Qualified, friendly, and experienced in simplifying the process of creating Wills and Powers of Attorney to suit your specific needs at an affordable cost. 

While minimising costs & taxes is important, our focus is on planning for people's families, not just their bank accounts.   

We take the time to understand your requirements and work with you to create a document that aligns with them. 

Remember, creating a Will and power of attorney isn't just for your benefit, it's done for the well-being of your loved ones.

Fern Wills & LPAs, because it’s for them….

  • Fern Wills & LPAs, 7 Fern Close, Rugby, UK
  • CV23 0UQ

Northants Office (Admin & returned post): 11 Wakefield Drive, Welford, Northants, NN6 6HN


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Christopher Watts MSWW/ CeMap/ CertRBCB

Private Client Consultant

Chris has over 24 years of experience in the financial services sector, with the past 15 years focused specifically on Will writing and estate planning. He is qualified with the Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW) and is a member of the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planners (MSWW). Chris is committed to upholding the highest professional standards while delivering insightful, client-centred advice. After experiencing personal loss, Chris has developed a profound sense of empathy and understanding, making him especially effective when working with vulnerable clients. He demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous professional development, as evidenced by his additional studies in dementia care and his Distinction in the CeMAP (Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice). This commitment ensures that his practice remains balanced and comprehensive. Chris finds the most fulfilment in guiding clients through their concerns and helping them confidently move toward proactive solutions, often sharing moments of levity along the way. Outside of work, he values quality time with his wife and enjoys adventures with their motorhome and motorbike, as well as spending time with their five children.

Back Office Legal & Technical Team

Legal & Technical team

WillPack is a founding member of the Society of Will Writers and acts as our back-office legal department. They have been trading for over 30 years, making it one of the oldest surviving companies drafting Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and other legal documents on behalf of associates. They ensure we keep up-to-date with changes in legislation relating to estate planning. Complex cases may be drafted and checked by the legal team.

Trusted Advisors

Specialist Network

I work closely with a network of trusted professionals who complement the services I provide. When specialist input is needed—whether in financial planning, tax, accounting, property, or care advice—I can connect you with the right expertise at the right time. This means you benefit from more than just my own knowledge. I collaborate with financial consultants, tax specialists, accountants, care advisors, and estate agents experienced in related matters. Each advisor is selected not only for technical skill but for their ability to give clear, practical guidance with transparent pricing and the highest ethical standards. By coordinating their input, I ensure advice remains consistent, efficient, and aligned with your goals. From inheritance tax and probate property sales to long-term care planning and future financial security, this collective expertise makes the process far smoother. My role is to act as your central guide—bringing the right people together while keeping everything on track. With this approach, you have the confidence that every detail is handled with care and integrity

Estate Planning Services ~ because it's for them...

Home Visits
1 min read

Home Visits

Personalised home visits for Wills and Powers of Attorney in the CV, LE and NN postcode areas. A face-to-face service from Fern Wills & LPAs that puts people before paperwork.

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Wills
3 min read

Wills

Discover the importance of creating a Will and how it can help protect your assets and provide for your loved ones.

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Powers Of Attorney (POA)
5 min read

Powers Of Attorney (POA)

A power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can act on your behalf when you’re unable to do so.

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Trusts
4 min read

Trusts

Trusts are not just for the wealthy; they can benefit anyone who wants better control.

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Guardianship
5 min read

Guardianship

A guardianship clause in your Will is crucial because informal arrangements are not legally enforceable. Ensure your children will be cared for by someone you trust in the way you intend.

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Letter Of Wishes
3 min read

Letter Of Wishes

A document that advises executors on handling the estate, funeral, and personal matters. It explains the reasons and goals behind the Will and trust.

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Storage, Insurance, Convenience
8 min read

Storage, Insurance, Convenience

The original copies of your Will and legal documents are the only ones that are legally valid. They should be kept in a secure place where they can be easily found and accessed when needed.

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Probate (Executor Support)
8 min read

Probate (Executor Support)

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time. We can help with the legal and financial tasks of administering their estate so you can focus on healing and grieving. Let us manage the paperwork for your family.

