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AFPS Wills and Estate Planning Specialists, 89 Dedworth Road, Windsor (2026)

14/10/2026

When I visit a client at home to discuss their will, I have one personal rule.

I meet with the person making the will on their own.

Why? Because making a will is a personal decision, and I want my client to feel comfortable expressing their wishes without worrying about what someone else in the room might think.

This isn't about assuming that family members have bad intentions.

Often, relatives are incredibly supportive. But there can be situations where someone feels pressured, finds it difficult to disagree with a loved one, or simply doesn't feel comfortable discussing their wishes in front of another person.

That is why I believe a private conversation matters. If a client insists that another person stays in the room, I explain that I will record the fact that someone else is present. I want the circumstances of the meeting to be clear and documented.

It is one of the ways I try to protect my clients' independence and make sure their instructions are genuinely their own.

I also believe there is real value in choosing a will writer who takes the time to understand you, explains the process clearly and gives you the space to make an informed decision. Making a will should never feel like a pressured sales process.

You should feel listened to, understand what you are agreeing to and be comfortable asking questions or taking time to think.

Your will is about your wishes, your family and your future. Those wishes deserve to be heard.

16/09/2026

Probate is one of those words that most people have heard of, but very few people really understand until they suddenly need to.

And at the moment, there are more than 42,000 open probate cases in England and Wales.

The latest figures from HM Courts & Tribunals Service show that there were 42,490 open probate cases at the end of March 2026 — 19% higher than a year earlier.

That sounds alarming, but the reality is a little more complicated.

Straightforward digital probate applications that haven't been stopped were taking around two weeks on average.

Where an application has been stopped because more information is needed, there is an issue with the will or a question over who can apply, the average was around 14 weeks.

So why does probate sometimes take so long?

Part of the problem is that people often think probate is simply a form you fill in after someone dies.

It isn't.

Probate is the legal authority that allows the person dealing with the estate to access and deal with the deceased's assets.

Before you can apply, you may need to establish exactly what the person owned, value the estate, work out whether Inheritance Tax is due and provide the necessary information to HMRC.

And once the grant is issued, the work isn't necessarily finished.

There can still be bank accounts to close, property to deal with, debts and tax to settle, estate accounts to prepare and assets to distribute to the beneficiaries.

For someone dealing with all of this for the first time, it can feel overwhelming.

That's one of the reasons I think it's so important to understand what probate actually involves before you need it.

I've written a new guide explaining probate in plain English — what it is, who needs to apply, what happens if there isn't a Will, why some applications take longer than others and what happens once probate has been granted.

Because when you're dealing with the loss of someone you love, the last thing you need is to be confused by the process as well.

02/09/2026

What happens if you die without a will?

Today I visited two new clients.

One was 73. The other was 81.

Neither had ever made a will.

It reminded me of something I see far too often: people put off making a will because they think they have plenty of time.

But none of us know how much time we have.

If you die without a valid will, you are intestate, and the law decides who inherits your estate.

That might be what you would have wanted.

But it might not be.

You may have children, grandchildren, stepchildren, a partner or other family members who you would like to provide for in a particular way.

You might want to leave something to a particular person, charity or organisation.

You might have very clear ideas about what should happen to your home, savings or other possessions.

The intestacy rules don't know any of that.

They simply apply the legal rules that determine who inherits.

The lady I visited today was being encouraged by her children to make a will because they wanted their mum to be able to decide where her money ultimately goes

And I think that's an important point.

Making a will isn't just about what happens when you die. It's about making your wishes clear while you are here.

If you don't have a will, you are leaving those decisions to the intestacy rules.

If you do have a will, you have the opportunity to say what you actually want to happen.

If you've been meaning to make a will but keep putting it off, perhaps it's time to move it up the list.

Don't leave your family to guess what you would have wanted.

Get your wishes written down.

05/08/2026

As Pension Rules Change, Is Your Estate Plan Still Complete?

For many years, pensions have been one of the most tax-efficient ways of passing wealth to the next generation.

With changes due to come into effect from April 2027, many families are understandably reviewing their estate plans and asking whether they're still structured in the right way.

One area that I think is often overlooked is protection.

When people hear the words life insurance, they usually think about replacing an income or paying off a mortgage. But, in the right circumstances, protection can also play an important role in estate planning.

For some families, a Whole of Life policy written into trust may provide funds that could help beneficiaries meet an Inheritance Tax liability without needing to sell assets at what may be a difficult time. In other situations, different types of protection may be more appropriate.

The important thing is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Every family is different, which is why I believe estate planning works best when professionals work together.

I regularly work alongside Independent Financial Advisers, helping to ensure that Wills, trusts and protection complement the wider financial plan. Together, we can help clients put arrangements in place that reflect their wishes and give their loved ones greater certainty for the future.

A Will is an essential part of estate planning.

But it's only one piece of the puzzle.

If you haven't reviewed your Will, your protection arrangements or your wider estate plan for a few years, now could be the right time to have that conversation with your IFA and your estate planning adviser.

After all, good estate planning isn't just about protecting your assets.

It's about protecting the people you leave behind.

