South West Wills & Estate Planning

Will Writing and Estate Planning in Cornwall

South West Wills & Estate Planning is a professional service led by Clare that provides support with will writing, lasting powers of attorney (LPAs) and probate. Its main area of operation is Cornwall, with home visits available throughout the region and North Devon, and secure video call appointments for clients across the UK.

The company states that it has over ten years of experience and presents itself as a full member of the Society of Will Writers, a professional body that promotes quality standards in will writing and estate planning. According to its own information, it works in line with that association's code of practice, holds professional indemnity insurance and has an enhanced DBS check.

Will, LPA and Probate Services

The service offering is organised into four main areas:

• Will Writing: preparation of legally valid wills, including single, mirror and complex wills tailored to each situation.
• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA): appointment of a trusted person to make decisions in the event of incapacity, covering both Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs LPAs.
• Estate Planning: advice to protect assets, reduce inheritance tax and make future management easier for loved ones.
• Probate Support: practical support for executors and families following a bereavement, helping to understand the process, organise estate information and manage the administration of the estate.

Service Options and Coverage

The service is provided through home visits across Cornwall and Devon, or via secure video calls for clients anywhere in the UK. Among the Cornwall locations mentioned are Truro, Falmouth, St Austell, Bodmin, Newquay, Penzance, Launceston, Wadebridge, Redruth, Camborne and Bude. In Devon, Barnstaple, Bideford, Torrington, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe and nearby villages are mentioned.

The initial consultation is free and without obligation, and can take place in person or by video call. The company states that it works with fixed fees and no hidden costs, and that pricing details are set out on its services page.

How the Process Works

The company's working method is set out in four stages. It begins with a free initial consultation to understand the client's situation and objectives. Personalised advice is then provided in writing, explained in plain English. Next, the professional documents are drafted and sent to the client for approval, with support through the signing and witnessing process. Finally, ongoing support is offered to review and update the documents if the client's circumstances change.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wills and Probate

The site addresses common client queries. It notes that while many married people assume everything will automatically pass to their spouse, this is not always the case, so a will allows wishes to be clearly set out and helps protect loved ones. If someone dies without a will, the estate is distributed according to intestacy laws, which may not reflect the deceased's wishes and can complicate matters for the family.

On probate, it explains that this is the legal process of managing a deceased person's estate, which may involve identifying assets, valuing the estate, paying debts and distributing assets to beneficiaries. It is usually required when there are properties, bank accounts or investments held solely in the deceased's name, although not all estates require it. Timelines vary depending on complexity, the assets involved and the need to complete inheritance tax forms, and delays can occur while waiting for information from banks, investment managers, HMRC or other organisations. The company notes that many executors choose to handle probate themselves, but support is often sought due to lack of experience or to confirm the correct procedure is being followed.

It also clarifies that a will governs what happens after death, while a lasting power of attorney allows a trusted person to make decisions during one's lifetime if needed, so both instruments serve different and complementary purposes.

Location and Contact

Phone: 07894 984031 · Email: clare@southwestwills.co.uk