Will writing and estate planning services in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond
A new, less formal will writing and estate planning service in Banbury offers a friendly, personal solution which they say is much cheaper than traditional solicitors.
Matthew Korsak and Edward Smith have set up Clearpath in Banbury, and are combining their legal knowledge and business experience, with the experienced Will Writers who have worked in estate planning for over a decade, to offer an alternative to people in the area.
“We offer fixed fees so people know what it is going to cost them,” said Matthew, who studied law and finance at university and works in cyber security. “You don’t need a solicitor to do most of what we do, you can do it yourself, but it can mean that your wishes are more easily challenged.
“We can go through the process and fill out all the paperwork – anything that does need to be done by solicitors we will partner with an SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) firm to complete.”
Services on offer:
Will-writing – Writing a will is a vital part of planning what happens to your estate after you’ve gone and ensuring your assets are given to those you wish to benefit. It can also include instructions for personal things too, not just financial, like your funeral arrangements, your wishes for any dependents and can protect the people, property and businesses you leave behind.
Whether it’s a single will, or a mirror will (where a partner or spouse effectively has the same wishes in their will) or a more complex one, Clearpath can talk you through your options and draw up a will to reflect your wishes.
It also provides peace of mind for those you leave behind and a will which clearly sets out your wishes can save a lot of money in costly legal wrangling – meaning more of your estate goes to those you love.
Lasting Power of Attorney – an LPA is a legal document naming someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are incapable of doing so due to illness, injury or other unforeseen circumstances.
Without it decisions about your health, welfare, property and financial affairs may be left in the hands of the Court of Protection.
Edward said: “Without one, it can mean that even simple things like dealing with house or car insurance can be difficult if the named policy holder is incapacitated and you are not legally named to conduct their affairs.”
Appointing an attorney – a named person to act on your behalf – can ensure that your wishes are respected and your best interests are protected if you become unable to make decisions for yourself
Probate – This is what happens when some dies – ensuring that the wishes of that person are carried out, and that their assets go to heirs and beneficiaries. It can be complex and time-consuming.
Clearpath offers a probate service and says: “It’s important to consider using a probate expert to ensure that the process is handled properly and efficiently”
Trusts – A legal trust can be helpful when a person transfers their assets to a trustee, who manages them on behalf of the beneficiaries. For example, if you had young children you may wish to appoint a trustee to look after their inheritance, if you died, until they reached a certain age. Putting assets in trust can protect them from creditors and legal claims, make probate simpler and could have tax benefits. Trust do have to be drawn up by an SRA regulated company. In such cases Clearpath would do the initial work and ensure it was checked and signed off by a qualified lawyer.
“We would do the groundwork and preparation and then we would ensure it was ‘white labelled’ by an SRA company,” Matthew said, effectively making them sub contractors – they would draw up the documentation but the legal firm would check it and have it in their name.
What’s the process?
Clearpath can visit you at home, do a consultation by video or meet at a remote office. Matthew and Edward explained that they are looking for high street premises, but as the business only started a couple of months ago, they are currently agile working.
Wills and other documents can be stored on your behalf, using a document handling company, in much the same way as any High Street solicitors firm would. But generally the client will receive two copies of any documentation, a signed master copy and a second copy which can be used to make amendments or alterations if needed in the future, without invalidating the original
A will can be drawn up for as little as £199 and the whole process from initial consultation to receiving the signed documents could take place in as little as a week.
Why use Clearpath?
Their services can be much more competitive than using a qualified legal practitioner such as a solicitor or lawyer. They also specialise only in these four areas of estate planning.
Edward, who has worked in tech sales and business development said he has a lot of experience with compliance documentation and liaising with lawyers: “When we die we want to make the most of our assets and ensure as much of them go to the people we love as possible. Not having a plan in place can mean a lot of money is lost in chasing down the detail, the dependents and the assets.
“But peace of mind is the big thing, knowing that your affairs are in order and loved ones will be looked after and not have to deal with the stress of sorting out your estate.”
For more information visit Clearpath’s website call 01295 975548 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
Disclaimer: This is an advertising feature and the information in this article has been provided by the client. You may wish to have legally-binding documents checked by a qualified legal practitioner such as a solicitor. For guidance on legal matters visit the law society website https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/