Author name: Dolores Dixon

When it comes time to choose an estate planning firm, many people automatically go with a national business. While these businesses may have a wider reach, they often don’t offer the same level of personal service that you would get from a local estate planning firm like SLS Wills and More. Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing SLS Wills and More: Choosing a local estate planning firm like SLS Wills and More can provide you with the personal attention and guidance you need to ensure that your assets are handled correctly. From personalised service to flexibility and cost savings, there are many reasons to choose SLS Wills and More for your estate planning needs.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows someone to nominate individuals or organisations, known as attorneys, to manage their affairs should they become incapable of doing so. There are two types of Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) – one for health and welfare matters, and one for property and financial matters. At SLS Wills and More, our expert team can assist with setting up an LPA correctly in line with the requirements set out by the Office of the Public Guardian. The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for registering Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and providing a certificate when the LPA is registered. The certificate provider will confirm that the Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is valid and that the donor (the person setting up the LPA) understands what they are doing. Therefore it is essential that when you make a Lasting Power of Attorney, you have the ‘mental capacity’ to do so. When we support clients with the creation of a Will or LPA, we conduct mental capacity assessments. *Note* The tests for LPAs and Wills are different. To register Lasting Powers of Attorney, three parties must be involved: – The Donor – this is the person authorising the Lasting Power of Attorney and making decisions about who will be their attorney(s). – The Attorney(s) – this is the person (or persons) appointed by the donor to make decisions on their behalf. It is important that these are people you trust, as they will have a large amount of power over your affairs if you become unable to manage them yourself. Often, children or your spouse will be your attorneys. – The Certificate Provider – this is someone who can certify that the Lasting Power of Attorney has been correctly filled out and that you have had capacity to make one. It is important to note that Lasting Powers of Attorney come into effect as soon as they are registered, so it’s essential to ensure there are safeguards in place should anything go wrong. At SLS Wills and More, we are able to provide you with advice on how to protect yourself when creating an LPA, as well as provide a Lasting Power of Attorney service should you require it. We strongly advise that anyone who is considering setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) speaks with our team at SLS Wills and More first before doing so. We are here to help ensure the process goes smoothly and correctly for both you and your loved ones. You may wish to note that you could complete the application for an LPA without professional support but it should be noted that if you complete the forms incorrectly and they are rejected by the OPG, you will lose your application/registration fee. At the time of writing, that fee stands at £82 per document. By choosing SLS Wills and More to help you with your estate planning, we take responsibility for the form filling and are able to identify if you are entitled to any exceptions or remissions on the fees. If Lasting Powers of Attorney are not set up correctly or if concerns arise around mental capacity during the Lasting Power of Attorney process, it could result in expensive court proceedings further down the line. A couple of high-profile cases highlight the real need for LPAs and they include TV presenter – Kate Garroway and author – Heather Bateman. In both cases their husband’s Lasting Powers of Attorney were not in place and as a result, the families had to endure costly court battles with the Court of Protection. Both are big advocates for LPAs. Another advocate for LPAs is money expert – Martin Lewis. Over the last few years Martin Lewis has publically talked about his support for these legal documents. In summary, when you’re ready to think about Lasting Powers of Attorney or if you’d like more information, feel free to reach out to SLS Wills and More.

