Estate Planning in Hailsham
(Sensible fees for Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney and more.)
Lasting Powers of Attorney and Wills of all types, from simple to highly sophisticated, and just occasionally, lifetime trusts, which are wildly oversold, in my opinion.
I am based over in Polegate near the big roundabout, just 5 minutes from Hailsham, so whether it is a home visit or a meeting in my comfortable and private home office, it is pretty convenient. I am happy to have an initial telephone chat without obligation. My experience with Lasting Powers of Attorney goes back to being consulted by the Office of the Public Guardian, and for Wills and Trusts, you have to go back to the last century to discover my start in Estate Planning. Sadly, the OPG took no notice of my views and developed the highly bureaucratic and complex forms that they enforce rigidly to this day, rejecting a high proportion.
Priority 1: Hailsham Lasting Powers of Attorney.
In an ideal world, every local resident over 18 should have both types of Lasting Power of Attorney.
Why? A simple accident, stroke, or any number of other events can mean you are unable to make decisions within a reasonable timescale. Without LPAs, it is then up to the expensive and slow Court of Protection to make those decisions for you. This is an unexciting but potentially crucial 18th birthday present.
NOT your parents, children, husband or wife who have no more rights than your next-door neighbours.
If you have at least 20 weeks notice of such an unexpected disaster, you might be able to get a Lasting Power of Attorney in time. But generally, you don’t get enough notice, so it is only prudent to get them in place while you are fit and well. Call me!
Priority 2 Wills
At least for most Hailsham folk they Will be, except where children are involved, as it is essential to have legally appointed guardians for the children, should the worst happen (ask about our special scheme) however:
Existing Wills
Should be reviewed at least every three years: Tax, the Law, and domestic circumstances are constantly evolving.
As an example, there are thousands of families with Wills, which WERE tax efficient but now are going to gift the Taxman £140,000, which could have gone on to the next generation.
Blended families and remarriages after the first death are another common issue in Seaford and mean that entirely the wrong people can end up inheriting.
So why not take advantage of a Free Will Review?
These are not generally done by way of home visits, so a phone or video chat, or post or email copy documents or just come and see me – it is very easy to find.
Areas around Hailsham where I can arrange home visits are Golden Cross, Upper Dicker, Hellingly, Mgham Down, Herstmonceux, Chalvington, Ripe, Arlington, Deanland etc.