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Does Your Will Need an MOT?
5 min read

Does Your Will Need an MOT?

Why Your Will Deserves a Regular Check-Up. No one would drive a car or put their family in one for ten years without knowing if it’s safe. So why do that with something as important as your Will?

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Severance Of Tenancy
1 min read

Severance Of Tenancy

Splitting joint ownership into individual shares gives each person control and the ability to leave their share in a Will.

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Facilitating Family Meetings
4 min read

Facilitating Family Meetings

Facilitating family discussions about the potential impact of life-changing events such as the 3D's Divorce, Dementia, & Death. These meetings help to ensure that everyone's concerns are addressed and that your estate plan reflects your wishes, with less likelihood of disagreements or concerns.

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Declaration of Trust – Split Beneficial Ownership
3 min read

Declaration of Trust – Split Beneficial Ownership

A Declaration of Trust, or Deed of Trust, outlines the financial contributions of joint property owners and the terms for selling or withdrawing from the property. This document protects everyone's interests and helps prevent disputes.

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Transparent, upfront, fixed pricing. Written quotes & invoices in advance. No VAT unless quoted Priced for value, service & excellence, not mediocrity. We don't give advice or sales. We present you with options, facts and our opinion on them. You choose based on your own requirements. 

Standard Will

£300
  • Individual £300 - Couples "Mirror" £450
  • A standard Will includes.
  • Gifts of cash, valuables, assets, furniture, cars & property
  • Gifts to charity
  • Appoint Principal & Reserve Guardians to raise minor children
  • Includes a bereaved Minors Trust (under 18s)/ Young Persons Trust (under 25s) (if required)
  • Appoint Principal & Reserve Executors
  • Funeral wishes & organ donation
  • Make provision for pets
  • Name principal & backup beneficiaries

Property Protection Package

£750
  • Individual £750 - Couples £1100
  • Collectively known as Property Protection Trusts (PPT). These safeguard a partner's right to live in the home while preserving its value for beneficiaries, such as children or stepchildren. They also offer protection against potential loss of assets due to remarriage and possible future financial obligations. When the life interest ends, the property is passed to the beneficiaries and qualifies for inheritance tax (IHT) and the residence nil rate band (RNRB) £175,000 allowances.
  • A) Right To-Occupy (RTO) - gives someone the right to occupy/ live in one of your properties. You can specify within this clause if this arrangement is for a set time or event, or usually for the rest of the person’s life.
  • B) Property Life Interest Trust (PLIT)—as above, plus it allows the life tenant to have potential rental income, surplus income, and the option to move or downsize.

Family Protection Package

£750
  • Individual £750 - Couples £1100
  • Ensure that beneficiaries, usually spouses, children or vulnerable adults, are cared for if a partner or parent passes away. Trustees manage the funds like a spouse/ parent would, providing considered access to essential resources rather than distributing them too early or too late.
  • C) Discretionary Trust (DT) - extra guidance for those under 25, with protection needs or in relationship instability, receiving an inheritance.
  • D) Nil Rate Band Discretionary Trust (NRBDT) - Save IHT for unmarried couples/ Widows / estates between £2m- £3m.
  • E) Vulnerable Person Trust (VPT) - Protection and support for vulnerable beneficiaries whilst supporting means-tested benefits.
  • F) Life Interest Trust - (LIT) protect all assets and multiple gifts (if required), then passes to children directly at the end of the trust. (High protection and auto RNRB inheritance tax savings)

Modern Family Package

£750
  • Single £750 - Couples £1100
  • G) Flexible Lifetime Interest Trust (FLIT). These are the ultimate Will Trusts designed to navigate the complexities of modern family structures (previous partners and parents of children). They combine the strengths of Property Protection Wills and Family Protection Wills, offering a tailored blend that provides protection and flexibility.
  • This trust offers the most flexibility and control over assets, IHT mitigation, and discretion for Trustees. It includes all options for the PLIT and FLIT plus a discretionary trust on the second death. This trust allows for considered manual Potentially Exempt Transfers (PET 7yr rule), the option to transform into any other Trust (if Required), and maximum flexibility for the surviving spouse.
  • Maximum flexibility & Protection though more ongoing costs. Better for estates over £750k or where individual needs dictate.

