Your Secured Legacy Knowledge Centre

Have A Question About Wills, LPAs or Estate Planning?

Find straightforward answers to the questions families ask most. No unnecessary jargon. No pressure. Just useful information to help you understand your options before deciding what to do.

Try searching for "Will", "LPA", "Probate", "cost" or "care".
Browse By Topic

What Are You Looking To Understand?

Start with the subject that's closest to the question you're trying to answer.

Not Sure Where To Begin?

Start With The Question That's On Your Mind.

You don't need to know exactly what service you need. Start with the question or concern that's prompted you to look for information.

1
Find your question Search above or browse the topics.
2
Understand the answer Read the information before deciding what to do.
3
Decide your next step Learn more, download a guide or speak with Andy.
A Good Place To Start

One of the questions families ask most:

“What happens if I die without a Will?”

If that's something you've been wondering about, start there. You can explore the answer and then move on to related questions.

Read The Answer →
The Questions Families Ask Most

Find The Answer You're Looking For

These questions come from the real concerns people have when thinking about Wills, LPAs, Probate and protecting what they've built.

Showing all questions
Wills

What Happens If I Die Without A Will?

Understand why having a Will matters and what can happen when someone dies without one.

Read the answer →
Wills

What Makes A Will Valid?

Find out about the key considerations involved in making sure a Will is properly prepared and executed.

It must be made by someone 18 or over, in writing, and signed in front of two witnesses present at the same time. Those witnesses (or their spouses) can't also be beneficiaries, or they risk losing their inheritance.
Wills

When Should I Update My Will?

Life changes. Understand why changes to your circumstances may mean your Will needs to be reviewed.

Review it every three to five years, or after any major change — marriage, divorce, a new grandchild, moving house, or the death of an executor or beneficiary. Marriage automatically cancels an existing Will unless it was written in anticipation of it.
Wills

What's Included In The Will Process?

See what happens when you start the process of creating a Will with YSL.

A conversation about your family and wishes, a draft to review, and guidance through signing and witnessing correctly so it's legally valid — no jargon, no rush.
Lasting Power of Attorney

Do I Need An LPA If I'm Married?

Marriage does not automatically answer every question about who can make decisions on your behalf.

Yes. Marriage doesn't give your spouse automatic legal authority over your affairs if you lose capacity — without a registered LPA, they may need to apply to the Court of Protection instead.
Lasting Power of Attorney

What Are The Two Types Of LPA?

Understand the difference between Health & Welfare and Property & Financial Affairs LPAs.

Read the answer →
Lasting Power of Attorney

What Happens If I Lose Mental Capacity?

Explore why planning ahead can matter if you become unable to make certain decisions yourself.

Nobody — not even a spouse — automatically has the right to manage your affairs. Family would need to apply to the Court of Protection, a slower, costlier process an LPA avoids.
Lasting Power of Attorney

Is An LPA The Same As A Will?

They serve different purposes. Learn how Wills and LPAs fit into your wider planning.

No. A Will only takes effect after death; an LPA takes effect during your lifetime if you're unable to make decisions yourself. Most people need both.
Probate

Do We Always Need Probate?

Probate depends on the circumstances. Understand what the process involves and when it may be needed.

Read the answer →
Probate

How Long Does Probate Take?

Get a clearer understanding of the Probate process and why timescales can vary.

Read the answer →
Probate

What Happens During Probate?

Understand the broad steps involved in administering an estate after someone dies.

Valuing the estate, applying for the Grant of Probate, paying any Inheritance Tax and debts, then distributing what remains to the beneficiaries named in the Will.
Estate Planning

Will The Council Take My House For Care?

Understand the questions people often have about their home, care costs and estate planning.

Read the answer →
Estate Planning

What Is A Protective Property Trust?

Explore what this type of planning is designed to address and why it may form part of some estate plans.

Read the answer →
Estate Planning

How Can I Protect What I've Built For My Family?

Explore some of the estate-planning considerations families may want to think about.

Usually a combination of a properly considered Will, LPAs, and sometimes trusts — the right mix depends on your family and what concerns you most.
Costs & Process

How Much Does A Will Cost?

See YSL's starting prices and understand why the cost can vary depending on your circumstances.

See pricing →
Costs & Process

How Much Does An LPA Cost?

Understand the current YSL starting price and the difference between arranging an LPA with a Will or separately.

See pricing →
Costs & Process

Why Can A Cheap Will Cost More In The Long Run?

Understand the difference between simply buying a document and getting your circumstances properly considered.

A DIY or ultra-cheap Will that's incorrectly worded or invalidly signed can lead to disputes and delays that cost far more than a properly prepared one would have.

We Couldn't Find That Question

Try a different search term, or browse the topics above.

Free Guides

Want To Go A Little Deeper?

If you're still researching, our free guides give you another way to explore the subject at your own pace.

Free Guide

The 7 Threats To Your Estate

Discover seven issues that could affect what happens to your estate and the questions you may want to consider.

Explore The Guide
Free Guide

The Beginner's Guide To LPAs

A straightforward introduction to Lasting Powers of Attorney and the decisions you may need to consider.

Explore The Guide
Meet Andy

Want To Understand Who's Behind The Advice?

Sometimes the best way to get comfortable with a subject is to get to know the person you're considering speaking to.

Andy explains his background and why Your Secured Legacy was created to help families plan for this stage of life.

Prefer to research first? That's absolutely fine. The Knowledge Centre is here to help you understand the questions before you decide whether to get in touch.
Still Have Questions?

You Don't Need To Know Exactly What You Need Before You Get In Touch.

If you've read through the information and you're still unsure about your own circumstances, you can talk it through with Andy without obligation.

Book A Free 30-Minute Call
No obligation. No sales pressure. Just a straightforward conversation.

Prefer to talk first? Call 01823 211999 or WhatsApp 07426 931999 . No obligation. No sales pressure.