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Recent figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have revealed a significant rise in the number of contested Wills, with a 34% increase over the last five years. In 2023 alone, 195 inheritance disputes were taken to court, compared with 145 in 2017. Over the past decade, the number of cases has surged by an astonishing 140%. However, these figures only scratch the surface – many disputes are settled before reaching court. With rising property values, complex family structures, and increasing financial pressures, challenges to Wills are becoming more common. A well-drafted Will, created with professional guidance, can significantly reduce the likelihood of disputes, ensuring that your wishes are respected and your loved ones are spared unnecessary stress. How to Minimise the Risk of a Contested Will 1. Seek Expert Will-Writing Services While DIY Wills are available, they often lead to ambiguity, mistakes, or legal challenges. A professionally drafted Will ensures clarity, compliance with legal requirements, and minimises the risk of misinterpretation. 2. Regularly Review and Update Your Will Your Will should be reviewed every five years or when significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, or retirement. Keeping your Will up to date ensures that it reflects your current circumstances and intentions. 3. Ensure Testamentary Capacity Challenges to Wills often arise when beneficiaries question whether the testator (the person making the Will) had the mental capacity to do so. If there is any doubt, particularly in cases involving dementia or other health conditions, obtaining a medical professional’s certification can provide crucial evidence of testamentary capacity. 4. Choose Executors Wisely Executors play a crucial role in administering your estate. Disputes can arise if executors cannot work together or if beneficiaries believe decisions are being unfairly made. While family members are often chosen, appointing a professional executor – such as a solicitor – can provide impartiality and expertise. 5. Communicate Your Wishes Clearly Discussing your Will with your family can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of disputes after your passing. While this won’t eliminate the possibility of challenges, it can provide clarity and manage expectations. 6. Understand the Impact of Exclusions Under English and Welsh law, individuals have testamentary freedom, meaning they can choose who inherits their assets. However, under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, certain individuals (such as close family members or financial dependants) may have grounds to contest a Will if they are excluded. To strengthen your position, including a separate letter of wishes explaining exclusions can help demonstrate your reasoning. The Importance of Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) At SLS Wills and More, we take every precaution to ensure Wills are drafted correctly, minimising the risk of disputes. However, we also have the added protection of Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII). PII provides financial security and reassurance, covering clients in the rare event of professional error or negligence. This ensures that our clients have peace of mind, knowing that their estate planning is in safe hands. Why Choose SLS Wills and More? With 38 years of experience, Sara Sheppard is a leading expert in Will writing and estate planning. As a member of the Society of Will Writers’ (SWW) Professional Standards Board and a tutor for the College of Will Writing, she is dedicated to maintaining the highest professional standards. Additionally, Sara supports law firms as a locum, ensuring compliance and assisting with complex caseloads. Expert Guidance, Secure Storage Not only do we provide expert advice on drafting Wills, but we also offer secure storage for client documents at no additional charge. Our commitment to safeguarding your legal paperwork ensures that your Will remains protected and accessible when needed. Protect Your Legacy Today A well-prepared Will is one of the most valuable gifts you can leave your loved ones. Don’t leave your estate to chance – seek professional guidance to ensure your wishes are upheld. 📞 Contact us today on 01304 577998📧 Email: hello@slswillsandmore.co.uk🌍 Visit us online: www.slswillsandmore.co.uk “A professionally drafted Will is an investment in peace of mind. By seeking expert guidance, you not only protect your assets but also spare your loved ones unnecessary distress.”Sara Sheppard, SLS Wills and More

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.

Sport and Will Writing: An Unlikely but Valuable Comparison At first glance, sport and Will Writing might seem worlds apart. After all, one involves physical prowess and competition, while the other is about careful planning and legal expertise. However, when you dig a little deeper, the two share some surprising parallels. Both require teamwork, strategy, and a focus on achieving the best outcome, whether for a match (or game), or your family’s future. While the team at SLS Wills and More may not be massive sports fans, we can appreciate the lessons sport offers when it comes to decision-making and preparation. (That said, Sara does have a soft spot for sailing, there’s something inspiring about navigating the open water, using skill and foresight to reach your destination.) Let’s explore the similarities between sport and Will Writing, and how lessons from the pitch, court, or sea can help you approach your estate planning with confidence. Strategy is Key In sport, a solid strategy often separates the winners from the losers. Athletes and coaches analyse the opposition, plan their moves, and adapt when circumstances change. The same applies to Will Writing. Creating a Will is about planning ahead, considering what might happen and making thoughtful decisions about how your estate should be handled. Just as a sports team plans for various scenarios, you’ll want to account for life’s uncertainties, such as changes in family dynamics or tax regulations. At SLS Wills and More, we’re here to help you develop a clear strategy that reflects your wishes and safeguards your loved ones. Women Lead the Way It’s no secret that in many households, women take the lead in important decision-making, and Will Writing is no exception. According to our findings, the majority of financial and estate planning decisions are driven by women. Whether it’s arranging LPAs (Lasting Powers of Attorney) or making provisions for children and grandchildren, women are often at the forefront of ensuring everything is in place. This mirrors trends in sport, where women’s participation and leadership are steadily rising. From team captains to trailblazing athletes, women are shaping the future, just as they do when it comes to estate planning. If you’re a woman leading the charge in your family’s planning, we applaud you. Let SLS Wills and More be your trusted partner in creating a Will that secures your legacy. The Team Behind the Scenes In both sport and Will Writing, teamwork is essential. A successful athlete might be the star on the field, but they rely on coaches, trainers, and analysts to guide them. Similarly, when drafting your Will, it’s vital to have a knowledgeable team behind you to ensure everything is done correctly and in line with the law. At SLS Wills and More, we act as your coach and support team, guiding you through the complexities of estate planning and ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Just like a top-tier sports team, we’re focused on achieving the best result for you and your family. Preparation Wins the Day Athletes train relentlessly because they know preparation is the foundation of success. The same applies to Will Writing. Putting off your Will might feel like an easy option, but it leaves you unprepared, and your loved ones vulnerable. By taking the time to write a Will, you’re doing the equivalent of training for a major event. You’re ensuring that when the time comes, everything is in place and your wishes are clear. The peace of mind this brings is invaluable, not only for you but also for those you care about. Don’t Leave It to Chance In sport, as in life, leaving things to chance rarely pays off. Whether you’re tackling a tricky course or navigating the complexities of inheritance tax, careful planning ensures you’re ready for whatever comes your way. At SLS Wills and More, we’re not sporting champions, but we are experts in Will Writing, LPAs, and estate planning. Just like a good coach helps an athlete achieve their potential, we help you secure your family’s future. Ready to Take the First Step? Sport teaches us the value of teamwork, preparation, and strategy, all vital when it comes to estate planning. Whether you’re motivated by a desire to protect your loved ones, ensure your assets are distributed fairly, or even leave a charitable legacy, SLS Wills and More is here to help. Contact us today to start planning your future with confidence. Together, we’ll create a winning strategy for your Will and your peace of mind. Phone: 01304 577998Email: hello@slswillsandmore.co.ukWebsite: www.slswillsandmore.co.uk Your family deserves the best, let’s make it happen.

