Susan Cottrell Wills and Estate Planning

08/03/2026

‼️Cost, Complacency & Family Concerns are the amongst the leading reasons why people put off writing their will according to the Association of Lifetime Lawyers. They also state that nearly three in five people aged 45-54 do not have a will in place.

For many people it’s not that they don’t care about planning ahead it’s simply that life gets busy, the conversation feels difficult, or it keeps getting pushed further down the to-do list.

Estate planning isn’t just about what you own, it’s about making things as simple as possible for the people you leave behind. ‼️

Please contact me on ☎️07980 904322 or 📤[email protected] for a confidential chat and I can talk you through the simple process of drafting a will.

11/01/2026

‼️ Step-children are NOT automatically included in a Will – and this catches many families out ‼️

This is one of the most common (and most serious) misunderstandings I see, particularly in blended families.

Under UK law, step-children have no automatic right to inherit unless they are specifically named in a Will or have been legally adopted. Being “part of the family” emotionally does not equate to being recognised legally.

🛑 Here is why this matters:

If you die without a Will, step-children are NOT entitled under the intestacy rules.

If this resonates with your family situation, it’s worth reviewing your Will now, before assumptions lead to unintended outcomes. Please call me or email for a confidential conversation.

☎️ 07980904322 or 📥 [email protected]

07/10/2025

💍 Getting Married or Divorced? ⏰Time to Review Your Will

Many people don’t realise that getting married automatically cancels your existing will.

🛑 That means if you don’t make a new one, you could be treated as if you died without a will at all, and your estate might not go where you think it will.

If you’re separating or have recently divorced, it’s just as important to review things. Until your divorce is finalised, your ex-partner could still inherit under your current will, or be named as an executor or attorney.

Taking a few minutes now to update your will can save a lot of confusion, upset and expense later — and make sure your wishes are always protected.

Get in touch for a no obligation confidential conversation.
☎️ 07980904322 or 📥 [email protected]

25/09/2025

21/07/2025

❤️ We all know that we should have a will in place to make things easier for our loved ones ❤️

There are many reasons why it gets put off....

Life is busy. The kids need you. Work is relentless. And let’s be honest, it’s not always easy to think about what happens when we're no longer here.

A will isn’t just about money or paperwork.
It’s about peace of mind.
It’s about making things easier for your loved ones.
It’s about making sure your wishes are heard.

‼️If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would your family know ‼️

Who should look after the children?
What should happen to your home?
How to divide things fairly?
What you would have wanted?

No one ever regrets having a will in place. But sadly, many regret not making one sooner.
So if something’s holding you back, fear, time, uncertainty, I’m here to help, without pressure or jargon.

Message me if you'd like a chat or have a question. Sometimes, the hardest part is just getting started.

Please ☎️ me on 07980904322 or 📥 message me if you'd like a chat or have a question.

07/07/2025

❤️ Please tell your loved ones and your executors where your original will is kept ❤️

If the original Will can not be found, the executors can attempt to prove a copy of the Will in place of the lost original under Rule 54 of the Non-Contentious Probate Rules 1987.

‼️How to do that? You you would need to apply to the probate registrar for permission to prove the copy Will by providing a written statement of the steps taken by the executors to locate the Will, details of anyone who would benefit from the estate if the copy Will is not proved and why there is a belief that the Will has not been destroyed with the intention to revoke it. ‼️

If you want to know more details about this please 📥 [email protected] and I can email more in-depth information.

I offer a free of charge consultation call on all aspects of Estate Planning and can help with any questions or concerns that you may have. Please ☎️ me on 07980 904322

27/06/2025

🏠 Most couples own their property as joint tenants, meaning if one person passes away, the other automatically inherits the whole property — regardless of what your will says. ✍️

Sounds simple, right? But what if...

❓ You want to leave your share of the property to your children after your partner passes ❓
❓You’re in a blended family and want to protect inheritance for your own side ❓
❓You want to plan ahead to help reduce care fees or tax ❓

👉 In these cases, owning the property as tenants in common is usually the better choice.

🔓 What’s the difference?

✅ Joint Tenants = property passes automatically to the other person (outside your will)

✅ Tenants in Common = you each own a defined share (usually 50/50) which you can leave in your will

✅ Severing the joint tenancy is a simple legal step
✅ It gives you flexibility and control over your share
✅ It allows you to protect your loved ones and your wishes

I offer a free initial consultation, reviewing your property ownership and put plans in place that truly reflect your wishes. ☎️ 07980904322 or 📥 [email protected]

15/06/2025

❓ Did You Know? Inheritance Tax (IHT) allowances don’t transfer automatically when someone passes away — you have to apply to transfer the unused portion.

Everyone has a tax-free allowance of £325,000 (called the nil-rate band). If the full amount isn’t used when the first person in a marriage or civil partnership dies, the unused part can be transferred to the surviving spouse or civil partner.

But here's the catch:
‼️ It’s not automatic.
‼️You must claim it when the second person passes away.

This can make a huge difference in how much tax is paid on an estate — potentially saving tens of thousands of pounds.

Planning ahead can help your family make the most of the allowances that are available. If you're unsure how it all works, I'm happy to help explain it in plain English.

☎️ 07980904322 or 📥 [email protected]

08/06/2025

‼️If you or your partner have children from previous relationships, things can get complicated — fast.

Without a will:

- Children or stepchildren might be left out

- New spouses may inherit everything, unintentionally

- Family fallouts can happen at the worst time

The right will ensures your wishes are met, gives clarity, and peace of mind for everyone you care about.

I can guide you through your options, pointing out any potential pitfalls. Call me on ☎️ 07980904322 or 📥 [email protected]

02/06/2025

‼️Only 15% of parents talk to their children about inheritance‼️

It’s not an easy conversation - but silence can leave loved ones confused, overwhelmed, or even divided when the time comes.

❤️ Talking now isn’t about money — it’s about care, clarity, and protecting your family from uncertainty later.

Whenever you're ready, we're here to help you start the conversation.

22/05/2025

❤️ What Happens to a Lasting Power of Attorney When Someone Passes Away?

It’s something many people wonder, especially at such a difficult time.

👉 The LPA ends immediately upon death — the attorney can no longer access accounts or make decisions. So, what happens next?

✔️ Register the death
✔️ Return the original LPA to the Office of the Public Guardian
✔️ Locate the Will (if one exists)
✔️ Begin the probate process

If you’re not sure what to do or just need someone to talk it through please ☎️ 07980904322 or 📥[email protected]

16/05/2025

Without a Business Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA):

🚫 Staff may not be paid
🚫 Contracts could be delayed or lost
🚫 Access to bank accounts may be frozen

✅ An LPA ensures a trusted person can step in and keep the business running smoothly.

DM me, ☎️ 07980904322 or 📥 [email protected] to arrange your free, confidential consultation.