Simcocks immigration team provides legal representation to clients on the immigration routes available to them. We cover the full range of applications to enter or remain in the Isle of Man, including Visas and work permits for the Isle of Man.
We have many years’ experience advising individuals on all aspects of relocation to the Isle of Man and an in-depth knowledge of the Isle of Man legal system. Where necessary the Private Client department will liaise with other specialists both within Simcocks and externally to provide further assistance in this area.
Why relocate to the Isle of Man?
There are many opportunities in the Isle of Man for candidates with the right skills, experience and qualifications. It also boasts the perfect work-life balance with the Island’s stunning coast line and beautiful mountains offering the perfect antidote to a hard day’s work.
It is a leading international finance centre renowned for its innovation and professionalism with a stable and diverse economy and 31 years of economic growth. The Isle of Man is home to global companies and fast-growing small businesses all in need of a variety of skills. We have a prospering ICT sector built on a foundation of financial and professional services and an ever diversifying economy.
For those with a family or who are considering starting a family on the Isle of Man, there are many benefits to be enjoyed including good housing, education and health services, accessible activities, room to move and relative safety. Financially the Isle of Man is very attractive as there is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax and no stamp duty.
Find your next opportunity by visiting www.locate.im.
Contact Winston Taylor for advice on Immigration matters.
Simcocks has a number of experienced Isle of Man notaries who are able to offer the full range of Notarial services. We are used to working to the tightest of deadlines and are able to offer an express service and out of office attendances.
The primary role of the Notary Public is to certify documents for use outside the Isle of Man, in order to verify or prove their authenticity for the purposes of foreign courts, registries, public authorities or other notaries. We certify documents for use in all jurisdictions.
Isle of Man Notaries
Our notaries can assist you in the following ways:
- Our Isle of Man notaries are authorised to administer oaths and take declarations. Simcocks can advise on the correct form of an affidavit or statutory declaration for particular purposes, and if necessary, draw them up for our clients;
- Arrange for documents to be apostilled;
- Certify authenticity of documents and signatures;
- Preparing certificates of incumbency.
Our fees are very competitive because we believe in providing a service that adds value as well as being cost effective to the client.
ID requirements
Identification of signatories is an essential part of notarial practice. The Isle of Man is a highly regulated and respected jurisdiction. To maintain its internationally acclaimed reputation there are compulsory checks which notaries have to make. In the case of private clients this means you will have to show the notary some personal documentation including:
- Current passport
- Photo-card driving licence
- Proof of address – utility bill.
For business clients, notaries will (in addition to checking your personal identity) need to establish that the company or organisation which you represent actually exists and in many cases that you are authorised to represent that company or organisation.
Only a person licensed as a Notary Public under the Advocates Act 1995 or admitted as a Commissioner for Oaths under the Commissioners for Oaths Act 1962 (as applicable) may provide these services in the Isle of Man.
Our Notaries Public
Our Commissioners for Oaths
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone to make decisions for you, or act on your behalf, if, for example, you’re no longer able to.
There are a number of reasons why you might need someone to make decisions for you in the future or act on your behalf. It could be a temporary measure if you are in hospital and need help with keeping your finances in order, such as paying bills.
Alternatively, you may need to make longer-term plans if you have been diagnosed with dementia or other conditions where you may lose the mental capacity to make your own decisions.
Different types of power of attorney
There are different types of power of attorney:
- Ordinary Power of Attorney
- Enduring Power of Attorney
Ordinary Power of Attorney
An Ordinary Power of Attorney allows one or more person to make financial decisions on your behalf. It is only valid while you have mental capacity to make your own decisions.
Reasons to set one up:
- you need someone to act for you for a temporary period, such as when you’re on holiday or in hospital
- you’re finding it difficult to get to the bank or post office, or you want someone to be able to access your account for you
You can limit the power you give your attorney so that they can only deal with certain assets.
Enduring Power of Attorney
An enduring power of attorney is a legal document in which you appoint someone else to look after your affairs in the event you lose mental capacity.
An ordinary power of attorney loses its validity when you lose the mental capacity to manage your own affairs. However, if an enduring power of attorney has been drawn up then it should be registered at the Isle of Man Court of Justice in order that the attorney may continue to act on your behalf.
We can assist with the preparation of an ordinary power of attorney or an enduring power of attorney and also assist with the registration at the Isle of Man Court of Justice. Contact Phil Games for assistance.
