Seven documents. One conversation. One family properly protected.
A will decides what happens after you die. A complete estate plan needs more — because most of the scenarios that hurt families, a will can't touch. We guide you through all of them with the panel of agents. Each completed questionnaire produces a printable document.
Caspian — Estate Law
I drafted your will, and I'll handle the other legal documents with you — the LPAs, the Living Will. Terra weaves the personal letters in. Rowan handles the executor handbook. Linden handles funeral wishes. Most of what I need I already have from your will.
Essential — without these, your plan has gaps the law won't cover
These three handle the scenarios that leave families most exposed: your death, and your loss of capacity while still alive.
Who inherits, who manages your estate, who looks after your children. The foundation.
Gives someone you trust authority to manage your money, pay bills, handle property if you can't.
Without this: if you lose capacity, your family applies to the Court of Protection. £371 and 4–6 months.
Gives someone you trust authority to make medical and care decisions if you can't speak for yourself.
Without this: doctors decide, following clinical practice. Your family has no legal voice.
Recommended — for people who want decisions to be theirs, not their family's
These protect dignity — yours and your family's. They're optional in law. They're nearly always worth doing.
A legally-binding refusal of specific treatments in advance — ventilators, CPR, feeding tubes — so your wishes are respected even if you can't voice them.
Without this: your Health & Welfare attorneys decide for you. That's a lot to ask. A Living Will takes that weight off.
Personal guidance for your executors — explanations of decisions, sentimental items, messages. Not legally binding. Emotionally enormous.
Without this: executors follow the letter of the will and guess at the spirit. Sentimental items get awkward.
A practical handbook for whoever administers your estate. Where things are kept, who to call, passwords, accounts, subscriptions.
Without this: your executor spends three months doing detective work. Subscriptions continue. Mistakes get made.
Optional — personal preferences, not legal requirements
These aren't about the law. They're about making things easier for the people who carry on.
Burial or cremation. Music. Readings. Who speaks. Donations in lieu of flowers. Told properly, so nobody has to guess.
Without this: your family makes every decision in the worst week of their lives, often with siblings who disagree.
Why a will alone isn't enough
A will takes effect when you die. Neither of your Lasting Powers of Attorney does — they take effect if you're alive but can't make decisions. That's a different scenario entirely.
1 in 3 of us over 65
Will develop dementia. LPAs can only be made while you still have capacity. Waiting costs thousands.
Spouses can't
Automatically access each other's accounts or make medical decisions. Being married doesn't confer these powers by law.
Registration takes 8–10 weeks
Once signed, the Office of the Public Guardian must register each LPA. You can't use it until they have.
Not sure which you need?
Find your situation — ten common life stages, each showing exactly which documents are critical for people like you.