Will Writing and Estate Planning you can trust

35+ Years Experience in Estate Planning - Sara Sheppard - SLS Wills and More - Transparent background

SLS Wills and More!

SLS Wills and More was set up by Sara Sheppard in 2017 after over 35 years in private practice in a number of specialist solicitors across East Kent. Sara and SLS Wills and More are part a fellow  of the Society of Will Writers. Since becoming a fellow of the SWW, Sara now sits on their Professional Standards Board and is now a fellow member of the SWW.

There are so many good reasons to use SLS Wills and More

Supporting good causes!

We give 5% of profits to good causes. We’ve donated to Hypo Hounds via Work for Good and  Community Driving School CIC (CDS) directly. If any legacies are included within the Wills for either organisation a further 5% of the invoice value will be donated to that good cause

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Wills

We work hard during our lifetime to build our estate. It’s important to protect it. We can support with all types of Wills from simple to complex and also with commercial or business succession planning.

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Probate and Estate Administration

Dealing with the affairs of someone’s estate after they have passed can be made easier with a Will but presents challenges. We can provide guidance and support to help.

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Secure Document Storage

Once you’ve spent money on estate planning, it’s vital you keep these documents safe. If the documents are lost, there is little if anything that can be done to protect your wishes.

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Trusts

Trusts are like a safety deposit box used to protect assets. Here at SLS Wills and More we help you utilise all sorts of Trusts and provide guidance as to the tax position behind each.

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Lasting Powers of Attorney

Enabling people we trust to make decisions for us in the event that we cannot or don’t want to make them for ourselves.

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Testamentary Freedom

Growing concerns regarding final wishes in Wills…

A recent article by Ben Wilkinson in The Telegraph highlights a growing concern among individuals regarding the security of their final wishes as expressed in their Wills. The piece discusses the case of Roger Howe, who deliberately excluded his daughter from his £1.4 million estate, only for the courts to later award her a significant portion of it. This situation underscores the complexities surrounding testamentary freedom and the potential for legal challenges under current UK inheritance laws. Understanding Testamentary Freedom and the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 In England and Wales, individuals have the right to distribute their estate as they see fit, a principle known as testamentary freedom. However, this freedom is not absolute. The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 allows certain individuals, including spouses, children, and dependants, to contest a Will if they believe it does not make “reasonable financial provision” for them. This legislation aims to balance an individual’s testamentary wishes with the needs of those who were financially dependent on them. The Implications of Recent Legal Challenges The case of Roger Howe is not isolated. There has been a notable increase in inheritance disputes reaching the courts, often resulting in significant legal fees and the redistribution of estates contrary to the deceased’s explicit wishes. Factors contributing to this trend include rising property values, complex family dynamics, and greater awareness of legal rights among potential claimants. Strategies to Safeguard Your Estate To minimise the risk of your will being contested, consider the following steps: While the law provides mechanisms to protect dependants from being unfairly disinherited, it’s essential to take proactive steps to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes. By engaging in thoughtful estate planning and seeking professional guidance, you can uphold the integrity of your final wishes and provide clarity for your loved ones. At SLS Wills and More, we are committed to helping you navigate these complexities with expertise and compassion. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your estate planning reflects your intentions and provides for your loved ones appropriately. It’s worth noting that our founder – Sara Sheppard has over 37 years experience in this field, is TEP qualified and is a Fellow of the Society of Will Writers.

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Probate and funerals

Helping You Through Difficult Times

Losing a loved one is never easy. Grief can be overwhelming, and the added pressure of dealing with legal and financial matters often feels like too much to handle. At SLS Wills and More, we understand how difficult this time can be, which is why we offer compassionate, expert support to help guide you through the process. Many of our clients come to us feeling lost, unsure of where to start. As Margaret Price kindly shared in her review: “I didn’t know where to start when my husband passed away – everything seemed to be in a mess, or unfinished! But a friend recommended Sara of SLS Wills, who was an absolute blessing. Nothing was too much trouble for Sara, and with her broad knowledge and experience made light work of my issues. She explained each step and kept me informed of progress all the way. I cannot speak too highly of Sara’s business, and it was all conducted in the comfort and privacy of my own home at a very reasonable fee.” If you have recently lost someone and are feeling overwhelmed by the legal side of things, we are here to help. What is Probate? Probate is the legal process of proving a Will and giving the executor the authority to deal with a person’s estate. If someone has left a valid Will, their appointed executors will need to apply for a Grant of Probate to access assets such as bank accounts, property, and investments. However, probate is just one part of the process. Many people use the term to refer to everything involved in handling a loved one’s estate, but in reality, estate administration is the wider process of dealing with all assets, debts, taxes, and distributions to beneficiaries. Probate is simply one legal step within this. When is Probate Needed? Not every estate requires probate. Whether you need it depends on factors such as: Each situation is different, and we can help you determine whether probate is necessary for your loved one’s estate. What Happens When Someone Dies Without a Will? When a person dies without a Will, they are said to have died intestate. This means their estate is distributed according to strict legal rules, which may not reflect what they would have wanted. Under intestacy rules: Dealing with an intestate estate can be more complicated, and probate (known as Letters of Administration in these cases) will almost always be required. If you are facing this situation, we can help guide you through it and ensure everything is handled properly. Support When You Need it Most Many people are perfectly capable of handling probate or estate administration in normal circumstances. However, when grieving, even the simplest of tasks can feel overwhelming. We regularly help clients who might otherwise manage it themselves but find that, in the midst of loss, they need support. At SLS Wills and More, we take as much of the burden off your shoulders as possible, handling the legal side of things so you can focus on yourself and your family. Whether you need full estate administration or just help with certain steps, we can tailor our support to your needs. Here to Help Across England and Wales We are based in Kent but assist clients across England and Wales. We offer face-to-face meetings where possible, but if you prefer, we can guide you through everything via Zoom, making our services accessible no matter where you are. If you have lost a loved one and need support with probate or estate administration, please get in touch. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time with expert guidance and a compassionate approach. Call us: 01304 577998Email us: hello@slswillsandmore.co.ukVisit our website: www.slswillsandmore.co.uk You don’t have to go through this alone – let us help lighten the load.

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