Estate Planning
Advice That Protects Your Future and the People You Care About
Estate planning is about making sure your money, property, and personal wishes are handled the right way when you’re no longer around, or if life takes an unexpected turn.
At Elwyn & Mabel, we help people across all walks of life make sense of their estate, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones won’t be left facing uncertainty or legal complications. Whether you’re raising a young family, entering retirement, or planning for your business’s future, estate planning is a vital step.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of legally documenting what should happen to your assets: your home, savings, pensions, business, personal items, and more, if you pass away or become unable to make decisions. It often involves making a Will, setting up trusts, assigning powers of attorney, and taking steps to reduce inheritance tax.
It’s not just for the wealthy. Anyone with dependents, savings, a property, or personal wishes about their care and belongings can benefit from an estate plan.
Why Estate Planning Matters
You Decide What Happens to Your Assets
Without a plan, your estate may be divided according to strict legal rules known as the rules of intestacy. This could mean loved ones you care about are left with nothing, or assets go to people you didn’t intend.
You Reduce the Burden on Your Family
Grief is hard enough without legal and financial complications. A clear estate plan gives your family guidance and legal certainty when they need it most.
You Minimise Inheritance Tax
The right estate planning advice can help reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable. With careful planning, you can pass on more of your estate to those you care about.
You Prepare for Life’s Uncertainties
Estate planning also includes setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney. This means if you’re ever unable to make decisions due to illness or accident, someone you trust can step in to help manage your finances and health decisions.
Who Should Consider Estate Planning Services?
- Young families: Make sure children are cared for by people you trust, and that your partner is protected financially.
- Homeowners: Ensure your home is passed on according to your wishes.
- Business Owners: Plan what happens to your business in the event of illness or death.
- Retirees and pensioners: Update your Will and estate plan to reflect new family structures.
- Those who have inherited money or property: Understand how to protect and pass on inherited assets.
What’s Included in Estate Planning?
Will Writing
A professionally written Will outlines how your assets should be distributed and can appoint guardians for your children. At Elwyn & Mabel, we make Will writing simple and personal.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)
An LPA allows someone you trust to manage your affairs if you become unable to. There are two types: one for property and finances, and one for health and welfare.
Trusts
Trust in Wills allow you to protect certain assets, control how and when beneficiaries receive them, and can help reduce tax liability.
Inheritance Tax Planning
We offer clear, practical estate planning advice to help you reduce inheritance tax through exemptions, lifetime gifts, and structuring your estate efficiently.
Business Succession Planning
If you own a business, estate planning ensures there’s a clear plan in place to safeguard its future and minimise disruption for employees and partners.
The Benefits of Professional Estate Planning Advice
Peace of Mind
Knowing everything is documented and legally sound gives you peace of mind that you’re doing right by your family.
Tailored Plans
Every estate is different. Our estate planning services are designed to reflect your unique circumstances, family setup, assets, and long-term wishes.
Avoiding Family Disputes
A clear plan can prevent confusion and legal disputes between family members later on.
Efficiency and Simplicity
With our guidance, the process is made easy to understand. We take care of the paperwork and walk you through every decision step by step.
What’s Included in Estate Planning?
Initial Consultation
A relaxed conversation to understand your goals and circumstances.
Review of Your Assets
We help you map out your estate, including property, pensions, savings, investments, and personal belongings.
Tailored Recommendations
You’ll receive personalised estate planning advice that suits your needs and preferences.
Legal Documentation
We handle the legal side, creating your Will, powers of attorney, trusts, and other documents.
Ongoing Support
Life changes. So can your estate plan. We’re here to update things when you need us.
Estate Planning FAQs
What is included in estate planning?
Estate planning covers more than just writing a Will. It can include naming guardians for children, setting up trusts, appointing powers of attorney, planning for inheritance tax, and recording your preferences for future care. It’s about making sure your assets and wishes are handled the way you want if you pass away or lose capacity.
Do I need estate planning if I already have a Will?
Yes. A Will is just one part of a full estate plan. You may also need to consider tax planning, power of attorney, and whether your existing Will still reflects your current circumstances. Estate planning brings everything together into one clear strategy.
Is estate planning only for wealthy people?
Not at all. Estate planning is useful for anyone who owns a home, has children, savings, or personal belongings they want to pass on. It ensures your estate is handled properly, no matter the size.
When is the right time to start estate planning?
The best time to start is now—especially after major life events like buying a home, having children, getting married or divorced, or starting a business. The earlier you plan, the more control and protection you have in place.
How often should I update my estate plan?
You should review your estate plan every few years or after key life changes. This might include marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, changes in finances, or the passing of someone named in your plan.
Get Started With Estate Planning Today
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take for the people you care about. Whether you need a basic Will or a full estate strategy, Elwyn & Mabel is here to guide you with clarity and care.
Ready to protect your legacy? Call us today on 01633 731699 to arrange a free consultation.
Prefer to write? Email us at info@elwynmabel.co.uk and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours.
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