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Wills and estate planningWills and lasting power of attorney
Simply put, a will is your wishes in death, and a lasting power of attorney is your wishes in life, should you become incapacitated in any way. They should be drawn together so that you are protected now and into the future.
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What is a will?
A will is a legal document which allows you to express your wishes about the people you want to inherit your money, property and possessions, known as your estate, after you have passed away. It should include how you would like to distribute your assets, who you would like to bring up your children and what sort of funeral you would like.
If you die without writing one, people you care about might lose out, as your estate will be distributed according to strict intestacy rules. More than one in two adults do not have a will, mainly because of the thought of death and the idea that it is something to deal with later in life. From the simplest will to the most complicated estate, you can get a professionally written will drawn up, all from the comfort of your own home.
A well drafted will enables you to
- State clearly what you will be leaving your children, and who is to act as guardian until they reach adulthood
- Protect your estate from those you do not wish to inherit, for example estranged family or a former partner
- Ensure your beneficiaries' inheritance is protected
- Make bequests and guardianship arrangements for your pets
- State your funeral wishes so your loved ones are aware
- Ensure that sentimental items go to the beneficiaries of your choosing
A properly drawn will can also prevent family disputes, assets going to the wrong people, and having to second-guess what you would have wanted. With a clearly written exclusion clause, people you do not wish to leave anything to will not be able to inherit from your estate, nor contest your will.
What are my options for making a will?
Do it yourself. If cost is a concern, you can make a will yourself for little cost, online or from a template. Be aware that the instructions must be very clear, there are set guidelines to adhere to, mistakes are very hard if not impossible to correct, there is no legal protection, and the will must be correctly signed and stored.
Get it done professionally. A qualified estate planner provides more than a document preparation service. They will advise you on the best way to protect your family and your assets in the manner you choose.
What I offer
- No hassle: I handle everything, preferably in person, or over the phone, email or video, so you can stay in the comfort of your own home
- Service of the highest standard: if you decide to go ahead, you will be guided through the process at your own pace
- Dedicated and experienced specialist help: you deal with the person you speak with, not an administrator
- In safe hands: fully qualified, Wills and Estate Planning Certificate 2024, with years of experience
- Transparent pricing: all prices are fixed and agreed before we start
- Everything explained in plain English: I understand the jargon so you do not have to
- Security: a document storage service is available
There are two types of LPA
Health and welfare LPA
Allows you to name attorneys who you would like to make decisions about your healthcare, medical treatment and living arrangements if you are no longer able to. For example, if you lose capacity through illness or accident and can no longer communicate, your attorneys step in to make decisions on your behalf regarding your treatment and other aspects of your life.
Property and financial affairs LPA
Allows you to name attorneys who can deal with any money, bills, insurances or property that you own in England or Wales if you can no longer do this yourself. It is always advisable to have a minimum of two attorneys.
Why should you make an LPA?
Setting up an LPA means your family will avoid potentially lengthy and costly court proceedings to access funds to pay for your care if you do lose mental capacity. You can make your LPAs in preparation for when you could need them in the future, as they are a lifetime legal document. Too often they are left until they are needed, which inevitably is too late. It is important to think carefully about what you want and to be sure the attorneys you choose will fulfil your wishes.
What happens if I do not have a lasting power of attorney?
Do not assume that someone can automatically step in and help if you are no longer able to look after your own affairs. Your spouse or family cannot do this without permission. If you are unable to access your bank account, family members will need to become a 'deputy' to use your finances. The application is made through the courts, and it can be very time consuming, expensive and needs to be renewed annually.
Whether you have utility bills to pay, a mortgage or other outstanding contracts, your family may find themselves unable to help you. Having a lasting power of attorney can prevent these very stressful situations and secure the support you need.
What clients say
"Would not hesitate to recommend this Company. Professional, honest and always available to help at any point of the procedure. Would absolutely recommend them to anyone needing their services."
"Had the pleasure of dealing with Jeremy on behalf of my mum for equity release on her home. If you want someone you can genuinely trust then don't go anywhere else! Jeremy is probably the most honest and genuine advisor that you will come across."
"Jeremy was very professional throughout the process, kept us uptaded at all times, nothing was too much trouble."
Ready to put your wishes in writing?
Call Jeremy for a free, no-obligation chat about your will, your lasting power of attorney, or both.
07768 972861 Or try the quick calculator