At SLS Wills and More, we provide a comprehensive service to help make sure that your estate planning is taken care of. Our experienced team will work with you to draft a legally valid Will that meets your specific needs and protects your assets to ensure that they go where you want, or to who you want when the time comes. We also provide advice on setting up trusts, powers of attorney, and guardianship. We take the time to understand your personal circumstances and provide you with tailored advice on how best to meet your estate planning goals. In doing so we often have a chat over a cup of the team to find out more about you, and your family and often form lovely bonds with clients. Our team is available for office or home appointments in Kent, as well as across England and Wales via telephone or video call, so you can be sure that SLS Wills and More will provide you with a service that meets all of your needs, no matter where you are. We are always available to answer any questions you have about estate planning and will do our best to make sure that your wishes are carried out when the time comes. One crucial element of our service, and perhaps something that sets us apart from other estate planning professionals is our experience and professionalism. Collectively, our team have over 50 years of estate planning experience and our founder – Sara has over 35 years of knowledge meaning you’re in safe hands. Better still, Sara is a member of the Society of Will Writers (SWW), is a full TEP (member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners – known as STEP), she sits on the SWW’s Professional Standards Board and helps advise the SWW on ways that they can improve the standards of members nationwide. If you’d like to put your estate planning in place, then speak to Sara or a member of our team and we can book in a free no-obligation appointment to go through everything with you. Contact SLS Wills and More today and take a step toward protecting your assets in the future. We look forward to hearing from. SLS Wills and More

Many of you know but a Will is a legal document which outlines how you want your assets to be distributed and managed after you pass away. There’s a fair bit more to it than that but it is important to ensure that your Will is kept up-to-date. It’s important to keep your Will up-to-date so it reflects current circumstances. SLS Wills and More recommends reviewing a Will every 3-5 years. To make sure your Will is fit for purpose, SLS Wills and More provides a free review service. We operate this service for clients and for people who are new to SLS Wills and More. In some cases, you might consider rewriting your Will. SLS Wills and More can help you if that is the case but we will always provide detailed guidance as to why we believe it’s important. If your circumstances only require minor alterations, you might be advise you to use a ‘Codicil’. A Codicil is a legal document which allows you to make changes to your existing Will without the need to rewrite it. SLS Wills and More don’t advocate Codicils. We have seen cases where they have been lost and any changes have therefore been ignored. We tend to completely rewrite Wills for clients to ensure they have the best possible protection in place. SLS Wills and More can provide you with expert advice as to whether rewriting your Will is the best option for you or whether you even need it. The most important message here is that you should keep your Will up to date and here are 5 reasons why changes to your Will might be necessary. Naturally, this is not an exhaustive list: 1. You’ve moved home or your address has changed 2. You’ve been through a marriage, civil partnership, divorce or separation 3. You have new children or grandchildren 4. Your assets or wealth have increased or decreased significantly (for example you have recieved an inheritance) 5. Someone named in your Will has passed away or you’d like to change gifts in your Will, change your executors, guardians or trustees. It’s important to ensure that your Will is up-to-date and SLS Wills and More can help you with this. Contact SLS Wills and More today for a free review of your Will. We will help you to make sure that your Will is fit for purpose and that it reflects current circumstances.

A Will is a legal document that allows you to state how you want your assets and estate to be distributed after you die. In England and Wales, there are 6 important reasons why you need to write a Will. Writing a Will is the only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass away. Without a Will, your die intestate. This means your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy – which may not reflect your wishes. Writing a Will also allows you to name an executor or executors (often people you trust), who will ensure that your wishes are carried out. SLS Wills and More has compiled 6 of the most important reasons why it’s important for you to write a Will if you live in England and Wales: 1. To make sure your assets are distributed as you wish – Writing a Will allows you to specify exactly how your assets and estate should be distributed, ensuring that they go to the people or charity of your choice. 2. To ensure that any young children are provided for – If you have young children, a Will is essential in order to appoint guardians who will look after them if both parents pass away. 3. To protect vulnerable beneficiaries – A Will can provide protection if you are leaving assets to someone who may not be able to manage their own affairs by using trust arrangements. This can help them benefit from the inheritance without it being squandered or taken advantage of. 4. To minimise or mitigate an Inheritance Tax liability – It’s possible to reduce your Inheritance Tax bill with careful planning, which should be outlined in your Will. This is a very complex subject and often we work with you, your accountant or your financial adviser to ensure that your planning isn’t detrimental in any way. 5. To set up a trust fund – A Will allows you to establish a trust to provide funds for the education and maintenance of any children or grandchildren, while also avoiding inheritance tax liabilities. 6. To make sure everything runs smoothly – If you are seriously ill, it’s important to write a Will so that in the event of your death your wishes will be clear and there won’t be any disagreements between family members about how things should be divided up. This is not an exhaustive list, but SLS Wills and More believes the 6 reasons above are the most important when it comes to writing a Will in England and Wales. Writing a Will can ensure that your wishes are carried out after you pass away and SLS Wills and More can help you write one today! Contact us now to find out more about our services.

