A humorous but serious look at the “lemon juice bank robber” story and the Dunning–Kruger effect, showing why DIY Wills and LPAs can fail — and why a professional review or MOT is the only real test before it’s too late.
Read MoreNorthamptonshire Office (for correspondence): 11 Wakefield Drive, Welford, Northants, NN6 6HN I usually meet clients by phone, video call, or in the comfort of their own home. I can also arrange meetings at a partner office if preferred. I’ll always aim to get back to you within 24 hours.
Private Client Consultant & Will Writer
With over 24 years in financial services and 15 years specialising in Wills and estate planning, I am qualified through both the IPW and The Society of Will Writers. I also hold CeMAP (Distinction) and have completed additional studies in dementia care, helping me support families with empathy as well as technical expertise. Having experienced personal loss myself, I know how important it is to plan with clarity and compassion. My aim is to make the process simple, jargon-free, and reassuring, so clients feel confident at every stage. As a father of five in a blended family, I understand the real-life challenges of family dynamics and the importance of protecting those you love for the future.
Legal & Technical team
WillPack bring over 30 years of experience in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, and estate planning, and are a founding member of The Society of Will Writers. They provide technical support to professionals across the UK, ensuring that documents meet the highest legal standards. At Fern Wills & LPAs, all documents are prepared and tailored by me personally. WillPack act as my behind-the-scenes legal partner, available if I need an additional technical check, or to provide extra resilience in busy periods. This means my clients always benefit from both personal attention and the assurance of an experienced safety net. I also draw on WillPack’s regular industry insights to keep my advice current and practical. Their partnership strengthens the depth and reliability of the service I provide, while ensuring that every client benefits from up-to-date expertise and proven legal quality.
Specialist Network
Alongside my own expertise, I work closely with a trusted network of professionals who can provide specialist advice when required. This includes independent financial advisers, accountants, care specialists, property professionals, and other advisers whose knowledge complements the estate planning work I carry out. I remain the single point of contact for my clients, coordinating any input from these trusted advisors where it benefits the client. This ensures advice remains joined-up, jargon-free, and tailored to each family’s needs. Clients never have to manage multiple professionals — I handle the process, while drawing on the right expertise at the right time. This collaborative approach means clients receive not only personal, one-to-one support from me, but also the reassurance that additional knowledge is available whenever their circumstances call for it. Working in this way strengthens my service and ensures that every client receives clear, practical, and fully-rounded guidance.
Flexible appointments in your own home (including evenings and weekends) across CV, LE and NN postcodes. We bring the paperwork and make it easy.
Read MoreA quick review to check your Will still does what you want; we’ll flag any gaps and quote for changes only if needed.
Read MoreWithout an LPA, the Local Authority can take control. Learn how LPAs protect your health, finances, and family — and why acting now matters.
Read MoreName who should care for your children and record your wishes, so family and the courts have clear guidance if the unexpected happens.
Read MoreA private note that explains your decisions and guides executors, trustees or guardians. It complements (but doesn’t replace) your Will or trust.
Read MoreProfessional storage so originals are safe and easy to find, with optional insurance against loss or damage. Easy retrieval when needed.
Read MoreClear, fixed-fee help with the legal and financial process after a death. Choose the level of support you need.
Read MoreConvert joint ownership into defined shares so each person controls where their share goes in their Will.
Read MoreWE AIM TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATIONS. OFFERING 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 reviewGetting 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.
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.
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.
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 ReviewWould 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 ReviewI 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 ReviewChris 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.
WE AIM TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATIONS. OFFERING EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, GUIDANCE, AND SERVICE.
Please CLICK to leave a reviewStart 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.
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.
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 humorous but serious look at the “lemon juice bank robber” story and the Dunning–Kruger effect, showing why DIY Wills and LPAs can fail — and why a professional review or MOT is the only real test before it’s too late.
Read MoreClear guide to the Residence Nil Rate Band: who qualifies, £2m taper, transferable allowance, downsizing, and how to claim.
Read MoreYou don’t need to be a UK citizen or resident to make a valid will in England & Wales. Here’s what matters, and when to get specialist advice.