The family classic, Mary Poppins, is so good that it’s been remade in 2018 with Emily Blunt. The original is often remembered for its cheerful songs, whimsical adventures, and a magical nanny who literally floats in on the east wind. Beneath the charm and spoonfuls of sugar, however, lies a poignant commentary on family dynamics, values, and responsibilities. If we step inside No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane through the lens of estate planning, we find that the Banks family’s journey provides timeless lessons in securing one’s legacy and ensuring long-term family harmony. The Banks Family and Financial Strain At the heart of Mary Poppins are Mr and Mrs Banks and their two children, Jane and Michael. Mr Banks, a diligent banker, takes pride in his role as the family’s financial provider in an outdated family structure. Yet, for all his careful attention to the figures at the bank, he neglects the long-term planning and deeper emotional wellbeing of his household. In many ways, this parallels what can happen if we focus solely on short-term savings rather than broader estate planning strategies. Without a considered plan—be it a Will, trust, or lasting power of attorney—our families may end up facing uncertainty. Should the worst occur, your loved ones might be left juggling assets, bank accounts, and property without clear instructions, just as Mr Banks initially struggles to find the right balance between work and home. A Spoonful of Structure: Wills and Trusts Mary Poppins arrives to restore harmony, not just through magical outings and cheerful songs, but by subtly guiding Mr Banks to reassess his priorities. In estate planning terms, this is akin to drafting a comprehensive Will or setting up a trust. These documents serve as the framework that holds a family’s financial future together, ensuring that, should something happen, everyone knows what to do and where they stand. A Will allows you to specify exactly how your assets should be distributed, preventing family disputes and confusion. A trust can provide even greater flexibility, protecting the interests of your children until they are old enough to manage their inheritance responsibly—rather like Mary Poppins keeping a watchful eye until Jane and Michael are ready to embrace their father’s lessons in kindness and generosity. Appointing Suitable Guardians: Ensuring Children’s Welfare One of the key themes of Mary Poppins is the wellbeing of the children. Without Mary’s guiding hand, Jane and Michael’s emotional needs might have gone unmet, their joyful spirits dulled by a lack of attention. In England and Wales, parents can ensure their children’s futures by appointing legal guardians in their Wills. This pre-emptive step guarantees that someone trustworthy will look after them if you are no longer able to do so. It’s not just about financial security—it’s about emotional stability as well. Much like the warmth Mary Poppins brings to the Banks household, named guardians can provide the love, care, and consistent moral compass children need during difficult times. Lasting Powers of Attorney: Preparing for the Unexpected In Mary Poppins, unexpected changes abound—the nanny’s sudden arrival, a trip into a chalk painting, and a penguin waitstaff in a pavement café! Real life can also present unpredictable turns. If injury or illness renders you unable to make your own financial or healthcare decisions, a lasting power of attorney (LPA) ensures trusted individuals can act on your behalf. This pre-emptive step prevents unnecessary stress and upheaval, keeping your family’s ship steady and secure, rather like Admiral Boom’s precise timekeeping and Mary’s measured approach to challenges. Rediscovering What Matters Most By the end of the film, Mr Banks realises that family connection, compassion, and open-heartedness outrank his previous fixation on mere financial formality. In estate planning terms, this is a reminder that planning is about more than wealth—it’s about protecting the people you love and ensuring that they thrive emotionally and financially. Your estate plan becomes a lasting legacy of care, echoing Mary Poppins’ message: when families have a solid foundation, it frees them up to celebrate life’s joys together. Without the burden of uncertainty, they can focus on what truly matters—shared laughter, meaningful traditions, and passing on values that endure long after the last kite is flown. How SLS Wills and More Can Help At SLS Wills and More, we’re ready to help you channel your inner Mary Poppins—putting practical measures in place so that your family’s future is secure, stable, and full of possibility. From drafting a comprehensive Will to setting up trusts and LPAs, we can guide you through all aspects of estate planning. With our assistance, you can give your loved ones the greatest gift of all: the reassurance that, whatever tomorrow may bring, your family’s financial home at No. 17 Cherry Tree Lane (or wherever you reside) remains a place of comfort, harmony, and hope.