What is a Will? A Will is an important legal document that reflects your wishes for what should happen to your money, property and possessions after you die. Well, this is a common perception but it’s actually about so much more than that and in this article, we’ll go through all elements of Will Writing. We’ve already talked about the fact that a Will is an important legal document. It’s probably one of the most important documents you’ll ever make. It can include instructions on who will inherit your assets, and name a guardian for minor children, but it should also include arrangements for payment of debts and taxes, who will be the executor of your estate (the person responsible for carrying out your wishes), and any other instructions related to your wishes. Who can write a Will? In England and Wales, for a Will to be legally binding it must be written by someone who: – is over 18 years old; – has the mental capacity to make decisions; and – understands what the document means and the implications of signing it. Do keep in mind that if you don’t write a Will, your estate will be distributed in accordance with the Laws of Intestacy. What are the Laws of Intestacy? The Laws of Intestacy is a set of rules which govern who will inherit your estate if you don’t make a Will. This means that if you do not write a Will, the court will decide who inherits your assets. If this applies to you, and you have children, your assets can be split among them in the manner specified by the law. Click here to view our Intestacy Flow Chart. Some common Will myths There are some common misconceptions about writing a Will and we’ll try to clear them up here. First, it is not true that Wills are only for people who have many possessions or a lot of money. If you have any assets at all, it’s important to write a Will to make sure they are distributed according to your wishes. Also, contrary to popular belief, you do not need a solicitor to write a Will. People living in England and Wales can draw up a Will themselves, as long as they are over 18 and have mental capacity. This doesn’t mean you should. We’ve been in the profession for over 35 years and have seen some terrible examples of DIY Wills. When firms like SLS Wills and More offer a free consultation, it’s worth having a chat and understanding the complexities surrounding your wishes with no obligation to accept the advice and proceed. Many people think that they have a simple estate and therefore only need a simple Will. More often than not, some complexities have not been taken into account or that you simply wouldn’t know as a lay person. What is an Executor? An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the wishes you write into your Will. An executor must be a person of legal age and mental capacity, so it is important to choose someone who you trust and who is capable of handling the responsibility. The role of an executor includes distributing assets to beneficiaries, filing tax returns, collecting debts and managing cash flow, among many other responsibilities. This means it’s important to pick your executor carefully – they have a lot of responsibilities including legal responsibilities. What is a Trustee? A trustee is a person appointed to look after assets held in trust for the benefit of someone else. Trustees have a fiduciary responsibility to make sure the assets are managed and distributed in accordance with your wishes, as stated in your Will. They are also appointed in the Will. How do you revoke a Will? You can revoke your Will at any time, as long as you have the mental capacity to make decisions. It is important to remember that any changes you make to your Will must be made in writing, and it should be signed and witnessed. If you’re revoking a Will, it might be because you’re writing a new one in which it’s common for there to be a clause in the new Will revoking the old Will. If you’re not writing a new Will but simply want to revoke a previous Will you can simply destroy it. It is important to note that if you destroy your Will, it must be done with the intention of revoking it. Why would someone make a Will? Here are 7 common reasons people write a Will. 1. To ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you pass away. 2. To provide for any dependents who may be left without financial support if you don’t make a Will. 3. To name guardians for your children, should both parents die before the children reach adulthood. 4. To appoint an executor who will be responsible for managing and distributing the assets by your wishes as stated in the Will. 5. To appoint trustees and set up trusts, which can help protect or ringfence assets for the benefit of intended beneficiaries. 6. To make specific gifts of money, items or property to particular individuals. 7. To reduce the burden of taxes, by using available exemptions or planning tax liabilities in the most efficient way for your estate. How do you sign a Will (in England and Wales)? In England and Wales, Wills must be signed in the presence of two witnesses who are over 18 years old. Neither witness must be a beneficiary of the Will as this will invalidate any gifts made to them. Commonly, friends or neighbours act as witnesses but we can guide on this. The signing should take place in one go – all parties should be present at the same time when signing the document on the attestation page. There is no obligation to sign each page or even read the Will over to the witnesses. The Will

