Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Estate Planning

Protecting yourself and your family starts with a conversation.
I’ve been helping people protect their families and plan for the future as a full-time professional Estate Planner since 2001.
I offer straightforward, practical advice on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and estate planning — without jargon, pressure or a sales pitch.
I’m Steve Pett, a Companion of The Society of Will Writers. You’ll deal directly with me throughout.
I’m based in Polegate and help clients in Eastbourne, Hailsham, Seaford and surrounding areas. I can also work with clients across England and Wales by telephone or video.
Call me on 01323 766766 for an informal chat.
Why Choose The Professional Will Writer?
Choosing someone to help protect your family is an important decision. Experience matters, but so does having someone who listens, explains things clearly and doesn’t try to sell you something you don’t need.
- Experience: Working full-time in Wills and Estate Planning since 2001.
- Professional standing: Companion of The Society of Will Writers and former Chairman of its Sussex group.
- Personal service: You deal directly with me throughout.
- Practical advice: Clear explanations and sensible recommendations, without unnecessary complexity.
- Transparent fees: You’ll know what’s involved and what it costs before proceeding.
More about my experience and qualifications | Professional guarantees and protections
How Can I Help You?
1. Making or Reviewing Your Will
Who will inherit what you’ve worked hard for? Have you chosen the right executors? And what would happen if your family’s circumstances changed?
Making a Will isn’t just about deciding who gets what. It’s about protecting the people who matter to you and making things easier for them when the time comes.
If you already have a Will, it’s worth checking that it still reflects your wishes, family circumstances and the current rules.
2. Lasting Powers of Attorney
Who would look after your affairs if you couldn’t?
Many people assume their husband, wife, partner or children could automatically make decisions for them. Unfortunately, it isn’t always that simple.
Lasting Powers of Attorney let you choose people you trust to make decisions about your property and finances, and your health and welfare, if circumstances require it.
Without the right arrangements, your family could face a difficult, expensive and time-consuming Court of Protection application.
I’ll explain both types of LPA, help you choose suitable attorneys and guide you through the process.
Learn more about protecting yourself with LPAs →
3. Trusts and Family Protection
Sometimes an ordinary Will isn’t enough to achieve what you want.
Perhaps you’re concerned about children from an earlier relationship, a vulnerable beneficiary, a second marriage or protecting your share of the family home.
Trusts can be useful, but they aren’t right for everyone. Some are expensive, complicated or simply unnecessary.
I’ll help you understand the options, including their limitations, so you can make an informed decision.
My aim is sensible protection, not unnecessary paperwork or expensive arrangements.
4. Worried About Inheritance Tax?
You’re not alone. Many people worry that the taxman will take a large share of everything they’ve worked hard to leave their family.
But will your family actually have to pay Inheritance Tax? And if so, how much?
You might be worrying unnecessarily. Equally, there may be sensible steps you could take now to reduce a future tax bill.
Property values, savings, pensions, family circumstances and available exemptions can all make a difference.
I can help you understand your position and explore your options, without jargon or a sales pitch. Where specialist tax advice is needed, I’ll explain that too.
Read more about Inheritance Tax for homeowners →
Or let’s have a chat — even if it’s just to put your mind at rest.
What Do My Clients Say?
You shouldn’t have to rely entirely on what I say about myself. Here’s what people who have used my services have said about their experience.
How Does It Work?
Step 1 — Let’s Have a Chat
Tell me a little about your circumstances, what you’re hoping to achieve and anything that’s worrying you.
Our initial conversation is free and there’s no obligation to proceed.
Step 2 — Understand Your Options
I’ll explain what might be appropriate, why it could help and what it would cost. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Step 3 — Put Your Plans in Place
Once you’re happy to proceed, I’ll guide you through the necessary decisions and paperwork, making sure you understand what you’re signing and why.
See my planning checklist and current fees →
Is Your Existing Estate Planning Still Right for You?
Life doesn’t stand still. Families change, relationships change and so do the rules affecting Wills, pensions and Inheritance Tax.
Marriage, divorce, grandchildren, moving home, bereavement or changes in financial circumstances can all make it worth reviewing your plans.
If it’s been a few years since you made your Will, or you simply aren’t certain it’s still suitable, let’s talk about it.
I offer a free initial Will review discussion and will explain whether any further work is necessary.
How Confident Are You About Your Family’s Future?
Do you know that everything is properly organised — or are there things you’ve been meaning to sort out?
I’m developing an interactive Estate Planning Confidence Check to help you identify what you’ve already taken care of and what might still need attention.
You’ll be able to work through a series of simple questions and receive a personalised action checklist to help you plan ahead.
Coming soon.
Let’s Talk — No Pressure
Whether you’re ready to make a Will, arrange LPAs, review existing documents or simply ask a question, you’re welcome to get in touch.
I’m based in Polegate, serving Eastbourne, Hailsham, Seaford and surrounding areas. Home visits may be possible locally, and I also help clients throughout England and Wales by telephone or video.
Call Steve Pett on 01323 766766.
Alternatively, send me a message through the enquiry form. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Straightforward advice. Sensible fees. Personal service.