Additional Trusts

£150
  • Additional trusts can be added to any package to tailor to your exact requirements.
  • £150 if added to a package or £400 added to a basic Will.
  • - Vulnerable/ Disabled Person Trust (VPT)
  • - Discretionary Trust (DT)
  • - Nil Rate Band discretionary trust (NRBDT)

Letter Of Wishes

£50
  • Supports Wills, Trusts & LPAs
  • Add control, flexibility and clarity
  • Saves re-writes and family disagreements
  • Printed copy plus PDF & Word.doc copy provided for unlimited free self-updates

Express (FastTrack) Service – Priority scheduling when time is limited

£75
  • All clients receive our five-star service as standard. When timelines are tight, you can add our Express (FastTrack) Service — a priority scheduling layer that accelerates the usual timetable while maintaining the same high standards.
  • Drafts within 3 working days (standard: 15) once we have full instructions and first payment.
  • Final documents within 3 working days (standard: 15) after draft approval.
  • Fixed one-off fee: £75 per professional fees invoice (covers all Fern services on that invoice).
  • Timescales rely on all required information being provided promptly by the client.
  • Why clients choose this option
  • Upcoming holidays
  • Divorce or separation proceedings
  • Urgent health circumstances (sudden illness at home or hospital admission)
  • Family availability limited to a particular date
  • A recent change of address
  • Or simply because you prefer a quicker timetable without compromising quality

Review/ Updates

£0
  • This is your free Will MOT and LPA Servicing:
  • Free review of Wills & powers of attorney
  • Update to Fern documents at 25% discount from the current published prices.
  • Since 2013: The offer may be withdrawn or amended.

Copy Documents

£25
  • Wills ~ Watermarked copy of Wills, Trusts, Letters of Wishes.
  • LPAs ~ Stamped copy of LPA (self-certified)
  • Life & Legacy Log
  • Attorney Spending Log (2 copies)

Declaration Of Trust

£995
  • Initial consultation and guidance regarding options.
  • Drafting the document.
  • Engaging specialist solicitors who will complete the request.
  • Price includes VAT charged by the solicitors.
  • Price includes Trust Registration service if not all parties are on the legal title.
  • Can be fast-tracked (express turnaround) to meet completion dates.

Land Registry Services

£100
  • £15 Land Registry searches and copy of Title Deed
  • £100 Mutual severance to Tenancy in Common (50/50)(70/30 etc)
  • £150 Unilateral severance
  • £100 Register Death of Joint Proprietor

Advance Decision/ DNR/ Respect Form

£100
  • Advance decision to refuse treatment
  • Do not resuscitate etc.
  • To be registered with your doctor
  • Supports Health & Welfare LPA, to further guide attorneys.

Other Charges

£2
  • First consultation – Always free
  • Mileage –
  • • First visit within CV, NN, and LE postcodes: always free
  • • Further visits: £2 per mile, calculated from the closest office (CV23 0UQ or NN6 6HN)
  • • Mileage charges are always quoted and agreed in advance
  • • Where certificate provider or witness services are paid for, those fees are credited against mileage rates
     

WE AIM TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATIONS. OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, GUIDANCE, AND SERVICE.

Please CLICK to leave a review
Mrs MW. Rugby
Home Visits & Fixed fee
     

I chose Chris to apply for LPAs. He was informative, and I was soon confident I made the right choice. I was particularly happy to have home visits as I don't like doing business on the phone. He was very easy to talk to and willing to discuss and explain things. Chris has planned a process in which his fee covers everything, even stationary and postage. I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris.

Full Review
Mr BN. Coventry
Under Budget & honest
     

"I needed a Power of Attorney for my foreign property, but the solicitor's quote of £800 was too expensive. I got all the documents for myself, mother, & brother at a fair price. He is an honest person, and I recommend him to my family.

Mr WJ. Market Harborough
Three changes to my Will
     

"I wrote my Will three times. After my wife died, my brother and I reconciled briefly, but we fell out again. I don't have much of value, but my medals and records are important. I gave Chris something when I updated my Will for the third time, but it probably didn't even cover the cost of his petrol. Thanks."