As the leading Kent-based Will writers, SLS Wills and More have been providing trusted estate planning services to professionals and families in Canterbury and across Kent for over 5 years since founder – Sara Sheppard left private practice to start her own business. The firm has built a strong reputation for excellent customer service that keeps clients coming back when they want Will reviews, and of course, referring friends and family. The team at SLS Wills and More is dedicated to providing the best service possible to all of their clients, and this is reflected in the positive reviews they have received on Google Business page. Due to the high demand for their services, SLS Wills and More are now booking appointments for Wills into June. They believe that having a well-prepared Will can provide peace of mind for individuals and families, so they are committed to providing the best service possible. If you are looking for an experienced, trusted Will writing firm in Canterbury, Aylsham and across Kent that puts your needs first, contact SLS Wills and More today to book your appointment. Make sure to mention where you heard about them when booking. It is worth noting that SLS Wills and More services are not limited to South East England and that Sara and her team can support families, individuals and business owners across England and Wales. The full extent of our services can be found here – on our website, but encompass Will Writing, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Document Storage, and Estate Administration. We offer a fixed fee service (no hourly rates) and a free consultation so you’ll always get our advice and fees before you decide to proceed. The importance of having a valid Will in place is something SLS Wills and More take very seriously and it pains us when we get calls from grieving families where little or no planning was in place and they have lost a loved one. Don’t just take our word for it: W. Hudson: “A very pleasant and professional lady who made writing my will an easy experience for me to understand.” S. Luke: “Sara Shepperd of SLS wills was excellent in all respects when my wife and I made mirror wills. She came to our house to discuss our requirements and sent draft wills shortly afterwards. When approved she came back for the signing. She was always clear in her explanations. She provided a very personal service at a very reasonable cost. We have no hesitation in highly recommending her.”

Remembering those who have passed away in 2023. Lisa Marie Presley (January 2023) Lisa Marie Presley (54) was a singer-songwriter and the only daughter of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley. She passed away from a suspected heart attack. Robbie Knievel (January 2023) Robbie (60) was the son of famous dare devil ‘Evil Kneivel) and passed away after a battle with Cancer. Robbie was known for following in his father’s footsteps and was also a well renowned stunt rider. Paco Rabanne (February 2023) Famous designer Paco Rabanne passed away in February at the age of 88. Burt Bacharach (February 2023) The signer Burt Bacharach, known for songs like ‘Raindrops keep falling on my head’ passed away at the grand age of 94. Tom Sizemore (March 2023) Legendary actor – Tom Sizemore died at the age of 60 from a brain aneurysm. Tom was known for roles in award winning films such as Black Hawk Down and Saving Private Ryan. Nicholas Lloyd Webber (March 2023) Son of famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, Nick was a composer himself and passed away at only 43 following a battle with Cancer. He was Grammy nominated. Paul O’Grady (March 2023) Much loved comedian, drag queen, actor, and writer – Paul (67) passed in April 2023. He was known for having presented shows like ‘For the love of Dogs’ and ‘The Paul O’Grady Show’ as well as for being the drag queen – Lily Savage. Barry Humphries (a.k.a. Dame Edna Everage) (April 2023) Australian comedian – Barry, known for his on screen performances as Dame Edna Everage was an iconic comedian who passed away in April at the age of 89. Len Goodman (April 2023) Len Goodman, former head judge of Strictly Come Dancing ran his own dance studio and was a professional ball room dancer. He passed away in a hospice in Kent in April 2023. Jerry Springer (April 2023) The legendary talk show host and entertainer Jerry Springer passed away at his home in the USA in April at the age of 79. Jerry was best known for hosting ‘The Jerry Springer Show’ which ran for 27 seasons (over 27 years). Tina Turner (May 2023) Tina Turner was an American-born singer. Known as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, she rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before launching a successful career as a solo performer. She died in Switzerland on the 24th May. Trevor Francis (July 2023) Trevor Francis was a striker who played for Birmingham City, and who became the first £1 million footballer when he moved to Nottingham Forest. He sadly died