FAQ
We get it - this is a deep subject. Deep in feelings, deep in mystery.
Take a look at our frequently asked questions to get the ball rolling on your understanding of Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney. But don't forget - there are no silly questions because we only know what we know and the best thing you can do in life is ask questions if you are not sure of something. We promise to try our best to keep it simple and free of jargon without explanation.
The basics
What is a Will?
What is a Trust?
What is an LPA?
What is a Will and why do I need one?
Writing a will is like putting your final wishes in a time capsule that ensures your voice is heard, even when you’re not around. It’s about protecting your loved ones, preventing disputes, and making sure your wishes are followed.
Whether it’s who should care for your children or where your treasured possessions should go, a will puts you in control of your legacy.
Legally binding
It’s a legal document that provides clarity on how your assets should be distributed, who should care for any dependents, and even specific instructions for your funeral. Without a will, the state decides these matters, which could lead to unwanted outcomes or disputes among family members. By writing a will, you take control, ensuring your wishes are honored.
Clear instructions
Beyond protecting your assets and loved ones, a will can help prevent confusion and conflicts during an already emotional time. Families are often left in difficult situations when no clear instructions are provided. By specifying exactly what you want, from financial distributions to personal belongings, you can ease the burden on your family and reduce potential disagreements.
A legacy of care
Furthermore, a will can be as detailed as you want it to be. You can name guardians for your children, designate executors, and even leave gifts for charities or friends. This document is a way to leave behind not only material assets but also a legacy of care, thoughtfulness, and love for those who matter most to you.
An initial conversation about your Will costs nothing so why not get in touch & take the first step – [email protected]
What is a Trust and why might one be helpful?
Trusts are often misunderstood as complicated or only for the wealthy. We’re here to simplify that.
Setting up a trust can protect your assets, manage how they’re distributed, and even save on taxes.
Think of it as a way to safeguard your hard-earned wealth for the people or causes you care about, ensuring your legacy lives on exactly how you want it to.
Protecting your voice
A trust is a powerful estate planning tool that allows you to manage and protect your assets while you’re alive and after you’re gone. By placing assets into a trust, you can dictate how they are distributed over time, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their inheritance when and how you want.
This can be especially useful for protecting assets from probate, reducing taxes, or ensuring that minors or vulnerable beneficiaries are cared for properly.
Trust us to keep it simple
Trusts are often seen as complex, but they offer incredible flexibility in estate planning. Unlike wills, trusts can take effect during your lifetime, allowing you to control the flow of assets to your beneficiaries. This can include property, investments, or even family heirlooms.
Valuable goals
Another benefit of trusts is their ability to provide for specific needs or goals. You can create a trust that supports a child’s education, provides for long-term care of a loved one, or even makes charitable donations over time.
It’s a way to secure your financial legacy and prevent assets from being mismanaged or lost due to unforeseen circumstances.
Trusts offer peace of mind that your assets are being used in ways that align with your values and wishes – [email protected]
What are Lasting Powers of Attorney and why might they be important?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is your safety net.
Should life throw an unexpected curveball, like an illness or accident, an LPA ensures that someone you trust will be able to make decisions on your behalf. Whether it’s managing your finances or making health decisions, an LPA is a powerful way to protect your voice during life’s unpredictabilities.
The power of a ‘wing man’
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is an essential part of life planning that ensures your wishes are respected even if you’re unable to make decisions yourself. It allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your financial and health affairs if you become incapacitated due to illness, accident, or age-related decline.
Without an LPA, your loved ones may face legal obstacles when trying to make crucial decisions on your behalf.
In health & wealth
There are two main types of LPAs: one for financial decisions and another for health and welfare. The financial LPA covers tasks such as managing bank accounts, paying bills, and handling investments, while the health and welfare LPA focuses on medical treatment and living arrangements. By setting up these documents in advance, you ensure that someone you trust is in charge of important decisions if you’re unable to make them.
Sharing the load
An LPA provides a safety net that protects your interests during life’s unexpected challenges.
Whether it’s ensuring your care preferences are honoured or managing your assets efficiently, an LPA ensures that your voice continues to be heard. It’s a way to safeguard your autonomy and reduce the burden on your family during difficult times.
Let us help you navigate the unknown with clear and understandable conversation – [email protected]
How much does it cost to create a Will?
Creating a Will with Life Is Too Short Limited is both straightforward and affordable.