Mr & Mrs BC. Rugby
Limited Budget
     

"We thought a basic Will was enough but our daughter's specific needs exceeded our budget. Chris added the Trust for free instead of providing a Will that wouldn't match our needs. We're grateful and happy to recommend him."

Mrs CC. Northampton
Guardianship & ex-husband
     

I have divorced my husband and definitely don't want him to have custody of our children or any more of our money. Chris explained a few strategies that would help to ensure that my children are protected.

Mr & Mrs SW. Rugby
Pending Operation
     

"My husband needed an operation but was nervous to discuss it. I booked the appointment and Chris made us feel at ease. He wrote and signed the Will within 48 hours."

Mrs MS. Leicester
Urgent LPA
     

"I got an LPA for my daughter to help me on bad days. We needed it urgently, so we got a General one for now. He called my son to explain. My daughter is relieved."

MR CB. Rugby
New to area
     

I bought a house after a divorce. I needed a Will as my health wasn't great, and there were now a few people who I definitely did not want to inherit. I did not know anyone in the area, so he organised a Witness for me. Great Guy!

Ms. D. Lutterworth
OMG Common-law myth
     

I've been with my partner for 12 years, have three kids, and own a house in his name. I contribute to the mortgage and bills, but we found out that I would inherit nothing if something happened to him because we're not married. Also, he has no legal rights over the kids as his name isn't on the birth certificates. We sorted these issues out, but it was a wake-up call.

MRs TJ. Rugby
Need absolute confidentiality
     

"As a teen, I had a child but lost contact. I need to do right by them. I was helped to leave an inheritance confidentially."

Mr. JF. Daventry
Small Business Owner
     

Fern Wills & LPAs made setting up my will and trust straightforward and affordable. Their transparent pricing was refreshing!

Mrs HO. Rugby
Listens & Involves Family
     

Chris is very easy to talk too and listens. Able to explain technical jargon in a way we could understand. Chris responded very quickly to questions we raised. Involving my family in discussions can be distressing. Chris understands and is able to put people at ease. Chris is passionate about what he does and this is evident. We would have no hesitation in recommending him.

Full review
Mrs RB Daventry
Involved the family
     

Getting my mum's LPAs in place was a worry/stress and seemed extremely complicated. But thanks to Chris it was made extremely easy. Chris explained everything to all involved in a way we could all understand. He visited my mum's home and made us all feel very relaxed. For us personally it was all done effortlessly. It didn't feel uncomfortable, we all got on very well and had a laugh (my mum's a bit of a character). I can't thank Chris enough for making the whole experience smooth, effortless and more easy for us to understand. I would and will highly recommend him if you find the the thought of reading all the paperwork a stress and overwhelming. Thank you Chris from all involved 😀😍. If you are reading this and need help please give him a call.

Mr CJ Brackley
Urgent Power Of Attorney
     

Outstanding, Informative and Personal service. Chris prioritised our understanding of the services we had requested, breaking down processes so that they were understandable, clear with timelines and made our task of completing official paperwork easy and accurate. Chris takes genuine pride serving his client. I have no hesitation in suggesting you look no further, Fern Wills & LPAs provides the 5* services you are looking for.

Mrs DK Leicester
Clear communication
     

Professional service from Chris for my elderly uncle’s LPA needs. We had a home visit and lots of communication via phone calls and email. Everything was explained to my relative and we were both happy with the outcome.

Mrs MT London
Financial Advisor
     

I had the pleasure of working with Chris from Fern Wills on an urgent B2B project. Chris demonstrated the ability to be flexible working outside of business hours. He was knowledgeable, professional and personable throughout our interactions. I would highly recommend Chris and work with him again at any given opportunity. A breath of fresh air!

Full Review
MR PC
Appreciated time to think
     

Would 100% recommend Chris if you are looking to get your will sorted. We’d put off sorting our will time and again but Chris was able to explain all the legal jargon in simple terms and was very patient with us whilst simultaneously encouraging us to finally get it done! There is no one-size-fits-all approach here, Chris listened to our requirements and advised accordingly, providing options and recommendations at every step. Nothing was too much trouble and he was always available to answer any queries we had. His prices are very fair and he is upfront with all the costs, there were no hidden charges!

