Westcott Wills

Will writing and lasting powers of attorney; inheritance tax advice; www.westcottwills.co.uk

16/08/2026

D is for Deputyship.
If you lose mental capacity and you don't have an Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place, your family can't simply step in and manage things.
They have to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order. It takes months. It costs thousands. And the court, not your family decides who gets appointed and what they're allowed to do.
An LPA avoids all of that. One document, put in place while you can, gives your family the authority they'd need without the process.
I see the difference it makes. It's worth doing.

14/08/2026

C is for Capacity.
To make a valid will or Lasting Power of Attorney, you need to have mental capacity, that is, the ability to understand what you're doing, what you own, who has a claim on your estate and what your decisions mean.
This is one of the reasons I always encourage people to act while they're well, not when they're worried.
By the time capacity becomes a question, it's often too late. The document you needed most is the one you left too late to make.

12/08/2026

These are the people or sometimes organisations that you want to inherit your estate.
You can name specific individuals, include backup beneficiaries in case your first choice can't inherit, leave gifts to charities, or divide things in whatever way reflects your actual wishes.
What you can't do is assume people will know, that they'll agree or that the law will step in on your behalf and follow your wishes.
Clarity in a will prevents conflict after your death. That's what I'm here to help you get right.

31/07/2026

Exciting news from me. If you've been meaning to tick this off your list, get in touch.

26/06/2026

Five things that happen when you don’t have a will. Most people assume their partner or children will simply inherit everything. The reality is very different. Without a valid will, the law decides who gets what and the law doesn’t know your family, your promises, or your preferences.
An unmarried partner will inherit nothing.
The courts choose who raises young children.
Your Estate gets burdened with legal costs.
Family relationships fracture over sentimental items.
Tax planning opportunities are lost.
All of it is avoidable. A properly written will gives you control and protects the people you love, and most clients tell me they wish they’d done it sooner.

22/05/2026

A will or a trust? It's not just legal jargon – it's about tailoring the plans of your estate to suit your needs perfectly and I'm here to guide you through both. We can ensure we ring-fence anything that needs protection and mitigate inheritance tax where possible. By planning ahead and understanding the ins and outs of this complex tax, you can protect your loved ones from potential surprises. Not sure where to start? I'm here to help you unravel the complexities and maximise your estate's value.

08/05/2026

Equal shares aren't always the fairest solution. Perhaps one child helped care for you in later years. Maybe another needs extra support due to health challenges. Or one has already received substantial financial help with property. Your will can reflect these realities while still being fair to everyone. It's about equity, not just equality. Let's have an honest conversation about what fairness means in your family's unique situation.

30/04/2026

We book the dentist. We book the MOT. So why does the will so often get tucked away and forgotten?
Like that panoramic dental x-ray, a proper review of your will shows you the full picture. Not just the bit you can see at the surface, but how everything fits together underneath. Have you moved house since the last time or is there a new child or grandchild? Maybe you've sold your business or a relationship has changed. All good reasons to check in.
Today marks the end of Financial Literacy Month, and it's a good moment to take stock. Knowing where you stand financially, and where you want to go, is one of the most grounding things you can do for yourself and your family. A will is part of that picture. So is talking openly with the people you love about what matters and what your wishes are.
If you'd like a conversation that cuts through the jargon, get in touch.

17/04/2026

Lasting Powers of Attorney aren't just for the elderly. Accidents happen. Illness strikes unexpectedly. It may only be temporary but nonetheless tricky. If you lost capacity tomorrow, who would manage your finances? Who would make decisions about your care? Without an LPA in place, your family may need to go to court to gain authority - a lengthy, expensive, and stressful process. Take control now while you can. Let me help you put the right safeguards in place.

14/04/2026

Client meeting near Hatfield Heath. Taking a minute to enjoy the beautiful spring colours!

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Bishops Stortford
CM235NW

Website

http://www.westcottwills.co.uk/

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