Client Administration and Legal Guidance

Administration

1.  Client administration – Will amendments

(new Wills completed)

A Will cannot be amended by handwriting or informal changes. Any correction must be made legally by way of a Codicil or by preparing a new Will. Incorrect amendments may invalidate part or all of a Will and could result in the estate being distributed incorrectly under the law in England, Scotland or Wales.

2. Existing client amendments

Amendments only become legally effective once they have been properly drafted, signed and witnessed. Once the amendment details have been received, a team member will contact the client to arrange payment.

Fees and storage options would be clearly shown:

Amendments charged at £30.00

Storage options: 

£35.00 single

£45.00 couple

Lifetime storage, which includes unlimited alterations at no additional charge

Guidance

3.  Signing and witnessing a Will

A Will must be signed by the person making it in the presence of two independent witnesses, who must also sign the document. Witnesses must not be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries. Failure to follow these requirements can invalidate a Will under the law in England, Scotland and Wales and may lead to probate delays or intestacy.

4.  Signing and witnessing Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney prepared and registered by Four Seasons Future Planning Ltd must be signed in the correct order and require one witness. Incorrect signing can result in the document being rejected or challenged at a later date. Legal requirements vary between England, Scotland and Wales and must be followed carefully.

3.  Signing and witnessing a Will

A Will must be signed by the person making it in the presence of two independent witnesses, who must also sign the document. Witnesses must not be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries. Failure to follow these requirements can invalidate a Will under the law in England, Scotland and Wales and may lead to probate delays or intestacy.

4.  Signing and witnessing Lasting Powers of Attorney

Lasting Powers of Attorney prepared and registered by Four Seasons Future Planning Ltd must be signed in the correct order and require one witness. Incorrect signing can result in the document being rejected or challenged at a later date. Legal requirements vary between England, Scotland and Wales and must be followed carefully.

5.  Lost Will

If a Will cannot be located, clients should contact Four Seasons Future Planning Ltd as soon as possible to arrange a replacement or a new Will. An administration fee may apply. The original Will is usually required for probate and its absence can cause delays or disputes.

6.  Lost, stolen or damaged Wills

If a Will is lost, stolen or damaged, clients should contact Four Seasons Future Planning Ltd immediately to arrange a new Will. A missing or damaged Will may be presumed revoked, increasing the risk of intestacy or legal challenges under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

5.  Lost Will

If a Will cannot be located, clients should contact Four Seasons Future Planning Ltd as soon as possible to arrange a replacement or a new Will. An administration fee may apply. The original Will is usually required for probate and its absence can cause delays or disputes.

6.  Lost, stolen or damaged Wills

If a Will is lost, stolen or damaged, clients should contact Four Seasons Future Planning Ltd immediately to arrange a new Will. A missing or damaged Will may be presumed revoked, increasing the risk of intestacy or legal challenges under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

7.  Change of address

A change of address does not automatically invalidate a Will. However, outdated details can cause delays and confusion during estate administration. In some cases, a Codicil or a new Will may be recommended under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

8.  Change of name, marriage or divorce

Marriage or remarriage can revoke an existing Will. Divorce may affect gifts and executor appointments. Any change of name, marital status or family circumstances should prompt an immediate review of a Will to ensure it remains legally valid under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

7.  Change of address

A change of address does not automatically invalidate a Will. However, outdated details can cause delays and confusion during estate administration. In some cases, a Codicil or a new Will may be recommended under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

8.  Change of name, marriage or divorce

Marriage or remarriage can revoke an existing Will. Divorce may affect gifts and executor appointments. Any change of name, marital status or family circumstances should prompt an immediate review of a Will to ensure it remains legally valid under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

9.  Remarriage and updating your Will

Remarriage usually revokes an existing Will, meaning previous wishes may no longer apply. A new Will should be arranged as soon as possible to protect beneficiaries and assets under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

10.  Unregistered property

Unregistered property must be registered before it can be dealt with easily during probate or a future sale. Clients should apply to register the property with HM Land Registry in England and Wales, with Scottish equivalents applying where relevant. Failure to register a property can significantly delay estate administration.

9.  Remarriage and updating your Will

Remarriage usually revokes an existing Will, meaning previous wishes may no longer apply. A new Will should be arranged as soon as possible to protect beneficiaries and assets under the law in England, Scotland and Wales.

10.  Unregistered property

Unregistered property must be registered before it can be dealt with easily during probate or a future sale. Clients should apply to register the property with HM Land Registry in England and Wales, with Scottish equivalents applying where relevant. Failure to register a property can significantly delay estate administration.