28/07/2026

For many years, I've helped clients put the right plans in place for the future through Wills and estate planning. More recently, I've gone back to my roots, helping people protect themselves and their families with life insurance, critical illness cover, income protection and private health insurance.

One conversation I've been having more and more is about health cover.

Most of us hope we'll never need it, but when you do, having quick access to consultations, diagnostics and treatment can make a huge difference. With the pressures the NHS continues to face, it's something more people are beginning to think about.

What many people don't realise is that they may already have some level of health cover through their employer. The problem is, lots of employees either don't know what they're entitled to or haven't looked at their benefits for years.

I recently read an interesting article in IFA Magazine highlighting that many employers believe their staff don't fully understand the benefits available to them. It's well worth a read and a timely reminder to check what's included in your package.

Before you assume you're covered, ask yourself:

• Do you know exactly what health benefits your employer provides?

• Have those benefits changed since you joined?

• Would they be enough if you or your family needed treatment?

If you're not sure, now is a good time to review them.

And if you find there are gaps in your cover, or you'd simply like to understand your options, I'd be happy to help. Whether it's private health insurance, life cover, critical illness or income protection, my role is to make sure you understand what's available and what best suits your circumstances.

If it's been a while since you reviewed your protection, let's have a chat.

Sometimes a simple conversation is all it takes to give you real peace of mind.

https://ifamagazine.com/two-th

08/07/2026

Could proposed changes for cohabiting couples make you rethink your estate planning?

A recent BBC article highlights the Government's consultation into giving unmarried couples greater legal protections when relationships end or when one partner dies. It's a topic that's generating plenty of discussion, and understandably so.

As someone who helps people protect their families and their wishes every day, my advice is simple: don't wait for the law to change before getting your affairs in order.

One of the biggest misconceptions I come across is the idea of a "common law spouse". Unfortunately, many people still believe that simply living together gives them the same legal rights as a married couple or those in a civil partnership. In most cases, it doesn't.

Whether these proposals become law or not, having an up-to-date Will remains one of the most important things you can do. It allows you to decide who inherits your estate, who looks after your children and who you trust to administer your wishes.

If you're living with a partner, own a property together or separately, or simply want to make sure the people you love are protected, now is a good time to review your plans.

Estate planning isn't just about preparing for the future – it's about giving yourself and your family clarity and peace of mind today.
If you're unsure where to start, I'm always happy to have a conversation.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2vx4dvgzno

24/06/2026

Exciting News! Back to My Roots with a Big Protection Update

I am absolutely thrilled to share a significant milestone for AFPS (Affordable Financial Planning Services).

I have recently consolidated my working relationship with Toby Wheeler CeMAP CeRER Wheeler and the wonderful team at Custom Mortgages & Finance under the Connect Network. Following a comprehensive refresh of all my training, I am officially returning to a space I know incredibly well: providing expert Financial Protection Advice alongside my core Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) services.

While many of you know me for my estate planning work, I actually have over 25 years of experience in the financial protection sector. It feels fantastic to be back at it, working right alongside Toby, Claire, and Lee to support both their mortgage clients and my own estate planning clients.

Together, we’re making sure families are fully wrapped in a safety net.

This expansion means I can now design completely bespoke protection strategies, including:

· Life Cover

· Critical Illness Insurance

· Income Protection

· Health Insurance / Private Medical Cover (A brand-new addition to our offering!)

I’ve jokingly said to the team that I might have to temporarily rename the business to Affordable Financial Protection Services!

But joking aside, the logic is identical to writing a Will. A Will and a Life Insurance policy are there to protect your loved ones after you have passed away. But what about protecting yourself and your lifestyle right now?

Income protection and health cover ensure that if life takes an unexpected turn, your mortgage is paid, your bills are covered, and you have fast access to healthcare. It's about securing your peace of mind today, not just tomorrow.

I am genuinely so excited to be delivering this comprehensive advice again and to be part of such a fantastic collaborative network.

Are your family's current protection policies up to date? Or perhaps you've got the mortgage and the Will sorted, but nothing in place to protect your monthly earnings?

Let's look at the bigger picture together. Comment below or drop me a direct message to book a catch-up. I'm really looking forward to connecting with you soon!

10/06/2026

You've officially signed your Will. Great! But do your executors actually know where to find the original?

At AFPS, I frequently see a common issue: people put time, care, and thought into drafting a Will, only to put the original document in a "safe place" at home that nobody else can find.

Only the original, signed document is legally valid during probate. A photocopy or digital scan will not suffice. If your executors can't find it, the consequences for your family can be devastating.

When advising clients on the best places to store their Will, I walk them through a few key options depending on their needs:

The Lifetime Storage Card (My top pick): Through one of our trusted probate service providers, you can pay a one-off fee of £75 for lifetime storage. You get a credit-card-sized card for your wallet with a unique reference number. Your executors simply follow the instructions on the card to retrieve the original and additional copies. Complete peace of mind. Countrywide Archive: For £40 a year, they provide secure vault storage alongside a certified digital copy, keeping your paperwork safe and accessible. HMCTS Probate Service: You can lodge your Will directly into government vaults via the official HMCTS service. The National Wills Register: No matter where you store it, registering its location with Certainty ensures your family can always track it down via a national database.