Read MoreA clear guide to why a professionally written Will matters — protecting your loved ones, avoiding disputes, and ensuring your Will is legally valid.
Read MoreLearn how to record ashes wishes in your Will, Letter of Wishes, and Life & Legacy Log. Guidance on permissions, environmental rules, and executor responsibilities.
Read MoreDivorce doesn’t cancel your Will until it’s finalised. Find out why making or updating your Will and LPAs during divorce is essential to protect children, assets, and future decisions.
Read MoreA clear guide to Deeds of Variation: what they can and can’t do, the two-year limit, tax “read-back,” consent rules, FAQs, and why regular Will MOTs still matter.
Read MoreExecutors can sell a house as soon as probate is granted. This guide explains the rules, sale options, timelines, tax and council-tax considerations.
Read MoreBusiness succession planning through Wills, Trusts, and LPAs protects your company, family, and employees. Discover how UK owners can safeguard their business legacy.
Read MoreWhat is a Letter of Wishes, when should you use one with your Will or trust, and what are the pros and cons?
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreLearn 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.
Read MoreYour LPAs don’t expire, but they can fail if details are outdated or attorneys can’t act. Find out how a quick LPA service can keep your documents reliable and protect your future.
Read MoreStep-by-step guide to activating and using your LPA online. Learn about activation keys, access codes, and how to share your LPA securely with banks, doctors, and other organisations.
Read MoreGuidance for attorneys and deputies in England & Wales on making gifts: what’s allowed on customary occasions, how to assess “reasonable,” when Court of Protection approval is required, and the latest 2025 update on family care payments.
Read MoreReal-life stories show how families can run into serious problems without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Discover the risks and see how an LPA keeps things legal, simple, and stress-free.
Read MoreStep-by-step guide to cancelling a Lasting Power of Attorney in England & Wales, covering unregistered vs registered LPAs, revocation process, and OPG requirements.
Read MoreA trusted dementia support resource guide for families and carers in Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, and Leicestershire — including local support, helplines, and national services.
Read MoreMartin Lewis has called a Lasting Power of Attorney “more important than a will.” Here’s why LPAs matter at any age, what happens without one, and how real families have been affected.
Read MoreA clear, practical guide answering the 30 most frequently asked questions about Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in England and Wales — covering costs, registration, attorneys, and common concerns.
Read MoreMany people worry about making a Power of Attorney, but most concerns are based on myths. This article explains common fears, the legal safeguards in place, and real-life examples that show why an LPA is a safe and reassuring choice.
Read MoreEnduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) were replaced by LPAs in 2007 but remain valid if made before that date. Find out what they cover, how to register them, and whether you should consider replacing one with an LPA.
Read MoreLearn how a General Power of Attorney (GPA) works, when it’s useful, and how it compares to a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Includes real examples, pros and cons, FAQs, and myth-busting advice.
Read MoreIf you’re a carer, an LPA can make daily life far less stressful. Discover why “next of kin” isn’t enough, hear real stories from carers, and learn how LPAs protect both you and the person you care for.
Read MoreI was talking with friends and the conversation came around to asking about trusts. So, even though this is oversimplified, I explained it like this.
Read MoreBereaved 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).
Read MoreDiscover how a Discretionary Trust can protect your loved ones from financial risks and safeguard assets while offering flexibility and potential inheritance tax advantages.
Read MoreVulnerable 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.
Read MoreNRBDTs 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.
Read MoreCouples 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
Read MoreIncluding 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.
Read MoreProperty 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.
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 MoreUseful 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.
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 MoreBusiness 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 MoreTo ensure the highest professional and ethical standards, the following standard terms of business apply to all instructions accepted by Fern Wills & LPAs.
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 MoreThese 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.
Read MoreThe privacy policy outlines how Fern Wills & LPAs may collect and use your data.
Read MoreFully Data Protection registered and Compliant
Read MoreThis guide covers the information that must be read by or to every Donor and Attorney of a Lasting Power Of Attorney.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreWe commit to offering customers the highest possible service standards and are pleased to support the Society of Will Writers ‘TCF principles.
Read MoreIf you are not satisfied with any aspect of our service, please bring your complaint to our attention as follows:
Read More