The Planning Bee

The Planning Bee: estate planning and probate in the United Kingdom

The Planning Bee is a British company specialising in estate planning and probate. Its team of qualified paralegals advises clients on all aspects of estate and asset planning, both during the client's lifetime and after their death. The firm presents itself as an option to avoid the costly mistakes of a DIY will or inadequate advice, with the aim of ensuring the best possible outcome for the client and their chosen beneficiaries.

Core estate planning services

The Planning Bee's activity is structured around four main legal services:

• Will writing: the company strongly recommends having a professionally drafted will. It notes that it frequently intervenes to resolve will disputes arising from homemade wills or DIY kits that do not offer protection or may not be legally binding. It offers affordable rates tailored to each client's requirements.
• Lasting powers of attorney (LPA): an essential service for many people who can no longer manage their affairs. The company highlights the importance of putting this in place early so that a trusted person is in charge, rather than the local authority. The service is provided with respect and in accordance with the client's wishes.
• Protective Property Trusts (PPT): this is a trust included in the will that protects the client's share of the property so that their assets are securely passed on to the chosen beneficiaries. If the client dies before their partner, their share of the property is protected from being used to fund someone else's care or from being lost entirely due to a remarriage of a surviving spouse. The trust is flexible, allowing the partner to continue living in the property, move or access the capital as they decide.
• Family Protection Trusts (FPT): a method that allows assets to be protected in trust during the client's lifetime, protecting loved ones' inheritance against various risks, both during life and after death. It increases the amount that can be passed on to loved ones and ensures they retain 100%, as well as ensuring the most cost-effective and quickest way of passing on an inheritance, removing burdens at a difficult time.

Team profile and experience

The Planning Bee's team is made up of qualified and registered paralegals. The company states that its experts have more than 80 years of combined experience in the estate and life planning industry. The paralegals are members of the Institute of Paralegals, the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP) or the Society of Will Writers. Over the years they have helped thousands of families. The firm describes itself as an innovative company bringing together some of the most experienced legal professionals in the industry.

Working process and home visits

The service begins with an initial telephone review with an expert paralegal to assess the best way forward. This is followed by a free consultation and comprehensive advice based on individual needs, with the local specialist paralegal. After instruction, preparation of the legal work begins and a draft is sent to the client for review, explanation and possible amendments. Once approved, a further visit is made with the local paralegal for signing (known as attestation). Finally, the legal work is in place and loved ones are protected.

The company offers all its clients the option of having a qualified paralegal, DBS checked and a member of NALP, visit the client at their own home to discuss estate planning and the best way to protect their inheritance. The paralegals follow a strict code of conduct.

Fees and initial consultation

The Planning Bee works with fixed fees and tailors all its packages to each client's needs so that they do not pay for services they do not need. It offers a free, no-obligation initial consultation that includes comprehensive advice on the best way forward based on the information provided, with no obligation to continue with the services.

Registration details

THE PLANNING BEE LIMITED is registered in England and Wales, with company number 12680741 and registered office at 124 Acomb Road, York, England, YO24 4EY.

Location and contact

124 Acomb Road, York, England, YO24 4EY