FAQs
Wills
A last will and testament is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes as to how their estate is to be distributed after their death. It appoints executors and, if necessary, guardians and trustees.
By reviewing your current will to see whether it still fulfils your wishes. Wills can be complex and confusing, which is why we offer a free will review service so that we can help you check all aspects of your will thoroughly.
In short, it is entirely your decision. However, you must ensure that the location is both fire proof and secure; it is also extremely important to inform your executors where it is so they can access it when needed.
We offer a document storage facility here at Goodwill for a small annual fee of £30.
You die instestate and the rules of intestacy apply,
to see them.
We stongly advise that you have a will in place to avoid this from happening.
First things first, it is always adviseable to have executors not a sole executor.
You can appoint up to 4 executors and you should consider their age, where they live in relation to you and also if they would want to act.
A guardian is someone who has the legal authority to take care of a child should anything happen to the parents. Guardians are responsible for making all parental decisions and can also be responsible for managing a child's property and inheritance.
You appoint your chosen guardians in your will and it is important to consider your chosen guardian's:
- Health and age
- Financial stability
- Location
- Lifestyle
Estate planning encompasses your personal and business affairs both in your lifetime and after your death.
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The process can be daunting and overwhelming but rest assured we will help you every step of the way.
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Putting a plan in place now protects you and your loved ones from the uncertainties that crop up during our lifetimes
Have you got a question?
Get in touch today, we would love to hear from you and are always happy to help :)
LPAs
There are 2 types - Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs; these legal documents, when registered, enable your nominated Attorneys to manage your affairs should you not be able to.
These legal documents are incredibly powerful, important and essential in making sure your best interests are looked after should you ever loose mental capacity or need someone to assist you.
Attorneys are your selected individuals to make decisions for you should you ever be in a position where you are not able to.
You can choose how your Attorneys act - solely (if just one), jointly (every decision must be agreed upon by each Attorney) or jointly and severally (your Attorneys can make a decision individually or as a group).
You can choose to register your LPA/s straight away or they can be registered if/when you loose mental capacity.
The Property and Financial Affairs LPA may allow permission for you as an Attorney to make decisions whilst the Donor (person who has taken out the LPA) still has mental capacity yes.
For the Health and Welfare LPA you cannot; you can only make decisions once mental capacity has been deemed to have been lost.
The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) is an executive agency sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.
They help people in England and Wales stay in control of their decisions.
The £82 disbursement is due to the OPG unless you can provide proof that:
- You recieve certain means-tested benefits
- If your gross income is less than £12k per annum
- If you are in receipt of Universal Credit
Get in touch with us for more assistance with this.