LPA Frequently Asked Questions
Read More8 min read
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….
Team
Christopher Watts MSWW/ CeMap/ CertRBCB
Private Client Consultant
A 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).
Donna-Marie Smith LLB (Hons), Dip. Eng. Law, ACILEX, ASWW
Chartered Private Client Lawyer
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)
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.
Services
because it's for them...
4 min read
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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5 min read
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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3 min read
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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1 min read
Splitting joint ownership into individual shares gives each person control and the ability to leave their share in a Will.
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6 min read
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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1 min read
It’s wise to review your Will at least every three years, or earlier if significant life changes, to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
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3 min read
An 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 MorePrices
Transparent, upfront, fixed pricing. Priced for value, service & excellence, not mediocrity.
Powers of Attorney
£ 250
- £250 per POA: all-inclusive:
- Personal consultation
- Postage to you and OPG
- Comprehensive signing instructions.
- Payment to Office Of Public Guardian Registration Fees £82 each (included)
- - Property & Financial Affairs Lasting Power Of Attorney (P&F LPA)
- - Health & Welfare Lasting Power Of Attorney (H&W LPA)
- - Business (Commercial) Lasting Power Of Attorney
- - General (Ordinary) Power Of Attorney (GPA)
- - Deed of revocation (EPA & LPA) £50 each
Basic Will
£ 175
- Single £175 - Couples "Mirror" £300
- A standard Will with the most simple trusts, including.
- Gifts of cash, valuables, assets, furniture, cars & property
- Gifts to charity
- Appoint Principal & Reserve Guardians
- Appoint Principal & Reserve Executors
- Funeral wishes & organ donation
- Make provision for pets
- Name principal & back up beneficiaries
Property Protection Wills
£ 600
- Single £600 - Couples £900
- Safeguards a partner's right to live in the home while ensuring that its value is preserved for beneficiaries, such as children. It also offers protection against potential loss of assets due to remarriage, certain bankruptcy situations, and some care fees.
- Each option includes a basic Will, severance of tenancy and registration with the Land Registry (if required).
- - Right to Reside or Occupy
- - Protective Property Trust
Family Protection Wills
£ 600
- Single £600 - Couples £900
- Ensure that beneficiaries, usually children or vulnerable adults, are cared for if a parent passes away. Trustees manage the funds like a parent would, providing considered access to essential resources rather than waiting until age 18. Each arrangement includes a basic will, a letter of wishes, and a mutual severance agreement if needed.
- - Discretionary Will Trust (DT)
- - Vulnerable/ Disabled Persons Trust (VPT).
Modern Family Wills
£ 900
- Single £900 - Couples £1350
- These are the ultimate Will Trusts designed to navigate the complexities of modern family structures. They combine the strengths of Property Protection Wills and Family Protection Wills, offering a unique blend that provides protection and flexibility. Each includes a basic Will, a letter of wishes, severance of tenancy and Land Registry if required:
- - Life Interest Trust - (Highest protection and auto NRB inheritance tax savings)
- - Flexible Lifetime Interest Trust - (Highest flexibility and manual inheritance tax savings)
Business Property Relief Wills
£ 600
- Single £600 - Couples £900
- Prices may incur additional consultation fees when referring to financial advisors, accountants or agricultural specialists.
- Business Property Relief Trust (BPRT): Since the OCT24 budget, we no longer do Agricultural Relief Trusts(ART)
Additional Trusts
£ 150
- To match your exact wishes, we will be happy to add additional trusts for a nominal fee.
- Right To Occupy
- Protective Property Trust
- Business Property Relief Trust
- Vulnerable/ Disabled Person Trust
- Flexible Life Interest (Only with modern Family Will)
Letter Of Wishes
£ 40
- Supports Wills, Trusts & LPAs
- Add control, flexibility and clarity
- Saves re-writes and family disagreements
Home visit
£ 0
- 1st visit is free
- 2nd visit £2 per mile from the closest office.
- Rugby. CV23 0UQ or Welford. NN6 6HN
- Waived if opting for professional Witnessing or Certification
Certificate Provider or Witness services
£ 75
- Available for home visits only
- Only if the mental capacity does not need 2nd opinion
- Includes the Mental Capacity Act 2005 assessment
- This consists of a written report regarding capacity and any related issues if required.
Property Services
£ 100
- £0 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
Insured Storage - per A4 Envelope
£ 35
/Year - £2m insurance per document. Free access
- Registered with National Will Register
- Any documents that fit in A4 Document
Copy documents
£ 35
- Printed & Posted 1st Class
- Emailed attachment copies of Wills £0
- Printed copy of Wills £35
- Death certificate concerning a case £35
- Old Will and or grant of probate concerning a case £35
Advance Decision/ DNR/ Respect Form
£ 100
- Advance decision to refuse treatment
- Do not resuscitate etc.
- To be registered with your doctor
Review/ Updates
£ 0
- Free review of any Estate planning documents.
