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Wills, trusts & probate

Putting your affairs in order, for those who follow.

From drafting a will to administering an estate, we help you provide for the people you love with clarity and care, including where assets cross borders.

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A clear estate plan is one of the most considerate things a person can leave behind. It removes uncertainty, reduces the burden on those you love and ensures your wishes are respected. We help individuals and families plan thoughtfully, draft documents that hold up, and administer estates with the diligence and sensitivity the moment requires.

Where assets or beneficiaries sit in more than one country, succession can become complex quickly. Our presence across Nigeria, the UK and Canada lets us coordinate estate planning and administration so that a single, coherent plan works across each jurisdiction it touches.

What we help with

Estate matters we advise on.

01

Will drafting

Clear, valid wills that reflect your wishes and reduce the risk of later dispute.

02

Estate planning

Structuring your affairs to provide for those you choose, efficiently and with foresight.

03

Trusts

Establishing and advising on trusts to protect and manage assets across generations.

04

Probate & estate administration

Guiding executors and administrators through the practical and legal steps after a death.

05

Contentious probate

Advising where the validity of a will or the conduct of an estate is in dispute.

06

Cross-border estates

Coordinating succession where property or family interests span more than one country.

A clear estate plan is a last kindness you can arrange. We help you leave behind certainty, not questions.

The Old Stone Legal approach

The law where you are

How succession differs across our jurisdictions.

Nigeria

Wills Act and state Wills Laws

  • Wills must meet the formalities of the Wills Act and the relevant state law.
  • Executors apply to the probate registry, or for letters of administration where there is no will.
  • Customary succession can apply, which makes a properly drafted will important.

United Kingdom

Wills Act 1837, intestacy rules

  • A will must meet the formalities of the Wills Act 1837 to be valid.
  • Where there is no valid will, the intestacy rules decide who inherits.
  • Executors obtain a grant of probate, and inheritance tax is often a key concern.

Canada

The Wills Act, Court of King’s Bench

  • In Manitoba, wills are governed by The Wills Act.
  • Estates are administered through the Court of King’s Bench.
  • Probate is usually required, and estates may face administration charges.

How we work with you

From wishes to a plan that holds.

01

Understand your wishes

We take time to understand your family, your assets and what you want to achieve for those who follow.

02

Draft & advise

We prepare clear documents and advise on structure, tax and the issues that could otherwise cause dispute.

03

Execute correctly

We ensure your documents are signed and witnessed to the formalities each jurisdiction requires.

04

Review when life changes

We help you keep your plan current as family, assets and circumstances evolve over time.

Common questions

Wills and probate, answered.

Your estate is distributed according to the intestacy or default succession rules of the relevant jurisdiction, which may not reflect your wishes and can leave loved ones without provision. A valid will lets you decide who inherits, who administers your estate and who cares for any children.
It depends on the size and complexity of the estate, whether the will is clear, and whether any disputes arise. Straightforward estates can be concluded in a matter of months, while those with foreign assets, businesses or contested issues take longer. We manage the process to keep it moving and keep executors informed.
Yes. A will may be challenged on grounds such as lack of capacity, undue influence, or failure to meet the required formalities, and in some jurisdictions on the basis that reasonable provision was not made for a dependant. Careful drafting and good records at the time of making the will reduce this risk considerably.
Often it is sensible to have wills tailored to each jurisdiction where you hold significant assets, drafted so they work together rather than accidentally revoking one another. We coordinate across our offices to give you a single, coherent plan that respects the rules of each country involved.

Related services

Power of attorney Family law Real estate & property Notary services

Speak with us

Put your affairs in good hands.

Whether you are planning ahead or administering an estate, a senior lawyer can guide you with care.

Book a consultation