Protecting Your Legacy,
Securing Your Family's Future

Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. A will ensures your assets go to the people you choose, allows you to appoint guardians for minor children, and can help minimise inheritance tax. It also makes the administration of your estate much simpler for your loved ones during a difficult time.

For straightforward wills, the entire process typically takes 2-3 weeks from initial consultation to signing. This includes the consultation, drafting, your review period, any amendments, and the formal signing appointment. More complex estates involving trusts or business assets may take a little longer to ensure everything is properly structured.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. There are two types: Property and Financial Affairs (managing your money, property, and bills) and Health and Welfare (making decisions about your care and medical treatment). Unlike a will, an LPA must be set up while you still have mental capacity.

We recommend reviewing your will every 3-5 years, or sooner if you experience significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, acquiring substantial assets, or changes in your relationships with beneficiaries. Marriage automatically revokes a will in England and Wales, so it's essential to make a new will after getting married.

While it's technically possible to write your own will, DIY wills frequently contain errors that can make them invalid or lead to unintended consequences. Common mistakes include improper witnessing, ambiguous language, and failing to account for all assets. Given the importance of this document and the relatively modest cost of professional preparation, we strongly recommend using a qualified will writer to ensure your wishes are properly documented and legally valid.

We're based in Stamford and offer home visits throughout Lincolnshire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire. This includes towns such as Peterborough, Oakham, Grantham, Bourne, Market Deeping, Uppingham, and surrounding villages. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, please get in touch – we're often able to accommodate clients slightly further afield.

To make the most of our meeting, it's helpful to have: full names, addresses, and dates of birth of beneficiaries; details of your assets (property, savings, investments, pensions); information about any debts or mortgages; the names of people you'd like to act as executors and, if applicable, guardians for minor children. Don't worry if you don't have everything to hand – we can work through it together.