Protect everything you've built, and everyone you love.

A Will allows you to decide who should inherit your estate, who should deal with your affairs, and who should care for any children under 18. Without a Will, the intestacy rules decide who inherits, which may not reflect your wishes.

For many straightforward circumstances, an online Will can be a convenient way to record your wishes. If your situation is more complex, such as blended families, trusts, overseas assets or inheritance tax planning, specialist advice may be recommended.

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. There are two types: one for property and financial affairs, and one for health and welfare decisions.

They do different things. A Will takes effect after death, while a Lasting Power of Attorney can help during your lifetime if you become unable to make decisions for yourself. Many people choose to put both in place.

Probate is the legal process of dealing with someone’s estate after they have passed away. This can include valuing assets, paying debts, applying for the grant of probate and distributing the estate to the beneficiaries.

A trust may be useful where assets need to be protected, controlled or managed for certain beneficiaries. This can include children, vulnerable beneficiaries, blended families or inheritance tax planning. Trusts should usually be discussed with a specialist adviser.

An estate planning review looks at your current arrangements and checks whether your Will, LPAs, property ownership, beneficiaries and wider plans still match your personal and financial circumstances.

It is sensible to review your estate planning after major life events such as marriage, divorce, having children, buying property, starting a business, receiving an inheritance or a significant change in your finances.