- Update to Fern documents 33% discount from published prices
- Since 2013: Offer may be withdrawn or amended
Express Turnaround
£ 75
- 1) 15 days Standard from complete instruction to draft
- 2) 15 days standard from approved draft to final documents
- 3) Express service: Faster turnaround in case of medical/operations/holidays etc. £75
- *All timescales are subject to all information being provided by the client.
Reviews
WE AIM TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATIONS. OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, GUIDANCE, AND SERVICE.
Please CLICK TO leave a reviewMrs 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 ReviewMr 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 reviewSimple Process
3 easy steps, because its for them...
1
Quick chat
You can reach us through this website's contact form or by calling 07500 866 123. The first call is brief, so we can answer any immediate questions and get an overview. We send some information and an optional questionnaire to help you consider your needs.
2
Meeting: Home, office or video
We listen to your wishes and discuss the available options with you. We explain everything in simple terms, ensuring you can make informed choices. After our meeting, we will send you a confirmation of your requests along with a written quotation detailing a fixed price for your review and approval.
3
Your documents
A) Within 15 days of your paid invoice & approval, the finished documents will be posted to you for signing. B) Return the documents to us for checking and storage. C) Or choose the professional Witnessing and signing option where we hand deliver.
Contact us
- Fern Wills & LPAs, 7 Fern Close, Rugby, UK
- CV23 0UQ
Northants Office: 11 Wakefield Drive, Welford, Northants, NN6 6HN
POA Articles
It’s ok to worry about getting a Power of Attorney. But, with different Power of Attorney options open to you, the chances are that nagging doubt keeping you awake at night isn’t a problem.
Read More3 min read
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 More4 min read
Carers 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 More2 min read
A 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 More2 min read
A 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 More2 min read
When 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 More3 min read
The 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 More2 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.
Read More3 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.
Read More16 min read
Understanding how Property & Finance LPAs work in relation to selling and buying property.
Read More3 min read
Wills Articles
The Discretionary Trust is a common Trust for a Testator to use for their children to ensure that they do not inherit directly from their estate. The reasons for this can vary, for example, protecting assets from potential divorce, drinking or gambling issues, or the testators may wish that their assets are distributed in a particular manner or at certain points in their children’s lives that are outside the capabilities of the Will itself.
Read More5 min read
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.
Read More3 min read
Should it be done: Usually, no. Of course, it depends on the reasons and individual circumstances. Clients often tell us that either an advert on Facebook, usually with brightly coloured writing, or “Dave” down the pub said it is the best thing to do to avoid “well basically” everything from probate to care fees.
Read More2 min read
By including a right-to-reside clause/ trust in your will, you specify that you give someone the right to live/reside in one of your properties. You can specify within this clause if this arrangement is for a set time, such as for the rest of the person’s life.
Read More2 min read
I 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 More1 min read
This 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 More1 min read
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;
Read More2 min read
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.
Read More3 min read
These 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 More2 min read
Being appointed as an executor is a responsibility at a time where they are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Read More2 min read
Many 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 More5 min read
If 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 More4 min read
Home Visits
Discover the personalised service of Fern Wills & LPAs, where in-home consultations for wills and Powers Of Attorney preparation bring a personal touch to securing your future.
We focus on understanding your unique needs, ensuring accuracy and convenience without the frustration of online forms. Experience a smooth, stress-free process as we prioritise people over paperwork. Let us help you create a Will and Power Of Attorney that truly reflects your wishes.
We focus on understanding your unique needs, ensuring accuracy and convenience without the frustration of online forms. Experience a smooth, stress-free process as we prioritise people over paperwork. Let us help you create a Will and Power Of Attorney that truly reflects your wishes.
Martin Lewis
Dom Littlewood BBC
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Professional Introductions
Estate Planning (Wills, trusts, POAs) considers your 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 to yours.
10 min read
Implementing 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.
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3 min read
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.
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3 min read
Holistic property solutions, where mortgage advisors, estate agents, and estate planners work together to find the best solutions for clients.
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2 min read
An 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.
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6 min read
Insurance serves to restore your financial standing to what it was before an unfortunate event occurred. It offers peace of mind and protection against financial loss. Additionally, it plays a vital role in estate planning; after all, you cannot leave behind something that you have already lost.
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5 min read
In 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.
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3 min read
Advocacy 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.
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Certifications
Safe to do Business with.
Compliance
ensuring your rights, security and peace of mind
1 min read
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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1 min read
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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4 min read
The privacy policy outlines how Fern Wills & LPAs may collect and use your data.
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1 min read
If you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service, please bring your complaint to our attention as follows:
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1 min read
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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1 min read
Confirmation of £2.5m Professional Indemnity, and £5m Public Liability Insurance. (in addition to £2m storage insurance not shown)
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1 min read
Fern Wills & LPAs is a trading name of Plan C Plus Ltd. We have been proudly serving customers since 2010.
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1 min read
These notes are intended to assist practitioners, settlors and testators in the use of the STEP Standard Provisions.
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1 min read
The SWW Code of Practice ensures the highest standards of professionalism and ethics, audited continuously and annually.
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1 min read
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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