From Lawyer to Business Owner: Sara’s Story and Why Making a Will Matters
From Lawyer to Business Owner: Sara’s Story and Why Making a Will Matters
Recently, Sara from SLS Wills and More appeared on a local radio show to share her professional journey, discuss her business, and explain the importance of having a Will.
Sara has nearly 40 years of legal experience, primarily in banks and solicitors’ firms, focusing on Wills, Probate, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Court of Protection matters.
In 2017, after a period of illness and reassessing her priorities, she chose to establish her own practice.
This marked the beginning of SLS Wills and More.
Building SLS Wills and More
Sara founded the business on 1 June 2017, initially operating as a sole practitioner.
Since then, the practice has grown into a supportive, all-female team based in Aylesham, Kent, covering Kent. The team now includes trained Will writers and administrators, providing clients with professional and personal support throughout the process.
Sara remains committed to making estate planning clear, practical, and accessible.
Why Making a Will Is So Important
During the interview, Sara addressed a common misconception:
“I don’t have anything, so I don’t need a Will.”
In reality, mostpeople do need a Will.
Even if you rent your home and do not have significant savings, you may still have:
Personal possessions
Jewellery
A car
Children who need guardians
Pets
Funeral wishes
If you have young children and do not appoint guardians in your Will, grandparents or godparents have no automatic right to care for them. It is a common misconception that godparents automatically become legal guardians.
Without a valid Will, your family may need to apply for Letters of Administration before managing your affairs. This process can be time-consuming and add stress during an already difficult time.
A Will is not only about finances. It provides clarity, reduces conflict, and makes matters easier for those you leave behind.
Preparing for a Will Appointment
Sara encourages clients to prepare the following before their appointment:
Consider what your assets are
Estimate the value of your estate.
Identify who your family members are
Decide who you want to benefit.
Bring the names, addresses, and dates of birth of those you wish to include.
This information forms the basis of your initial discussion.
Appointments typically last one to two hours. There is no pressure; the focus is on understanding your circumstances and clearly explaining your options and their implications.
It is also important to address complex situations, such as excluding a child. Aschallengestobecome more common, careful drafting and professional advice are essential.
Power of Attorney and Probate Explained
Sara also clarified the difference between a Will and a Lasting Power of Attorney.
A Will takes effect after you die.
A Lasting Power of Attorney is used during your lifetime if you lose mental capacity and can no longer manage your finances or make decisions about your health and welfare.
Probate is the legal process that follows someone’s death. It involves:
Establishing the value of the estate
Completing any necessary Inheritance Tax forms
Obtaining a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Collecting assets
Distributing them in accordance with the Will or the rules of intestacy
Without organisation and clear records, the probate process can become unnecessarily complicated.
Sara strongly advises keeping a clear record of:
Bank accounts
Pensions
Life insurance
Investments
Shares
If details are unclear, financial asset search services are available, though they can cost several hundred pounds. Keeping a simple written record can save your family time, stress, and expense.
Making Things Easier for Your Family
One of the key messages from the interview was this:
Planning is not morbid. It is considerate.
Making a Will, putting a Lasting Power of Attorney in place, and keeping clear records means your loved ones are not left searching through drawers, dismantling furniture for paperwork, or navigating complex legal processes during a time of…This approach provides clarity, reduces the risk of disputes, and offers peace of mind.
And finally, a special thank you to Radio Ashford for hosting Sara Sheppard. For those who wish to listen to Radio Ashford or get in touch with them, please follow this link: https://radioashford.com
Get in Touch
If you would like to discuss making a Will, arranging a Lasting Power of Attorney, or would like an initial consultation, please contact SLS Wills and More:
📞 01304 577998
Sara or Lisa will be pleased to speak with you and guide you through the next steps.