Full Review
Sandra D
Explains every Step
     

I would highly recommend Fern Wills to help you with your will and power off attorney. Chris is professional, very understanding, he explains everything step by step. Such a pleasure to talk to. Thank you Chris.

Full Review
Mr H, Stoney Stanton
Multiple Family LPAs and Wills
     

Chris made the process of setting up multiple family LPAs and Wills easy to navigate with great patience, flexibility, multiple visits and online meetings. I particularly appreciated having an informal open conversation at the start of the process without any commitments, where as most other suppliers wanted forms filling in which didn't capture the complexities of our requirements before even talking to us. I feel Chris's approach allowed the subtleties of our personal circumstances to be explored opened up options we were not even aware of to be considered. It really helped to be listened to and build a mutual understanding of what is possible and what we wanted to do Chris was reassuring during the whole process and checked in on our progress checking and validating documents up to and including all the online One Govt access was working correctly.

- Copy
     

WE AIM TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATIONS. OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, GUIDANCE, AND SERVICE.

Please CLICK to leave a review

Getting your Will or Power of Attorney in place really can be simple. At Fern Wills & LPAs, we’ve designed the process to be clear, stress-free, and easy to remember — just like our phone number: 07500 866 123. Here’s how it works, step by step:

1

Quick chat

Start with a short conversation — usually 10–30 minutes by phone, email, or enquiry form. We’ll listen to your needs, explain the options, outline fixed prices, and follow up with a written summary. From there, you decide if you’d like to move forward.

2

Meeting: Home, office or video

Choose what suits you best: a home visit, office meeting, or video call. Once you’re ready to proceed, we’ll confirm everything in writing, ask for a small deposit to secure your appointment, and then meet to go through the details in plain English.

3

Your documents

Within around 15 days of receiving your information and deposit, we’ll prepare draft documents for you to review. You’ll have time to check them over and request any changes. Once you’re happy, we’ll issue your final signed copies and, if needed, arrange secure storage or LPA registration within a further 15 days.

A clear guide to the 7-year inheritance tax rule: how gifts are treated, when taper relief applies, and how families can reduce tax with careful planning.

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5 min read

Learn how to ensure your Will includes transgender and non-binary family members in the UK. Fern Wills & LPAs explains the law, best practice, and real-life examples.

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3 min read

Blended families include couples who have children from previous relationships. As joyful and fulfilling as they can be, they also come with unique estate planning challenges — especially when it comes to ensuring everyone is treated fairly.

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7 min read

Discover how to exclude someone from your will while protecting your wishes. This article explains real-life cases, success stories, and the Inheritance Act 1975, with practical tips to avoid disputes and ensure your estate passes as intended.

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7 min read

A third of marriages in England and Wales involve someone who’s been married before—often with children from previous relationships. Blended families bring complex financial dynamics, so how do you provide for your new spouse while ensuring all your children inherit fairly? Here's how to balance love, legacy, and lifelong commitments.

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1 min read

Choosing music for a goodbye is a personal reflection of our identities, whether it's Sinatra, Beyoncé, or "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." A Lloyds Bank study shows 80% of adults have selected their final songs, but only 59% have written a will, prioritizing funeral playlists over financial planning.

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1 min read

A codicil is a legal document used to make amendments to an existing will without the need to draft a completely new will. Codicils can be used to add, alter, or revoke specific provisions in a will, and there is no statutory limit to the number of codicils a testator may execute. However, using codicils requires careful consideration due to the risks and complexities involved.

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3 min read

Let's delve into the intriguing stories of celebrities who, despite their immense wealth, either passed away without a will or left behind ambiguous and contentious legal documents. Their legacies often sparked disputes and raised questions about how their fortunes would be handled after their deaths.

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11 min read

Most people accumulate a great deal of ‘stuff’ throughout their lives. Some items are valuable in real monetary terms, while others hold sentimental value. Much of this personal property falls under the definition of ‘personal chattels’.

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6 min read

Wills are special in that it is the original document that must be produced for probate (apart from in some extenuating circumstances discussed later).

