Blog Posts/Our News
A Christmas Message from SLS Wills and More
As we approach the festive season, all of us at SLS Wills and More would like to take a moment to wish you a merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year. It’s a time for family and friends, gathering together (in person or virtually) to share in familiar traditions and
Estate Planning Lessons from Home Alone: Ensuring Your Loved Ones Aren’t Left Behind
As the Christmas approaches, we have seen so many posts on social media about the best Christmas Movies and it gets heated! Many of us will revisit the Christmas classic, Home Alone. The film’s storyline of a young boy accidentally left behind while his family jets off on holiday is
Festive Cheer and the Gift of Estate Planning: A November Surprise from SLS Wills and More
November. That curious month where Halloween is a distant memory, Bonfire Night smoke has barely cleared, and the first Christmas decorations start appearing in shops (we’re looking at you, early-bird supermarkets!). It’s also, controversially, when we at SLS Wills and More choose to talk about estate planning. Yes, we know
Fairy Tale Estate Planning: Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, and Who Gets the Ruby Slippers?
Welcome to the next enchanting instalment of our whimsical (yet serious!) series on estate planning through the lens of fairy tales. This time, we’re heading to the land of Oz – where tornadoes, witches, and ruby slippers create the perfect storm of estate planning conundrums. Apt with the launch of
Fairy Tale Estate Planning: Cinderella, the Wicked Stepmother, and Why You Need a Will
Welcome back to the next chapter in our whimsical (but surprisingly serious) look at fairy tales and estate planning. Following the success of our hypothetical Simba case study, we now turn to another iconic tale: Cinderella. This time, we’re tackling the tricky topic of blended families, wicked stepmothers, and why
6 Months in as a Consultant at SLS Wills and More
Starting a new chapter at SLS Wills and more this year, has been a whirlwind of anadventure. Monday 10 th June I arrived at the office in Aylesham ready to meet the rest of theteam. The first couple of weeks I wondered more times than not, if I had made
Privilege Wills in England and Wales: A Rare but Valuable Option
In England and Wales, most individuals are familiar with standard Wills, created through legal documents that are signed and witnessed. However, there exists a lesser-known, yet still legally recognised, type of Will known as a “privileged Will.” While rarely used, a privileged Will can be invaluable for certain individuals facing
The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2024: Impact on Estate Planning
The Autumn Budget 2024, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has introduced significant tax changes aimed at addressing fiscal shortfalls while pledging increased funding in crucial sectors. With the largest tax-raising budget since 1993, it has implications for estate planning that will affect individuals with assets and estates in the UK.
The Lion King – and Estate Planning
Estate Planning Lessons from The Lion King: What Simba’s Story Teaches Us About Wills and Inheritance in England and Wales Disney’s The Lion King is more than just a heartwarming tale of courage, redemption, and the circle of life. Beneath the captivating animation and memorable songs lies a complex narrative
Meet Sara Sheppard: Your Trusted Expert in Estate Planning
When it comes to estate planning, you want someone with knowledge, experience, and a genuine passion for helping people. With over 35 years of experience, Sara Sheppard, founder of SLS Wills and More, brings all this and more to the table. Based in Kent, Sara has dedicated her career to
Changing the Narrative in the Estate Planning Sector: Prioritising Expertise Over Price
Estate Planning in Recent Years In recent years, the estate planning sector has seen an increasing focus on online Wills, fuelled by digital advancements and shifting consumer behaviours. While the convenience and affordability of online Will writing services attract many, the narrative around estate planning has become worryingly focused on
Estate Planning for Pet Owners: Ensuring Your Pets Are Cared for After You’re Gone
What happens to your pets when you’re not here? For many of us, our pets are part of the family, offering companionship and unconditional love. However, when it comes to estate planning in England and Wales, it’s essential to make provisions for your furry friends, as pets cannot directly inherit
How SLS Wills and More Safeguards Clients in Response to CMA Draft Guidelines
Back in May the CMA introduced draft guidelines for consumer protection… Here is our take… The draft guidelines issued by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) back in a June are a timely reminder of the importance of transparency and consumer protection within the Will writing and broader legal services
Common Myths About Wills
Having practised in private client for so long I’ve heard just about every excuse and reason why people don’t need or haven’t got a Will. Here are some of the most common and frustrating myths. I don’t need a Will – My partner will get everything… Not True. If
Will Writing in East Kent
Will Writing in East Kent If you’re looking for a trusted Will Writer in East Kent then look no further. SLS Wills and More is run by founder Sara Sheppard who has more than 35 years of experience in estate planning and estate administration. As well as being incredibly experienced
Commercial/Business Lasting Powers of Attorney – What are they?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document through which you authorise a chosen person to make certain decisions on your behalf. The decisions that you authorise your chosen person to make can be either in relation to your finances, for which an LPA for property and affairs will be
Football and Estate Planning
Many of us have lost our partners or husbands to the sofa over the last week with the start of the euros and it got us thinking. We were looking to find a tenuous link between football and estate planning and we found one… (not ideal of course)… Initially
The un-married partner scenario
“I’m not married, do I need a Will?” I have lost count of the number of times I have been told that I don’t need a Will, when in reality, this is not the case. We have written lots of articles about reasons why people need a Will
