Your questions, answered

If you would like a say in who looks after your loved ones, who receives your money and possessions, and who carries out your wishes, then yes. A Will lets you make those decisions rather than leaving them to a set of legal rules. It is especially important if you have children, own a home, run a business, or your family situation is anything other than straightforward.

If you die without a valid Will, your estate is shared out according to the rules of intestacy. These are fixed legal rules that decide who inherits, and they may not reflect what you would have wanted — unmarried partners and stepchildren, for example, can be left with nothing. Sorting things out can also take longer and cost more for the people you leave behind. A Will simply lets you stay in control.

A Single Will covers one person. Mirror Wills are a pair of near-identical Wills, usually made by couples, where each person leaves things to the other and then on to the same people (often their children) afterwards. Mirror Wills are a popular, cost-effective choice for couples who share the same wishes. We will talk you through which option fits your situation.

A Trust is a way of setting aside money, property or other assets to be looked after by people you choose (the trustees) for the benefit of people you name. Trusts can help protect assets for children, vulnerable family members, or future generations, and can offer added flexibility and protection. Whether one is right for you depends on your circumstances — we will only recommend a Trust if it genuinely benefits you and your family.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you ever become unable to make them yourself. There are two types: one for Property & Financial Affairs, and one for Health & Welfare. Putting these in place gives you and your family peace of mind that the right people can step in if they are ever needed.

They do different jobs. A Will sets out your wishes for after you pass away, while an LPA protects you during your lifetime if you lose the ability to make decisions — for example through illness or an accident. Many people choose to put both in place so they are protected at every stage. We are happy to explain how the two work together.

The best time is while you are fit and well and able to make your own decisions, because an LPA can only be set up while you still have the mental capacity to do so. Putting one in place early means it is simply ready should it ever be needed — there is no obligation for anyone to use it unless the situation arises.

It starts with a relaxed, no-pressure conversation so we can understand your wishes and family situation. We then prepare your documents in plain English, talk you through everything, and make sure it all reflects exactly what you want before anything is signed. Our aim is to make estate planning feel simple, warm and completely jargon-free.

For most people the whole process is quick and straightforward — often just a couple of appointments. The initial conversation gathers your wishes, and once your documents are drafted we review them with you and arrange signing. If your situation is more complex, we will let you know what to expect at the outset so there are no surprises.

Yes. We have offices in the Midlands (12a Duke Street, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1RJ) and the North East (The Quadrus Centre, Boldon Colliery, NE35 9PF), and we can also arrange appointments to suit you. Just get in touch and we will find an arrangement that works.

Absolutely. Life changes — marriage, children, a new home, or a change in circumstances — are all good reasons to review your Will. We can look over an existing Will, explain whether it still does what you need, and update it or write a new one where appropriate. We generally recommend reviewing your Will every few years.

Because everyone’s situation is different, the best way to get an accurate price is a quick, no-obligation conversation. We are always clear and upfront about costs before you commit to anything, so you will know exactly where you stand with no hidden surprises.

Yes. We treat your personal and family information with complete confidentiality and handle it in line with data protection law. Your details are only ever used to provide the service you have asked for.

Yes. We work with employers to provide a professionally written Will as part of an employee benefits programme — a genuinely valued benefit that helps staff protect their families. If you would like to offer this to your team, visit our Corporate page or get in touch and we will explain how it works.

The Health Insurance Group is our sister company. Where it is helpful, we can introduce you to them for guidance on protecting your family financially — for example income protection or life cover — alongside your estate planning. There is never any pressure, and we will only ever mention it where it might genuinely be of value to you.