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3 min read

Inheritance tax can cost loved ones £100,000s when you die, with it generating £7 billion for HM Revenue & Customs in one recent tax year alone. But in reality the vast majority of people (around 96%) don't have to pay a penny, while the few who do can legally avoid huge swathes of it. This guide runs through five inheritance tax need-to-knows.

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10 min read

2024 has been a pivotal year in the landscape of wills and estate planning. We can reflect on the changes made throughout the year and there have been a number of key developments. This article delves into these developments and their implications.

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3 min read

Did you know that once a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is registered, donors and attorneys can use it online. This means they don’t need to show the paper document to companies and organisations, making it quicker and easier to manage. There are many benefits to using the online service: - it’s quicker and easier for attorneys to support the donor as both can use the service - no need for multiple copies - allows organisations instant access to the summary so less waiting - all of the key information in one place - saves paper and postage - a safe and secure way to give organisations access and track where the LPA has been shared

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15 min read

The importance of LPAs. An infographic from the Office of the Public Guardian.

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1 min read

Once you and your attorneys receive the Registered LPA you are advised to activate it online. This is a step-by-step walkthrough of the process.

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16 min read

There are several options for paying the Office Of The Public Guardian (OPG) registration fees. This is a step-by-step walkthrough of the payment process. Fern Wills & LPAs provide an all-inclusive service that includes covering all OPG fees, postage, and correspondence. Some clients may prefer to pay the OPG fees themselves. This article is designed to support all our Power of Attorney clients.

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3 min read

Understanding how Property & Finance LPAs work in relation to selling and buying property.

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3 min read

Do you feel lucky enough to gamble your house and life savings? Or are you going to call Fern Wills, talk it through over a cup of coffee and avoid the 8 most common errors in Wills and the 23 most common errors in LPAs?

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2 min read

Court of Protection Deputyship and Power of Attorney are two different legal terms that you should be aware of. It's important to determine which one you actually need before you move forward with anything.

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3 min read

The Office Of Public Guardian (OPG) estimates that approximately 10,000 LPAs per month are completed incorrectly. Thousands more were found to have errors when they were attempted to be used.

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17 min read

A Statement Of Wishes is a handy document you can prepare in addition to your will to provide extra guidance. There are so many uses for a Statement Of Wishes that we can’t list them all in one article, so we’ll focus on the most common uses for them:

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2 min read

We all know how important it is to plan for the future. Having a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place should be as common and natural as making a Will”

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3 min read

Some interesting and common myths about LPAs are exposed. Read here to check your understanding.

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3 min read

Effective succession planning for your business can save time, hassle and money.

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8 min read
Help Me Understand Trusts
5 min read

Help Me Understand Trusts

I was talking with friends and the conversation came around to asking about trusts. So, even though this is oversimplified, I explained it like this.

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Bereaved Minor & Bereaved Young Persons
4 min read

Bereaved Minor & Bereaved Young Persons

Bereaved minors' and bereaved young person’s trusts are both very common. A will making a gift to children on the condition that they reach a certain age (depending on the age) will either create a bereaved minor’s trust or a bereaved young person’s trust (otherwise known as an 18-25 trust).

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Discretionary
13 min read

Discretionary

Discover how a Discretionary Trust can protect your loved ones from financial risks and safeguard assets while offering flexibility and potential inheritance tax advantages.

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Vulnerable Persons
9 min read

Vulnerable Persons

Vulnerable Person Trust (VPT) ensure that those we leave behind who are unable to care for themselves are cared for by the finances in our estate.

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Nil Rate Band (NRBDT)
11 min read

Nil Rate Band (NRBDT)

NRBDTs are simply discretionary trusts that take assets up to the value of the Nil Rate Band (NRB). The assets held in the trust are seen as owned by the trust and not by the trust’s beneficiaries and, therefore, are not part of the beneficiaries’ taxable estates.

