the advice you need and suggest ways of dealing with any difficulties.

Loss of a loved one... 

Losing a loved one is obviously an extremely emotional and difficult time. You may also be feeling daunted at the task that lies before you in arranging a loved one’s affairs. You can rely on our expertise and compassion to make a very difficult time that little bit easier. We can help you with arrangements and paperwork—a helping hand when you need it most. 

If you would like further information or have any questions, please contact a member of the Hayton Winkley team or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How can we help you?

Your local expert

Nicola Steadman

Nicola joined us in May 2010 as our Wills & Probate specialist. She can advise you on making your will and guide you through the practical issues which arise on the death of a loved one. In addition, Nicola has experience in dealing with Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection issues, which can often become distressing.  Let Nicola guide you through the turmoil of dealing with the difficulties associated with elderly relatives losing capacity and being unable to deal with their own affairs. Nicola has recently become a member of Solicitors for the Elderly and is also a member of the Law Society's Private Client Section.

Jean Cowling

Jean has many years experience of preparing wills – she will explain the issues involved and help you make the right choices. She will also help you through the difficult times after the death of a loved one, with the advice and assistance you need.

Contact information

Jean Cowling

Jean Cowling - Probate Manager

Telephone: 015394 46585
Nicola Steadman

Nicola Steadman - Solicitor

Telephone: 01539 720136

Our clients say...

  • I can't speak highly enough of the service provided by Nicola. Extremely efficient, approachable and professional. I would trust her implicitly - I know you should be able to say this about all solicitors, but have previously had not such a positive experience. Nicola dealt with the codicil to my will and helped with sorting my father's estate - I wish I had gone to Nicola sooner, it removed so much stress for me! Finally, re charges - for once I feel that I haven't been "ripped off"!

    CH, Kendal   (January 2012)
  • Thank you, a pleasant experience which helped in dealing with the awesome task of making a will

    MB, Arnside   (January 2012)
  • Pleasant friendly and professional. A great service.

    MB, Preston   (December 2011)
  • Jean was absolutely wonderful - thank you Jean

    Anon, Kirkby Stephen   (November 2011)
  • Nicola was very sensitive and professional with all my dealings with her. Very helpful in every way

    VC Kendal   (November 2011)
  • Although my sister and brother, as executors, were more involved in the process than myself, the contact I had was informative and professional. Also I felt the personal touch that was given was very much appreciated - Jean Cowling was just a lovely lady. Thank you

    Anon, Cirencester   (November 2011)
  • My family solicitors - true and trusty. You cannot improve on perfection

     (October 2011)
  • Jean is absolutely brilliant at her job - kind, sensitive and sympathetic, as well as efficient and straightforward

     (October 2011)
  • Nicola Steadman is a charming and efficient member of your staff. It was a pleasure to meet her.

    PH, Preston  (November 2010)
  • Very happy thank you. An excellent commercial service

    GS  (November 2010)
  • We have never been less than satisfied with the friendly, helpful and totally accessible advice and service afforded to us.

    M-T, Kendal  (January 2010)
  • An extremely helpful and effective services which quickly sorted out our problems.

    HW, Sedbergh  (August 2010)
  • Nicola Steadman was very helpful, understanding, and I wouldn’t hesitate to contact her again if I needed advice or guidance.

    SH, Carnforth  (June 2010)
  • Jean Cowling was a real support & help and stopped me from being overwhelmed by everything. A real light in the darkness

    DP Dorking   (May 2010)
Read more testimonials

Notice Board

  • Making A Will

    We have been delighted to take part in “Will Week”, (11-15 October) supporting the North West Air Ambulance, a charity which means a lot to us, and to everyone in the region.  Hayton Winkley prepared free wills for clients and the clients made donations to this very worthwhile charity. As yet, we don’t know the total raised, but we have high hopes that it will be several hundred pounds!

  • St John's Hospice

    Hayton Winkley is proud to be supporting St John's Hospice in Lancaster in 2011-12.