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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.

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 you don’t have Will your estate Will pass in accordance with the rules of intestacy. Under these rules, the first £270k will pass to your spouse or civil partner after which any surviving children will benefit in conjunction with your spouse. Other friends and family are likely to receive nothing so it’s best to write a Will to ensure your wishes will be carried out.   My family can sort everything out This is often a poorly executed plan. The loss of a loved one combined with the complexities of managing the affairs of a loved one can place all sorts of untold stress upon a family. Additionally, we’re more likely to see an increase in the number of disputes where people feel they have a right to inherit with no Will.   I can update my Will myself Whilst not untrue, this can cause all sorts of problems. Anyone can write their own Will but having someone who knows the law is crucial. That’s where we come in. We can help you with updates to your existing Will. Making changes to your Will yourself can result in your Will being invalidated. Marriage revokes a Will This isn’t a Myth but a common misconception. Well-meaning people may not realise that marriage revokes a Will. If you’re planning on getting married then you can write a Will in contemplation of marriage. After you’ve got married, consider writing or re-writing your Will to take into account the life change that’s taken place. Wills and LPAs aren’t the same things Wills detail what you would like to happen to your estate after you’ve passed away. A Lasting Power of Attorney deals with matters whilst you’re alive. Both are vital components of a good estate plan. We can help you put both in place. Making a Will is expensive and complicated This is the one Myth that frustrates us at SLS. We offer affordable Estate Planning that doesn’t cost the earth. We always provide a detailed plan and solution to your estate planning needs with transparent costs. You’re then free to decide whether or not to go ahead. My debts die with me When you pass away your executors will administer your estate and one of their responsibilities will be to pay off any liabilities (debts) prior to the distribution of the estate. This means any money you owe will be paid prior to any gifts being distributed. Only old people need Wills Your Will deals with every aspect of your estate. It details funeral wishes. It allows you to appoint guardians for minor children, it deals with digital legacies, and it also deals with your cash and property. All of which are not exclusive to people at a senior age. We could pass away at any time and not having prepared could leave all sorts of trouble for those you leave behind. Creating a Will is the best way to provide instructions about how your estate should be administered, who should look after your children, and how your funeral should be conducted. Additionally, if you’ve got digital assets that you’d like passed one, your Will can make provision for this too.   When you’re ready to make a Will, speak to us. At SLS Wills and More, we make the process of writing your Will as simple as possible. We remove any legal complexities and provide you with a solution to ensure that your estate will pass to those you choose at the appropriate time.

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 she is also a member of The Society of Will Writers (and sits on their Professional Standards Board) and she is a member of STEP.   For those that don’t know, STEP is the global professional association for those advising families across generations. Their mission is to inspire confidence in families planning their assets across generations by setting and upholding high professional standards, informing public policy, promoting education, and connecting practitioners globally to share knowledge and best practice.   Additionally SLS hold professional indemnity insurance to ensure that clients are adequately protected.   That means that clients can be sure that they’re working with a trusted professional.   Traditionally SLS Wills and More work with clients across East Kent but Sara and her team are routinely asked to support clients further afield and this is rarely a problem.   Sara can host a 1-2-1 meeting with clients via telephone or video conference, or through a face-to-face meeting.   If that wasn’t enough, Sara uses her experience to mentor other estate planning professionals and helps them by providing guidance and support on cases with varying degrees or levels of complexity.   Sara encourages prospective clients to do their due diligence on SLS before contacting her to book in a consultation and those researching will see that she’s trusted by countless professionals who refer their clients to SLS and will see lots of reviews from satisfied clients.   If, after reading, you would like to book in a meeting to discuss your Will, to have your Will reviewed or to look at a full estate plan then feel free to send us a message or an email.   Typically, we have a three to four week waiting list for appointments but if your need is urgent then please let us know when messaging us.

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 created, or in relation to your personal life, where an LPA for personal welfare will be created. An LPA is a very important document, as it ensures continuity in the management of your life and your finances, should you become unwell or lose the capacity to make decisions. You may feel that an LPA is not necessary, and assume that family members can step in, when necessary, to make decisions. But this is not the case; family members do not have the automatic right to make decisions on your behalf.   LPAs for business As a business owner, it’s important to consider what would happen to your business if you were unable to make decisions. This may be if: In such circumstances, who will authorise the payment of bills, sign cheques, service a business loan or pay salaries? Don’t assume that a family member or a business colleague will gain the authority to make these decisions on your behalf – this assumption could leave your business exposed to risk. To protect your interests, and those of your business, you should consider making a business LPA.   Can you make an LPA covering your personal and business affairs? It may be possible to have just the one LPA appointing attorneys to manage your personal assets and your business assets. However, it may not be appropriate for the same person to make both personal and business decisions, due to a potential conflict of interests. You could consider making an LPA appointing certain attorneys to manage your personal assets, and others to manage your business assets. Fortunately, it’s possible to make more than one LPA. You could consider making one for your personal affairs and a separate one for your business affairs. Often, people like to keep their business affairs separate from their personal affairs, so this option tends to appeal. If you are considering making two LPAs, each should contain specific instructions limiting the scope of the attorneys’ powers – for example, a personal LPA should specify that your attorney will have general power in relation to your personal affairs, except for the relevant business assets in respect of which you have executed a separate business LPA. Your business LPA should contain specific instructions in this respect, too. Your attorneys will then be clear about their powers and will not encroach on each other’s responsibilities and decisions.   What happens if I don’t make a business LPA? If you’re unable to make business decisions in the future, and have not made a business LPA, it may become necessary to make an application to the Court of Protection for the appointment of a deputy to act on your behalf.  The process can be expensive, and there’s no guarantee that the Court of Protection will choose someone you would have chosen.  It could also take more than six months before a deputy is appointed, during which time your business may be vulnerable and at risk. To avoid disruption, it should be part of any business owner’s continuity plan and crisis management strategy to consider making a business CLPA.   If you or someone you know would like some advice on setting out an CLPA, Will Writing, Power of Attorneys and how we can help you, you can call Sara on 01304 577998 or email sara@slswillsandmore.co.uk. You can also download our CLPA FAQ information here, so you can read over this in your own time – Download here.