Our firm is both authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the registration
number is 00070079
Wills
Most people are aware that they need a Will, yet the majority, don't have one. Everyone
procrastinates for different reasons, but writing a Will doesn't have to be complicated
or expensive.
The simplest way to ensure that your funds, property and personal effects will be
distributed after your death according to your wishes is to prepare a Will. A Will
is a legal document designating the transfer of your property and assets after you
die. Usually, Wills can be written by any person over the age of 18 who is mentally
capable, commonly stated as "being of sound mind and memory."
The end of your life is something you probably don't want to dwell on, but thinking
about what will happen to your loved ones and your assets and personal possessions
is important. Making sure you've done all you can to make their lives easier will
give you peace of mind.
Once your Will is drafted and signed, you won't have to think about it again unless
something significant in your life change.
With today’s information technology there are websites which give you everything
you will need to know about how to make a will including information about fee Wills,
and DIY Wills. Most lawyers would prefer you follow this route since whilst you
may feel that you made a significant saving at the time of preparing your Will there
are so many pitfalls which will only become apparent once the Will is proved. By
that time it is too late and legal fees can prove prohibitive when obtaining a grant
of probate where there have been mistakes at the drafting stage. Errors can be significant
as that a Will may not be valid and your intended beneficiaries will not benefit.
For the sake of a few pounds invested wisely at the Will drafting stage you will
have the peace of mind of distributing your estate in accordance with your wishes.
At Conway & Co. we have the experience and expertise to prepare your Will. We can
explain to you the specifics what issues you need to be aware of and, and how much
the process in preparing you Will will cost.
We can also advise you of other matters which may be of relevance to you. For example
whether you should consider making Lasting Powers of Attorney.
There are two different Lasting Powers of Attorney
one for Health and Welfare; and
another for Property and Financial affairs.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 for England and Wales provides a framework to empower
and protect people who may lack capacity to make some decisions for themselves.
It makes it clear who can take decisions in which situations, and how they should
go about this. It also allows people to plan ahead for a time when they may lack
capacity. It will cover major decisions about someone's property and affairs, healthcare
treatment and where the person lives, as well as everyday decisions about personal
care (such as what the person eats), where the person lacks capacity to make those
decisions themselves.
The Act provides for the new Court of Protection to make decisions in relation to
the property and affairs and healthcare and personal welfare of adults (and children
in a few cases) who lack capacity. The Court also has the power to make declarations
about whether someone has the capacity to make a particular decision. The Court
of Protection has powers to decide whether a person has capacity to make a particular
decision for themselves; make declarations, decisions or orders on financial or
welfare matters affecting people; appoint deputies to make decisions for people
lacking capacity to make decisions amongst many others.
Please click here to download the Wills Questionnaire.