Our pricing is designed to suit various needs:
Basic Wills start at £250 - Full Estate Planning packages for Businesses including multiple Directors and their family planning range up to £4,500+ Vat, With most of our effective and long lasting family Estate planning packages around £1,200 + Vat
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your unique circumstances and provide a clear, no-obligation quote. This ensures you have a complete understanding of the costs involved before proceeding.
Our goal is to provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind as you plan for the future.
What happens if I already have a Will—can I update it with your service?
Yes, if you already have a Will, you can absolutely update it with us.
Life changes quickly — marriage, children, new assets, and more. Make sure your Will reflects your current life situation. Our FREE comprehensive review process is designed to give you peace of mind, ensuring your Will is aligned with your intentions.
Take the next step by booking a 15-minute call or filling in the form on our 'FREE Will review page'
What is a letter of wishes?
A Letter of Wishes is a private document you write alongside your Will. It’s not legally binding, but it gives helpful guidance to the people you’ve trusted with your estate – like your Executors, Trustees, or Guardians – so they understand your personal wishes and values when making decisions.
Think of it as a kind and thoughtful nudge in the right direction. It can cover anything from how you'd like your children to be raised, to who gets your sentimental keepsakes, or even how you’d like your funeral to feel.
You can update it anytime without changing your Will – so it’s a flexible way to keep your voice in the room when it matters most.
Are digital Wills valid?
No – not in the UK.
Wills must be wet-signed and witnessed by two people with capacity. Digital formats (videos, scanned signatures) are too easily altered and wouldn’t hold up in court.
Proper professional storage is key to ensuring validity.
The misunderstood
What happens if I don’t make a Will – what does 'leaving it to chance' mean?
If you don’t make a Will, 'leaving it to chance' means that the law — not you — decides how your assets are distributed after you die. This is called intestacy and can have serious consequences, including:
Key Risks of Dying Without a Will
Your loved ones may not inherit what you intended: The law follows a strict set of rules, which might not align with your wishes. For example:
Unmarried partners are not entitled to anything, no matter how long you’ve been together and close friends or charities you care about won’t receive a share unless named in a Will.
Family disputes and stress: Without clear instructions, your loved ones may face confusion or disagreements about what you would have wanted, potentially leading to legal battles.
Delays in distributing your estate: Settling an estate without a Will can take significantly longer, leaving your loved ones in financial limbo.
Higher costs and taxes: Without a Will, your estate might not be distributed in the most tax-efficient way, meaning less for your family and more for the government.
Your children’s future might not be protected: If you have young children, the court will decide who looks after them, which might not be the person you would have chosen.
By creating a Will, you’re taking control and ensuring your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are respected. It’s more than a legal document—it’s peace of mind.
Do I need a professional to write my Will, or can I do it myself?
You can write your own Will, but here’s the thing: even a small mistake could cause big problems down the line. At Life Is Too Short Limited, we believe your loved ones deserve more than a DIY gamble. By working with a professional, you’re not just getting a document — you’re getting peace of mind.
We make sure everything is legally sound, crystal clear, and tailored to your unique situation, so there’s no risk of your wishes being misinterpreted or challenged.
Think of it this way: your Will is your last love letter to the people who matter most. Why leave it to chance when you can leave it to us? ❤️
How do I ensure my Will is legally valid?
Ensuring your Will is legally valid doesn’t have to be complicated — especially when you’ve got us in your corner.
At Life Is Too Short Limited, we handle all the technical details so you can focus on what really matters: making your wishes clear.
Here’s what’s needed for a legally valid Will in the UK:
It must be in writing. We take care of this for you, ensuring it’s clear, professional, and thorough.
You must sign it. Your signature shows it’s your Will and reflects your intentions.
It needs to be witnessed. Two independent witnesses (who aren’t beneficiaries) must be present when you sign. We guide you through this to make it stress-free.
We ensure every box is ticked and every detail is spot on, so your Will can stand up to any challenge. With us, you’ll have total peace of mind knowing it’s done right. ❤️
Does a Will cover everything, or do I need other documents, like LPAs or trusts?
A Will is a fantastic starting point — it ensures your wishes are followed when you’re no longer here. But it doesn’t cover everything. That’s where other documents, like Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and Trusts, come into play.
Here’s the difference:
A Will: Looks after your wishes for your estate after you’ve passed away.
LPAs: Let you appoint someone to make decisions about your finances, health, and wellbeing while you’re alive if you ever need help.