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Severance of Tenancy
6 min read

Severance of Tenancy

Couples usually buy a property together as joint tenants, which means they both own the entire property, and the ownership automatically transfers to the surviving owner in case of one owner's death. If you want to gift your share of the home in your Will, you must change the ownership to tenants in common

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Right To Occupy
2 min read

Right To Occupy

Including a right-to-occupy trust in your will, you specify that you give someone the right to live in one of your properties. You can specify if this arrangement is for a set time, such as 3 years or for the rest of the person’s life.

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Property Life Interest (PLIT) aka (PPT)
8 min read

Property Life Interest (PLIT) aka (PPT)

Property Life Interest Trust (PLIT) aka (PPT) are among the most common trusts. They are typically used by couples to ensure that a share of the home will ultimately pass to children while still protecting the surviving spouse's interests.

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Life Interest (LIT) Vs                                         Flexible Life Interest (FLIT)
2 min read

Life Interest (LIT) Vs Flexible Life Interest (FLIT)

Complex families often come with complex requirements to meet their long-term goals, and matters can be made more difficult when each testator has separate goals or concerns in mind. These goals usually revolve around the inheritance the children are to ultimately receive and when they receive it, and in certain cases, if they inherit at all. Using a Life Interest of the Residuary Estate can cater for most family needs for a number of reasons;

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Flexible Life Interest (FLIT)
8 min read

Flexible Life Interest (FLIT)

Useful for a person wishing to grant their surviving spouse the right to reside in their marital home until their passing while ensuring their children or grandchildren inherit their portion of the estate.

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Pets & Purpose
4 min read

Pets & Purpose

We should always consider Pets (the furry, scaly, feathered type). You may be pleased to know you can make provisions for them in your Will. Pets can be included in your will through an animal-purpose trust, which ensures their care and upkeep.

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Business Property Relief
7 min read

Business Property Relief

Business property relief can significantly reduce or eliminate inheritance tax on business assets. Many UK businesses could be eligible for up to 100% relief. However, this complex area of estate planning often necessitates additional professional advice.

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New & Commentary

Plain-English updates on legal changes, sector news, and expert opinions — helping you stay informed without the jargon.

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1 min read

Practical guides

Step-by-step guides and checklists designed to explain complex topics simply, so you know what to do and when.

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1 min read

Client Support Tools & Checklists

This is a generic article you can use for adding article content / subjects on your website.

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1 min read

Further Reading / Sources

Links to trusted external sources — GOV.UK, HMRC, OPG, and professional bodies — for those who want to explore in more depth.

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1 min read

Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Powers Of Attorney) considers your family, health, assets & finance. We work with other specialists to ensure the best service for you for many years to come. We are pleased to make introductions to our Trusted Advisors & receive introductions or collaborate with yours.

ensuring your rights, security and peace of mind

Terms of Business
1 min read

Terms of Business

To ensure the highest professional and ethical standards, the following standard terms of business apply to all instructions accepted by Fern Wills & LPAs.

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Evidence Of Identity
1 min read

Evidence Of Identity

For your information security, we verify every client's identity. Please provide an original passport or UK photo driving licence to copy and keep with your records. See the attached list of alternatives.

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STEP Standard Provisions, 3rd Edition
1 min read

STEP Standard Provisions, 3rd Edition

These notes are intended to assist practitioners (Will & Trusts Writers), settlors (Clients providing the trust), and testators (Clients providing the Will) in the use of the STEP Standard Provisions.

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Privacy Policy
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Privacy Policy

The privacy policy outlines how Fern Wills & LPAs may collect and use your data.

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ICO Registered and Compliant
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ICO Registered and Compliant

Fully Data Protection registered and Compliant

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Mental Capacity Act 2005 - LPA
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Mental Capacity Act 2005 - LPA

This guide covers the information that must be read by or to every Donor and Attorney of a Lasting Power Of Attorney.

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SWW Standards Charters
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SWW Standards Charters

The Society of Will Writers exists to set a high standard of Will Writing, to maintain and uphold that standard in order to promote good practice and the protection of our clients in legal terms. Below, you will find attached the Society Of Will Writers members and Clients Charters.

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Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)
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Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)

We commit to offering customers the highest possible service standards and are pleased to support the Society of Will Writers ‘TCF principles.

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Complaints Policy
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Complaints Policy

If you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service, please bring your complaint to our attention as follows:

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