this month at 69 years of age of a heart attack. George Alagiah (July 2023) George was a renowned journalist – the face of BBC One’s News At Six since 2007 but was sadly diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in 2014. He died at the age of 67. Meg Johnson (July 2023) Meg sadly passed away at the age of 86. She was a loved actress who had appeared on Coronation Street and Emmerdale. She had suffered from Dementia in her later years. Meg Johnson (July 2023) Ray Stevenson (July 2023) Actor – Ray Stevenson sadly died following being hospitalised whilst filming in Italy. He was only 58 years old. Tony Bennett (July 2023) Much loved American singer and entertainer Tony Bennett, famous for recent duets with singers such as Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, and Amy Winehouse sadly passed away on the 21st July. He was reportedly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016 and following a 7 year battle, sadly passed away.

When it comes to estate planning, creating a comprehensive Will can be vital to ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. One powerful tool that plays a crucial role in effective estate planning is the trust. Trusts offer flexibility and control over the distribution of assets while allowing individuals to protect their loved ones and minimise any tax implications. At SLS Wills and More, we understand the importance of tailoring estate planning solutions to meet our clients’ unique needs. In this article, we will explore two commonly used types of trusts in Wills in England and Wales: Life Interest Trusts and Discretionary Trusts, with a special focus on Vulnerable Person Trusts which is something we’re seeing a lot more. Life Interest Trusts: A Life Interest Trust, also known as an Interest in Possession Trust, provides a beneficiary (known as the life tenant) with the right to receive income from the trust assets during their lifetime. Upon the life tenant’s death, the trust assets are then distributed to one or more ultimate beneficiaries (known as the remaindermen). Key features of Life Interest Trusts include: a. Preserving assets: Life Interest Trusts can help protect the value of assets by preventing beneficiaries from misusing or depleting them. b. Flexibility: The settlor (the person creating the trust) has the power to determine the beneficiaries of the trust after the life tenant’s death. c. Care for dependents: Life Interest Trusts can be particularly useful in cases where the life tenant wants to ensure that their spouse, partner, or children are provided for after their passing. Discretionary Trusts: Discretionary Trusts provide the trustees with significant discretion in distributing trust assets to beneficiaries. Rather than specifying fixed entitlements, the settlor grants the trustees the authority to make decisions based on the needs and circumstances of the beneficiaries. Key features of Discretionary Trusts include: a. Asset protection: Discretionary Trusts can be effective in protecting assets from creditors, divorce settlements, and potential financial mismanagement by beneficiaries. b. Tax planning: Discretionary Trusts can help manage inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities, as the assets held within the trust are not considered part of the beneficiaries’ estates for IHT purposes. c. Beneficiary flexibility: Discretionary Trusts cater to changing circumstances, allowing the trustees to adapt distributions based on changing needs or unforeseen events. Vulnerable Person Trusts: Vulnerable Person Trusts are a specific type of Discretionary Trust designed to protect the interests of individuals who lack the capacity to manage their financial affairs. They are often created to safeguard the assets of vulnerable or disabled individuals. Key features of Vulnerable Person Trusts include: a. Financial protection: Vulnerable Person Trusts ensure that the assets of vulnerable individuals are managed responsibly, protecting them from exploitation or mismanagement. b. Means-tested benefits: By placing assets in a Vulnerable Person Trust, individuals can preserve their eligibility for means-tested benefits, as the assets are not considered the individual’s own for assessment purposes. c. Care provision: These trusts can assist in funding care or support services for the vulnerable person while preserving their assets for the future. Creating a well-structured estate plan involves careful consideration of various factors, including the selection of appropriate trusts. Life Interest Trusts, Discretionary Trusts, and Vulnerable Person Trusts offer unique benefits and play crucial roles in achieving your estate planning goals. The way that these trusts are drafted is also crucial and that is where we come in. At SLS Wills and More, our team of experienced professionals are here to guide you through the complex landscape of estate planning. We can help you understand the legal requirements, tax implications, and practical considerations related to trusts, ensuring your assets pass to who you want and making sure that those you’d like to benefit from assets can do so appropriately. For more information, book in a complimentary appointment to discuss your circumstances.

