Private Client Consultant
I am a fully qualified member of The Society of Will Writers and Estate Planners (MSWW). I have worked in financial services since 2001 and Will Writing and Estate Planning since 2012. My life has been marked by significant personal loss, heightening my empathy, understanding and care. I have extensive experience working with vulnerable clients. The best part of my job is when clients have overcome their fears, concerns, and procrastination and have done something positive (often with plenty of laughs along the way).
Chartered Private Client Lawyer
I am an Associate of The Society of Will Writers (ASWW). This denotes advanced knowledge and experience in professionally drafting Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney since 2007. I have extensive experience guiding clients through probate. Every document I create is written to be simple, cost-effective, and best for my clients. The best part of my job is when I am able to make a significant difference to a client by simply changing one word or sentence. (new photo pending)
A power of attorney ensures that someone you trust can act on your behalf when you’re unable to do so.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreA document that advises executors on handling the estate, funeral, and personal matters. It explains the reasons and goals behind the Will and trust.
Read MoreSplitting joint ownership into individual shares gives each person control and the ability to leave their share in a Will.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreIt’s wise to review your Will at least every three years, or earlier if significant life changes, to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
Read MoreAn Advance Decision allows you to refuse medical treatment if you lose the capacity to make decisions. It ensures your wishes are known to your family and medical professionals.
Read MoreReach us through this website's contact form or call 07500 866 123 (remember 123 at the end). The first call is brief so we can answer any immediate questions and get an overview. We send a welcome pack and questionnaire to help you consider your needs. If returned before our first consultation, it will save you time and allow you to focus on what matters to you.
We want to understand your story. We sit down with you (online or in person) to discover who you care about and what truly matters. With essential information about your assets and family situation, we listen to what you want. This is a mutual chat because you decide if you are happy to work with us.
Your life isn’t a template, nor should your Will or LPA be. We provide tailored information to guide you through the various options. Whether you need a simple Will or a more comprehensive solution, We ensure it aligns with your goals. We will never pressure or ask you to pay for anything you do not need or want. We listen, present the options, and you choose.
We draft your documents carefully. They reflect whether you want to leave your wedding ring to your niece, your painting above the fireplace to your best friend, or a trust overseen by your brother-in-law to look after your child with specific needs. It could be a power of attorney because you have seen a loved one suffer by not having one. We pay attention to every detail, ensuring your wishes are accurately documented.
Modern families require modern solutions. Maybe you have a blended family, step-children or are unmarried. You may wish to reduce a 40% Inheritance Tax burden for your beneficiaries. If a trust meets your needs, we will discuss this with you.
A common misconception is that this is all about what happens to “what you pass on when you pass on”. With affordable options for Powers of Attorney, the benefits to you and your family start as soon as they are registered. We will help you to discuss the options with your family if required.
We ensure that your documents comply with all the latest legal requirements. We are qualified members of The Society of Will Writers and adhere to their code of conduct.
The original, hand-signed versions of Wills are the only legally recognised forms. Digital copies like scans and photocopies aren’t valid in court because they lack your signature. Partnering with National Will Safe to store Wills, Deeds & LPAs is a great way to ensure these important documents are kept securely and can be retrieved for free when necessary.
We aim to be more than just Will writers; we strive to be your personal Will writers. This means we’re dedicated to updating your Will with regular reviews and adapting to life’s changes. We’re also committed to earning your trust, and we hope you’ll confidently recommend us to your friends and family.
Northants Office: 11 Wakefield Drive, Welford, Northants, NN6 6HN
If you have an EPA in place, now is a good time to consider reviewing your planning. You can keep your existing EPA in place but draw up an LPA for your Health and welfare or replace it with an LPA for Property and financial affairs to take advantage of the stronger safeguards and flexibility.
Read MoreCarers often worry about “What will happen in the future?” Despite this, not enough carers and those they care for take the relatively simple step of making a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). An LPA can be vital as it gives the carer the authority to act in the best interests of the person they care for if they lose the capacity to make decisions for themselves.
Read MoreA H&W LPA gives authority to make decisions on your behalf, such as exercise, dietary requirements, medical or dental care, and decisions on life-sustaining treatment. Where the donor lives, i.e. relocation into a care home or sheltered accommodation.
Read MoreA P&F LPA allows the authority to make decisions on your behalf, such as Managing bank accounts, paying bills, claiming income and benefits, and buying, selling or repairing property.