Trusts: Offer extra protection for your assets, helping to manage inheritance tax, safeguard property, or provide for loved ones in specific ways.
Think of it as a toolkit for your future planning. A Will is essential, but LPAs and Trusts can give you even more control and peace of mind. At Life Is Too Short Limited, we’ll guide you through everything you need to make sure every base is covered. ❤️
Is a Will relevant if I don’t have significant assets or property?
Absolutely! A Will isn’t just about money or property — it’s about making your wishes crystal clear, no matter your circumstances.
Even if you don’t have significant assets, a Will allows you to:
Decide who gets your personal belongings. Whether it’s sentimental treasures or everyday items, your loved ones will know what you want.
Appoint guardians for your children. This is vital if you have young kids—don’t leave that decision to chance.
Avoid unnecessary stress for your family. A clear Will makes things so much easier for those left behind, no matter the size of your estate.
Support causes you care about. You can leave something to a charity or cause that’s close to your heart.
A Will is less about wealth and more about leaving a legacy of love and clarity. At Life Is Too Short Limited, we’ll make it simple to put your wishes into action. ❤️
I’m single/unmarried/in a same-sex partnership—does a Will apply to me?
Absolutely — a Will is especially important if you’re single, unmarried, or in a same-sex partnership. Without one, the law decides who inherits your estate, and it might not align with your wishes.
Here’s why it matters:
Unmarried partners don’t automatically inherit. Even if you’ve been together for years, the law doesn’t treat you like a married couple. A Will makes sure your partner is provided for. You control what happens. Whether it’s your savings, sentimental items, or who handles your affairs, a Will ensures your choices are respected.
Protect those you care about. If you want to include friends, stepchildren, or charities, a Will is the only way to make it legally binding. No matter your relationship status, a Will puts you in charge of your legacy.
At Life Is Too Short Limited, we’ll help you make sure your wishes are honoured — because your love and life matter. ❤️
What happens if I don’t make a Will — what does ‘leaving it to chance’ mean?
Without a Will, the law - not you, or your loved ones - decides what happens to your Children, Family, Business, and Assets.
This process, called intestacy, can lead to:
Family Disputes during an already emotional time.
Financial Errors who inherits what and when
Business Uncertainty with no clear plan for its future.
Unintended Outcomes leaving out key people like step children or business partners.
Creating a Will ensures your family and business are protected, and your wishes are honored.
When should young adults make a Will?
We suggest age 18 is ideal. There’s no official “trigger point” in the UK for writing a Will. Even if a young adult doesn’t own much, a Will ensures clarity and simplicity in case of an unexpected event. Without a Will, even parents can’t act on their adult child’s behalf easily.
Do young people need LPAs (Lasting Powers of Attorney)?
Yes, LPAs should be done at 18+, especially if they live independently, travel, or work. LPAs let someone you trust act for you if you’re incapacitated (e.g. injury, coma, mental health episode). Without one, parents can’t legally make financial or healthcare decisions, even in emergencies.
Is an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) in Northern Ireland the same as an LPA?
Yes, if you live fully in Northern Ireland and your affairs are based there. England uses LPAs, while Northern Ireland uses EPAs. We support clients across the UK and adapt to local law via partnerships.
Are LPAs from other countries valid in the UK?
The short answer is – it depends! Here's what you need to know:
• If your LPA was registered in a country that's part of the 1961 Hague Convention, there's good news! You may be able to have it legally certified through your country's UK embassy for use here.
• However, if your LPA is from a country not on the Hague Convention list (like Canada), you'll need to arrange a new UK LPA when you arrive here.
• This is particularly important if you're: Planning to move to the UK; Already living in the UK with a foreign LPA; Managing affairs for someone with an overseas LPA
Not sure where you stand? We'd love to chat! Our heart-led approach means we'll guide you through your options with clarity and care.
Book a free chat with our team to explore your next steps.
The complex explained
What if I’m not sure how to divide my assets fairly among my loved ones?
If you’re unsure how to divide your assets fairly, don’t worry — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns we hear, and at Life Is Too Short Limited, we’re here to help you navigate it with care and clarity.
Here’s how we can make it easier:
Start with your values. Think about what matters most to you — whether it’s supporting your family, recognizing a close friend, or leaving something meaningful to a charity.
Consider individual needs. Fair doesn’t always mean equal. You might want to provide extra support to someone who needs it most.