Anne Hathaway is widely known as the wife of the iconic playwright William Shakespeare. However, beyond her association with the legendary wordsmith, Anne’s life and her relationship with estate planning during the Elizabethan era offer intriguing insights into the legal landscape and the evolving rights of women in England. This article delves into the concept of testamentary freedom, the introduction of women’s property rights, and the rising claims against estates, particularly focusing on the notion of reasonable financial provision. Testamentary Freedom in Shakespeare’s Time During William Shakespeare’s era, testamentary freedom granted individuals the autonomy to distribute their property as they saw fit upon their death. This concept was upheld by the legal system and allowed for the execution of one’s final wishes through a legally binding document known as a Will. The Testator (the person making the Will) had the authority to determine how their assets and belongings would be distributed among family members, friends, or charitable causes. Evolving Women’s Property Rights In Elizabethan England, women faced numerous restrictions regarding property ownership and inheritance. A married woman, known as a feme covert, had limited rights over her property. Upon marriage, her assets were typically transferred to her husband, and she had little control or say in their distribution. Consequently, women often found themselves dependent on their husbands for financial stability. Anne Hathaway’s Rights and Grievances As Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway lived during a time when women’s property rights were still evolving. It is believed that William Shakespeare left the majority of his estate to his eldest daughter, Susanna, in his Will. While Anne received a modest inheritance, her portion was considerably smaller than Susanna’s share. Given the societal norms and legal constraints of the time, Anne’s discontentment or feelings of being aggrieved may have stemmed from the disparity in inheritances between herself and her daughter. The Rise of Claims Against Estates In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in claims against estates. One of the key reasons behind this rise is the concept of reasonable financial provision. Under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, certain individuals can make a claim against an estate if they believe they have not been reasonably provided for in the deceased’s Will. This legislation has expanded the scope for potential claimants, including spouses, children, and dependents, to challenge the distribution of assets. Anne Hathaway’s situation, had it occurred in the present day, might have given her the opportunity to make a claim for reasonable financial provision if she felt she had been unfairly treated in her husband’s Will. However, it is important to note that such laws did not exist during Shakespeare’s time, and the concept of reasonable financial provision was not recognised. Anne Hathaway’s role in history extends beyond her marriage to William Shakespeare. Her experience sheds light on the limited rights women had regarding property ownership and inheritance during the Elizabethan era. While the concept of testamentary freedom prevailed during Shakespeare’s time, women were often marginalised in the process. As the rights of women evolved over the centuries, including the recognition of reasonable financial provision, the legal landscape surrounding estate planning has undergone significant changes. Anne Hathaway’s story serves as a reminder of the progress made and the ongoing pursuit of fairness and equality in matters of inheritance and estate distribution. It’s advisable at the present time to seek advice to ensure that you don’t open your estate up to potential claims and we can provide this support at SLS Wills and More.