What if you keep it at home? If home storage is your preference, ensure it is locked in a fireproof, waterproof metal box. Most importantly, bundle it with your other supporting documents (pensions, insurance, deeds) and talk to your executors. Keep them in the loop so they know exactly where to look.

A Will is only effective if it can be found.

If you haven’t written your Will yet, or need advice on securing your existing one, let's talk. DM me today to book an initial consultation with AFPS.

27/05/2026

Two conversations from my Windsor office this week that every family needs to hear.
Most people do not want to deal with their legal Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). It sits permanently at the bottom of the family admin list because confronting our own mortality or a potential loss of capacity is emotionally uncomfortable.

But putting it off doesn't protect your family—it just passes a massive administrative and financial burden onto your children.
Two conversations I had this week at AFPS perfectly illustrate the risks of waiting—one was a face-to-face consultation right here in Windsor, and the other was a heartbreaking phone call.

The Face-to-Face Consultation: The 50-Year Time Warp
I sat with a new client aged 90, and his partner aged 82. He has been married twice before, and together they have a beautifully complex blended family with children from his previous marriages alongside the children they have together. He came in to finally put his affairs in order. The shocking part? He had last written his Will over 50 years ago. Had the worst happened before he walked through my door, a document from half a century ago would have governed his estate, almost certainly triggering catastrophic financial chaos and unintended disinheritances for his children.

The Phone Call: When "Later" Becomes Too Late
Two years ago, I drew up a comprehensive Will for a client. We discussed LPAs and life insurance in depth. The client decided she would handle the LPAs herself to save some money as she had time to do this herself. As is so often the case, life got in the way and it never happened. Last week, her husband suffered a severe fall. He is now in a coma. Because there is no LPA in place, his wife has zero legal ability to access his sole bank accounts, joint assets, or manage their financial commitments. Their world has frozen overnight, and she now faces a months-long, expensive battle with the Court of Protection just to access their own money to support their two small children.

The Solution: Rigid Wills vs. Flexible Letters of Wishes
The main reason people avoid writing a will is that they worry their family dynamics or relationships might change next year, making an expensive legal document obsolete. This is why we use a two-part strategy to make estate planning manageable:
1. The Legal Will (The Fixed Pillars): This is a formal, public document that handles the heavy, structural foundations—who your executors are, legal guardians for minor children, and how your main wealth is divided.
2. The Letter of Wishes (The Flexible Blueprint): This is a completely confidential, private document that sits alongside your will. It is addressed to your executors and contains granular detail (like who gets specific family heirlooms or how you want a trust managed). Crucially, it is not legally binding in court, meaning if your relationships change or your children mature, you can simply tear it up and write a new one yourself without paying to rewrite your will. It gives you total fluidity as life evolves.

Don't Leave it Until You're 90
Your adult children need to be involved in these conversations, especially regarding LPAs. An LPA isn't about giving away control; it’s about choosing who holds the steering wheel if you are temporarily or permanently unable to do so yourself. Combined with a clear Will and a Letter of Wishes, you give your children a definitive script so they never have to guess what you wanted during a time of grief.

If you’ve been putting this off, please don't worry. Come and see me at AFPS in Windsor. We will cut through the complexity, protect your assets, and get your family completely sorted.

You can drop us a message directly on here, or contact the Windsor office to book a chat.

14/05/2026

🛑 "I’ll get around to it" is a dangerous strategy when it comes to your children. 🛑
We all have a never-ending to-do list, but as a Will Writer at AFPS, there is one task I see being pushed to the bottom far too often: Appointing a legal guardian.
It’s an uncomfortable thought, but the statistics in the UK are a real wake-up call: 📊 54% of parents with young children haven't formally named a guardian. 📊 Over 60% of UK adults don't have a valid Will at all.

What happens if the unthinkable occurs and there is no Will? Many people think the kids just go to the "obvious" person, like a sibling or grandparent. Sadly, that isn't how the law works.
Without a Will, your children technically become Wards of the Court. 🏛️

This means: ❌ Social Services may have to step in immediately, which can lead to children being placed in emergency foster care while things are sorted out. ❌ A Judge—a total stranger—decides who raises your children. ❌ Family Disputes can break out between relatives who all want the best but have no legal proof of your wishes.

The good news? You can fix this today. ✅ Writing a Will isn't just about money or houses. It’s about: ✨ Choosing the guardians you trust to raise your children with your values. ✨ Setting up Trusts so your money is protected and ready for their education and future. ✨ Peace of mind knowing your family is shielded from the legal "Wild West."

At AFPS, I make the process simple, professional, and empathetic. Your children are your world—let’s make sure their future is in your hands, not the court’s.

Is your family protected? Send me a message or comment "INFO" below, and let's have a chat about getting your guardianship sorted. ☕💬

AFPS Wills and Estate Planning Specialists

14/10/2026

16/09/2026

02/09/2026

05/08/2026

28/07/2026

08/07/2026

24/06/2026

10/06/2026

27/05/2026

14/05/2026

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