This guidance advises deputies and attorneys on how to approach giving gifts on behalf of the person they act for.
Read MoreNorthants (Admin & returned post) Office: 11 Wakefield Drive, Welford, Northants, NN6 6HN
Private Client Consultant
Chris brings over 24 years of experience in financial services and has dedicated the last 15 years to specialising in will writing and estate planning. Qualified with the Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW) and the Society of Will Writers and Estate Planners (MSWW), he upholds the highest professional standards while providing insightful, client-focused advice. Having navigated personal loss, Chris possesses a unique depth of empathy and understanding that is particularly valuable when working with vulnerable clients. His commitment to continuous professional development is shown through his additional studies in dementia care and his CeMaP Distinction in Mortgage and Protection, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to his practice. What Chris finds most fulfilling is guiding clients through their concerns and helping them move confidently towards proactive solutions, often accompanied by shared moments of levity. Outside of work, he values quality time with his wife, enjoying adventures with their motorhome and motorbike, or with their five children.
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.
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 MoreFacilitating 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.
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 MoreLosing 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.
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 MoreA 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.
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 reviewYou can reach us through this website's contact form, or by calling 07500 866 123 (simple as 123) or emailing info@fernwills.com. The initial call lasts up to 30 minutes and is preferably done via video. We answer your questions, present options, and provide fixed prices. A written summary with useful information is sent afterwards.
We listen, 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 approval and payment.
A) Within 15 days of receiving your paid invoice and all necessary information, we will produce draft copies for your amendments or approval. B) Within 15 days of approval, you will receive your copies for signing. C) We will arrange for the professional storage and registration of your wills, and/or register Powers of Attorney with the Office of the Public Guardian.
This guidance advises deputies and attorneys on how to approach giving gifts on behalf of the person they act for.
Read MoreWhat happens if you're suddenly unable to manage your own money and health decisions? Legally, there are many things your family or partner can’t do - even if you're married.
Read MorePlanning ahead is essential, and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is one way to ensure that your trusted representative can manage your affairs if you ever lose the ability to do so yourself. However, as life changes, you might need to cancel an existing LPA. Here’s a straightforward overview of the process and ways to safeguard your future.
Read MoreAttendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people aged over 65 who have care needs. It is a 28-page-long form that can be a bit overwhelming and time-consuming. Our referral partner will help you complete, photocopy, and send off the completed application. All payments are backdated to the day we order the Attendance Allowance Claim Pack.
Read MoreDid 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
Read MoreMartin Lewis has urged people to take action regarding a legal service that is "more important than a will." Money Saving Expert, Mr. Lewis, has emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone has their Power of Attorney in place.
Read MoreIt’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 MoreIf 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 MoreChoosing 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.
Read MoreA 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.
Read MoreLet'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.
Read MoreMost 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’.
Read MoreWills are special in that it is the original document that must be produced for probate (apart from in some extenuating circumstances discussed later).
Read MoreInheritance 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.
Read More2024 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.
Read MoreA survivorship clause is exactly what it sounds like: a clause in a will that makes a gift to a beneficiary conditional upon them surviving the testator by a set period. While these clauses are commonly used in modern wills, it’s clear that many people don’t appreciate the adverse effects they can have on an estate.
Read MoreThere are two ways that a person can make a claim against a deceased’s estate, the first being a claim under the Inheritance Provision for Family and Dependants (IPFD) Act 1975. The second is on grounds of validity.
Read MoreA client who owns assets outside the UK is affected by the concepts of domicile, immovable property, and movable property. These concepts are key to the operation of English and Welsh private international law and will affect what dispositions can be made in a will governed by the law of England and Wales. We also need to appreciate EU law's effect on succession.
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 MoreAsset Protection Trusts (APTs) are a valid and effective tool for estate planners when used in the right circumstances. These trusts often come with higher fees, making them an attractive option for some to pursue higher profits without fully appreciating the risks and considerations involved in advising clients. A lack of understanding can lead to false or misleading claims
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 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 MoreA Discretionary Trust is often used to protect beneficiaries from various risks, such as poor financial decisions, external influences, and, in certain cases, inheritance tax. This type of trust ensures that beneficiaries do not inherit assets directly from an estate. The assets are safeguarded because the beneficiaries do not legally own the trust fund assets. Trustees will only make distributions if they believe it is advisable and in line with the letter of wishes. This structure helps protect your legacy from third parties and prevents it from being squandered.
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 MoreShould 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 MoreBy 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 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 MoreWhere a client wants to provide for a beneficiary who is vulnerable/ disabled, they may want to leave assets in a vulnerable/ disabled person’s trust.
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 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 More