Talk it through. We’re great listeners and can guide you through the tricky bits, offering solutions you might not have considered. Remember, your Will is your chance to leave a legacy that reflects your heart and your wishes.
Together, we’ll create a plan that feels right for you — and keeps your loved ones on good terms. ❤️
How do I ensure my Will won’t cause disputes among family members?
We get it — family dynamics can be tricky, and no one wants their Will to spark arguments. At Life Is Too Short Limited, we believe in planning for peace, not problems.
Here’s how we can help you avoid disputes:
Be clear and specific. Vague instructions can cause confusion, so we’ll help you make everything as detailed as possible.
Talk to your loved ones. Sharing your plans ahead of time can help everyone understand your wishes and avoid surprises later.
Use a professional service. DIY Wills are a recipe for misunderstandings. We’ll make sure everything is legally sound and written to prevent misinterpretation.
Include a letter of wishes. While not legally binding, it’s a personal way to explain your choices and add a thoughtful touch.
By putting your wishes in writing and taking these steps, you can leave behind not just your assets, but also the gift of harmony for those you care about. ❤️ We’ll guide you through every step to make it simple and stress-free.
Can I update my Will if circumstances change (e.g., marriage, children, divorce)?
Absolutely! Your Will isn’t set in stone — it should grow and change as your life does. At Life Is Too Short Limited, we make it easy to update your Will whenever big life events happen, like getting married, having children, or going through a divorce. Here’s how it works:
Review it regularly. We recommend checking your Will every few years or after any major life change.
Make updates with confidence. Whether it’s adding new beneficiaries, adjusting who gets what, or reflecting changes in your relationships, we’ll ensure everything stays clear and legally sound.
Start fresh when needed. In some cases, creating a new Will is the best option — like after marriage, which can legally invalidate an existing Will.
Your Will is your way of looking after the people you love, and it should always reflect your current wishes. With us, keeping it up to date is simple, stress-free, and done right. ❤️
Who should I appoint as my executor, and what does that involve?
Choosing the right executor is an important decision, and at Life Is Too Short Limited, we’re here to help you get it just right. Your executor is the person (or people) who’ll carry out your wishes after you’re gone. Here’s what to consider when deciding:
Pick someone you trust. This could be a family member, close friend, or even a professional—anyone who’ll handle your estate responsibly and with care.
Consider their skills. Being an executor involves practical tasks like managing paperwork, paying debts, and distributing assets, so it helps if they’re organised and level-headed.
Choose more than one, if needed. You can appoint multiple executors to share the responsibilities or provide backup.
What’s involved?
Your executor will: Locate your Will and apply for probate if needed; Settle any outstanding debts or taxes; and Distribute your estate according to your wishes.
It’s a big role, but with the right choice — and our guidance — you can feel confident your affairs will be in good hands. ❤️ If you’re unsure, we’re happy to talk you through the options.
How long does it take to set up a Will and LPAs, and what’s involved?
The process of setting up a Will and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, depending on your availability and the complexity of your circumstances.
Once your LPA's have been completed and signed off, they then take their next journey. Off to the OPG - Office of Public Guardian - Here they are officially signed off ready to be used should you lose capacity.
Note : This part of the process takes between 4 - 6mths... Delaying this could leave you / your partner / your children and even your business at risk. Remember everything freezes, bank accounts , property / business decisions to protect you , should you lose capacity for a short or long period. Don't delay say [email protected]
Why choose us?
We know this stuff can feel like a mountain to climb, but we’re here to make it as easy as a walk in the park. Here’s how we help:
No pressure, no fees for a chat: We believe in starting with a conversation, no strings attached. Let’s talk about your needs and see how we can help.
Hand-holding through the process: From start to finish, we’re with you every step of the way. We break down the complex stuff into simple, manageable steps.
Tailored solutions: We get to know you and your unique situation so we can offer solutions that fit like a glove. No cookie-cutter approaches here.
The law of the land does not discriminate – whoever you identify as, without a will, your voice cannot be heard.
Let us help you: [email protected] or fill in the form below.
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Our experts create bespoke solutions for you, your loved ones and your business.
Understanding the vulnerabilities of not having an up-to-date will or lasting powers of attorney
will help you decide how best to protect and provide for those you love.
Wills and all other Estate Planning services are produced on behalf of Life Is Too Short Limited
by Prestige Legal Services, Matrix at Dinnington, Nobel Way, Sheffield, S25 3QB
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