Read MoreWhen creating Lasting Powers of Attorney, the people you choose to act on your behalf are called ‘Attorneys’. This article outlines key considerations in choosing attorneys.
Read MoreThe certificate provider is crucial in establishing an LPA. This impartial individual safeguards the donor's interests by ensuring their understanding and willingness when creating the LPA.
Read MoreOnce 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.
Read MoreThere 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.
Read MoreUnderstanding how Property & Finance LPAs work in relation to selling and buying property.
Read MoreA GPA can be an excellent alternative for someone who needs someone to make decisions for them immediately. There is no registration requirement, so the document is ready to use as soon as it has been properly signed.
Read MoreDo 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?
Read MoreI had just left my chair, and Murphy jumped straight into my spot. I casually said, "Jump in my grave, why don't you? "An innocent phrase used by many of us. It reminded me of current plans for reopening closed burial grounds to address the issue of limited space in urban areas.
Read MoreThis is the standard way of providing the executors with the technical and routine provisions they need to administer the estate properly. In particular, this authorises professional executors or trustees to charge for their work.
Read MoreComplex 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;
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreThese are common questions regarding Wills, Trusts and Powers Of Attorney. All answers are simplified for the article; please get in touch with us directly for a fuller and personalised answer. No content on this website is advice.
Read MoreBeing appointed as an executor is a responsibility at a time where they are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Read MoreMany people don’t realise the effects getting married or divorced can have on your estate, whether you die with a Will or intestate (without a Will).
Read MoreIf someone dies and their estate is worth more than the basic Inheritance Tax threshold, their estate may qualify for the residence nil rate band (RNRB) before any Inheritance Tax is due.
Read MoreWhere a client wants to provide for a beneficiary who is disabled, they may want to leave assets in a disabled person’s trust.
Read More20 potential scenarios outlining what could happen to your assets after your passing.
Read MoreProperty Protection Trusts (PPTs) are among the most common. 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.
Read MoreAn executor is someone appointed in a will to distribute the estate of the testator in accordance with the wishes set out in the Will. Quite often, this will mean drawing in assets and paying any debts and liabilities owed before being able to make any of the gifts set out in the Will.
Read MoreWE AIM TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATIONS. WHEN YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, GUIDANCE, AND SERVICE.
Please CLICK TO leave a reviewI 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"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.
"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."
"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."
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.
"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."
"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."
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!
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.
"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."
Fern Wills & LPAs made setting up my will and trust straightforward and affordable. Their transparent pricing was refreshing!
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 reviewImplementing the FCA's consumer duty principles holds the trusted adviser industry accountable for delivering good consumer outcomes. This includes estate planning as part of wealth preservation, which should be conducted at annual reviews or when relevant to clients' needs.
Read MoreAt Fern Wills & LPAs, we understand the importance of comprehensive estate planning. We work closely with financial advisors to ensure our recommended plans align with your needs and preferences.
Read MoreAn accountant's knowledge of a client's personal and business affairs, as well as inheritance and capital gains tax, makes them well-placed to help clients decide what to put into a Will or Trust.
Read MoreInsurance brokers aim to provide holistic financial advice. A crucial aspect of this is ensuring that clients have Wills and powers of attorney in place to protect their assets and wishes in case of incapacity or death.
Read MoreIn today’s fast-paced business environment, HR consultants play a crucial role in ensuring employees' well-being and legal compliance. One often overlooked aspect of this is the referral to professional Will writers. Here’s a look at why HR consultants might make these referrals and how they benefit employees and employers.
Read MoreAdvocacy involves providing support and guidance to individuals to help them express their views, make informed choices, and access services that meet their needs. Advocates work alongside you to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld, empowering you to confidently navigate life's challenges.
Read MoreTo ensure the highest professional and ethical standards, the following standard terms of business apply to all instructions accepted by Fern Wills & Trusts.
Read MoreWe commit to offering customers the highest possible service standards and are pleased to support the Society of Will Writers ‘TCF principles.
Read MoreThe privacy policy outlines how Fern Wills & LPAs may collect and use your data.
Read MoreIf you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service, please bring your complaint to our attention as follows:
Read MoreFor 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.
Read MoreConfirmation of £2.5m Professional Indemnity, and £5m Public Liability Insurance. (in addition to £2m storage insurance not shown)
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