Frequently Asked Questions about Will Writing and Estate Planning
What areas in West London and Surrey do you offer Will writing services?
All of Surrey, Twickenham, Richmond, Sunbury, Wimbledon, Putney, South West London – but give me a call and I will try to help.
How does your Wills and Probate services work?
I can visit you either morning, afternoon or evening. I will take your initial instructions in about 60 minutes and send you a draft for your approval. l then return with the completed documents for witnessing in around 21 days. I correspond with SWW Trust Corporation and conduct thorough ‘fact finding’ home visits of the deceased estate to ascertain pertinent information for key stakeholders such as the Courts, Banks and Inland Revenue to help administer the Probate process and gather together the information required to finalise a person’s estate.
Wills:
Our fees in most cases, are also more competitive than a solicitor (Q&A) If you contact me by phone, I can discuss fees, and if you wish, arrange an appointment at a time and place to suit you. I can visit you either morning, afternoon or evening. You will then receive a confirmation email following our conversation, including my fees, and the information you will need to give me instructions to prepare your Will. I will take your initial instructions in about 60 minutes. After visiting you and taking your instruction, Wills in Surrey will send you a draft Will for your approval. l then return with the completed documents for witnessing in around 21 days.
Probate:
I correspond with SWW Trust Corporation and conduct thorough ‘fact finding’ home visits of the deceased estate to ascertain pertinent information for key stakeholders such as the Courts, Banks and Inland Revenue to help administer the Probate process and gather together the information required to finalise a person’s estate.
Bereavement Administration – Probate
Dealing with the numerous matters involved with a person’s estate can be an extremely daunting task, especially for someone who has recently lost a loved one. My clients find my services caring, professional and time-efficient.
I correspond with SWW trust corporation and conduct thorough ‘fact finding’ home visits of the deceased state to ascertain pertinent information for key stakeholders such as the Courts, Banks and Inland Revenue to help administer the Probate process and gather together the information required to finalise a person’s estate. SWW Trust Corporation in most cases, are also more competitive than a solicitor.
How much will it cost me?
This will vary according to your personal circumstances but generally I charge less than a Solicitor, plus we visit you at home.
Do Wills in Surrey offer any other services?
Yes, we can also help you with Equity Release, Mortgages, Personal and Household Insurance, Financial Investments, and Property Conveyancing matters by connecting you with our Network Partners.
Will my personal details remain confidential?
Wills in Surrey are registered under the Data Protection Act 1984, therefore all information disclosed to us will remain totally confidential. One of the biggest changes to UK Data Privacy Law came into effect in May 2018. The General Data Protection Regulation, also known as GDPR, means you will have more control over how your data is used and it ensures that organisations protect your personal data better. To reflect these changes and new obligations I have updated my privacy notice which now tells you what I do with your personal data, how it’s used and your rights as an individual under the new law. You can contact me to request a copy.
What is Probate?
The definition of Probate is ‘Proof’. The term ‘Probate’ is generally used to describe the administration process of a person’s estate. It involves confirming all assets and charges against the estate.
What does the word ‘Estate’ mean?
‘Estate’ means the total value of all assets, possessions and properties owned by the deceased at the time of death.
Can Civil Partners have Mirror Wills drawn up?
Yes, as a Civil Partnership is enshrined in law, the same Property Protection and Inheritance Tax rules apply as for a married couple.
What is a protective property will?
Setting up a Protective Property Will allows clients to protect their property from the Community Care Act of 1990. Read the full article here
What is an inheritance tax planning will?
The government currently allows each individual to pass on a set amount of assets on their death to anyone else free of inheritance tax. Read the full article here
What are the duties of an Executor to a will?
An executor is legally responsible for handling a person’s estate (their money, property and possessions) when they die and for carrying out the instructions in their will. Read the full article here
What happens if you die without a will?
If you die without a will, it means you have died “intestate.” View this guide for more information
What is a lasting power of attorney?
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. Read the full article here
Contact me
If you would like more information or to make an appointment you can of course telephone or email me. You may prefer to request a callback using this form.
Whichever is easier for you, please be assured that I will respond as soon as possible, usually the same day.
Contact John Osborn on 0208 398 4683 or 07778 929 141 email: willsinsurrey@mail.com