What can I say, Kevin has been an absolute star.
Prompt and quality service, Laura Connolly was very professional and knowledgeable.
– Client feedback
Where a deceased person, wherever resident at the date of death, held assets in the Isle of Man such as an insurance bond or policy or monies in a bank account, it may be necessary for the personal representatives of the deceased person’s estate to obtain a Grant of Representation – either a Grant of Probate (where the deceased left a will) or Letters of Administration where the deceased died intestate (leaving no will) – before the financial institution will release the assets to them to be administered.
Read our helpful guide to Obtaining Probate in the Isle of Man.
Fees
At Simcocks, we are happy to provide a competitive quote which will depend upon the type and complexity of the Manx probate service required. Probate application fees payable to the probate office will vary according to the value of the estate.
If you would like to instruct Simcocks to act on your behalf then please contact Probate Manager, Laura Connolly or Kevin Walmsley.
“They have excellent knowledge and experience in trust-related matters.”
Chambers & Partners HNW Guide, 2023
With well-recognised trusts legislation, courts well qualified to adjudicate on fiduciary matters and a solid banking and accounting infrastructure, the Isle of Man is a leading trusts jurisdiction, and Simcocks’ trust lawyers have been consistently recognised as leaders in the field of trusts advice work on structures governed by Isle of Man law. In fact, our team is rated Top Tier in Private Client, Trusts and Tax by the Legal 500.
Trusts are useful for financial planning purposes, to provide for the orderly administration of a family’s assets or to enable certain assets to be managed on behalf of those who would be unable to do so for themselves.
Simcocks’ trusts team acts for many different types of client from corporate trustees to families, high net worth individuals and legal and accounting intermediaries.
As one of the key players in the offshore arena, Simcocks advises local and international families in protecting and managing their wealth, and delivers exceptional results through our technical proficiency.
The team are used to working across a number of different jurisdictions and coordinating with consultants in a variety of countries.
The Private Client department is led by Phil Games who is highly experienced in the trusts and private client field. He is an acknowledged expert and is recommended, together with other members of the trusts team, in both Chambers UK and the Legal 500 publications. Many members of our trusts team are members of The Society of Trusts and Estate Practitioners.
The trusts team works closely with lawyers from the Litigation & Dispute Resolution where necessary. Our Isle of Man litigation lawyers have been involved in substantial and complex international trust disputes.
Areas of Expertise:
- Trust Drafting
- Trust Advice on all aspects of Isle of Man trusts law, including in relation to establishing, restructuring and winding up of trusts
- Foundation drafting and establishment
- Establishment of Isle of Man Charitable Trusts (and other forms of Isle of Man Charity)
- Corporate Advice to structures underlying Trusts and Foundations
- Purpose Trusts
- Private Trust Companies and Family Offices
- Regulatory Issues.
Contact our team today on enquiries@simcocks.com or +44 1624 690300.
“Phil goes the extra mile for clients.”
Chambers & Partners 2024
Making a will is the only way for you to ensure your assets are dealt with in the way you want them to be after your death. If you die without making a will your property and assets may not pass to the people you would like them to. By making a will you can specify which of your possessions you wish to give to individuals and you may distribute legacies of money to family, friends or charity.
Should you make a will?
If you answer YES to any question below – you ought to consider making a will:
• Do you have a partner?
• Have you any children under 18?
• Have you any older children or other adult dependants?
• Have you any children from a previous relationship?
• Have you any property, savings or policies not in joint names?
• Are you and your partner unmarried?
Would you like to…
• Safeguard your family’s or partner’s future?
• Leave something to a grandchild, nephew or niece, friend or charity?
• Avoid any argument, expense or delay?
Simcocks can advise and assist in the preparation of Isle of Man wills to ensure, as fully as possible, that your wishes are met after your death.
We can give clear and expert advice on every aspect of making a Will to ensure the smooth management of an estate and to make certain assets are dealt with according to a client’s wishes.
Read our guide to Isle of Man Wills to help cover some of the key questions and issues that arise when preparing a Will.
Download our Wills Questionnaire, complete it and email it to enquiries@simcocks.com to begin the process or contact one of the team below.
Technical note: save the downloaded pdf to your computer before filling in. When saving it again during or after completing the form, you may be prompted to save over your existing file, which is an appropriate action to take.
Insights
Where There’s A Will There’s A Way – Chris Brooks discusses how UK assets can include Channel Island assets in a will.