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Not just a will writer

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:33:31 GMT

Why We’re Not Just Will Writers – And Why That Matters

When people first contact us, they often begin by asking a very simple question: “How much does a will cost?”

It’s a perfectly reasonable question. Wills are often seen as a simple document — something you complete once and put away for the future.

But in reality, a will is rarely just a document.

At Hexagon, we approach this work slightly differently. While we do of course prepare wills, our role is not simply to record instructions. Our role is to help families structure their affairs properly so that their wishes are protected and their estate passes in the most appropriate way.

In other words, we don’t simply write wills — we help clients plan.

Many people assume their circumstances are straightforward. A typical example might be a married couple who say: “We just want everything to go to each other and then to the children.”

On the surface, that sounds simple enough. But once we start exploring the details of a family’s situation, important considerations often emerge. These can include how inheritance tax allowances apply, how assets are owned, whether children’s inheritance should be protected, and what might happen if circumstances change in the future.

For example, passing everything outright to a surviving spouse may seem like the most obvious approach. However, this can sometimes create unintended consequences later on, particularly where families want to ensure that assets ultimately pass to their children.

There may also be considerations around protecting tax allowances, planning for business assets, or ensuring that property structures allow the most appropriate planning to take place.

These are not unusual issues. In fact, they are extremely common. This is why our process always begins with a conversation rather than a document.

We take time to understand your family, your estate, and what you want to achieve. Only once that picture is clear do we consider how best to structure the planning.

Sometimes the outcome is a straightforward will. In other cases, it may involve additional provisions or planning structures designed to protect the family’s long-term interests.

The important point is that the planning comes first.

A will is simply the document that records those decisions.

So while many people initially contact us asking about the cost of a will, what we are really doing is helping families think carefully about how their affairs should be structured.

That is the difference between simply writing a will and providing estate planning advice.

And it is why the right planning today can make a very significant difference for the people you leave behind.

If you are unsure whether your current arrangements are structured properly, we would be happy to review your situation with you.

We regularly help families understand how their wills, tax allowances and planning structures work together, and whether any improvements may be beneficial.

Please contact us to arrange an estate planning consultation.

Deliberate Deprivation and Care Fees

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:04:41 GMT

Deliberate Deprivation and Care Fees: What You Need to Know

Many people are concerned about the rising cost of care and how it might affect their savings, home, or family inheritance. It’s a very real issue: if you ever need residential care, local authorities will look at your financial situation to determine how much you should contribute. Understandably, families want to know whether there are ways to protect their assets and make sure their loved ones are supported.

But here’s the important part: the law is very clear about what is — and isn’t — allowed. If the local authority believes you have deliberately reduced your assets to avoid paying care fees, this may be classed as “deliberate deprivation of assets” . In those cases, they can still treat you as though you had those assets when assessing your ability to pay.

This blog explores what deliberate deprivation means, how the rules work, and what responsible planning looks like.

What Is Deliberate Deprivation of Assets?

Deliberate deprivation happens when someone gives away, transfers, or otherwise disposes of their money, property, or assets with the main intention of reducing what they own so they may pay less towards care costs.

Examples might include:

Gifting large sums of money to family members shortly before moving into care.
Transferring ownership of your home to children while you still live in it, without receiving anything in return.
Moving savings into another person’s account to avoid them being taken into account.

If the local authority believes these actions were done to avoid care fees, they may treat you as if you still own those assets when carrying out their financial assessment.

When Does It Count as Deliberate Deprivation?

The key question the local authority asks is: “What was the intention?”

It’s not simply about what you did, but why you did it. If you transferred assets years before care was ever on the horizon, that’s very different from making changes when care needs are imminent.

Authorities will typically look at:

Timing : Did the gift or transfer happen when you already needed care, or reasonably expected to need it?
Motivation : Was reducing care costs the main purpose, or was there another valid reason (e.g. inheritance tax planning, helping children onto the property ladder, or estate management)?
Pattern : Is there a history of similar financial arrangements, or does it appear sudden and unusual?

If there’s evidence that avoiding care fees was the main driver, the local authority may class it as deliberate deprivation.

The Risks of Getting It Wrong

If the local authority decides deprivation has occurred:

They can still include the value of those assets in your assessment, even though you no longer own them.
If you transferred assets to someone else (like a family member), the authority may refuse to pay towards your care until those assets are used.
It can create conflict and stress for your family at an already difficult time.

What Responsible Planning Looks Like

The good news is that not all asset planning is deprivation. People have many legitimate reasons for making gifts, setting up trusts, or transferring assets — and these can be perfectly valid if done responsibly, in the right circumstances, and with proper advice.

Examples of responsible planning might include:

Creating a trust to support children or vulnerable beneficiaries.
Gifting money as part of inheritance tax planning, long before any care is foreseeable.
Structuring assets to reflect family arrangements or business succession planning.

The difference comes down to intention and timing. If the arrangement is part of wider, long-term estate planning — not a last-minute attempt to avoid fees — it is far less likely to be challenged.

How We Can Help

At Hexagon Life Planning Services Ltd, we understand the fine balance between protecting your family’s future and ensuring your planning is compliant with the law. We never promote or encourage schemes designed for deliberate deprivation of assets. Instead, we focus on:

Helping yo u understand the rules so you know what is and isn’t allowed.
Exploring legitimate estate planning options such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.
Advising on long-term planning so decisions are made responsibly, not in reaction to a sudden change in circumstances.
Giving you the confidence that your arrangements are in line with current regulations.

Key Takeaways

Local authorities assess your finances to decide how much you contribute towards care.
Giving away or transferring assets purely to avoid fees can be classed as deliberate deprivation.
Authorities look at intention, timing, and motivation when making a decision.
Poorly timed or poorly advised transfers can cause serious problems for you and your family.
Responsible, long-term planning with professional advice is the best way to protect your interests.

Final Thoughts

Deliberate deprivation is a complex and sensitive area of law. While it’s natural to worry about care costs, it’s important to plan carefully and responsibly. With the right guidance, you can structure your estate in a way that supports your family, protects your assets, and remains compliant with regulations.

If you’d like to discuss your situation and explore your options, the team at Hexagon Life Planning Services Ltd is here to help. Our advice is clear, friendly, and always tailored to you.

Contact us on 0800 610 1131 or email info@hexagonlps.co.uk to book an appointment today.

Your Business Could Collapse Without This Document in Place

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 07:53:42 GMT

Your Business Could Collapse Without This Document in Place

You’ve worked hard to build your business — so imagine if, overnight, you lost the ability to make decisions.

A stroke. A serious accident. A degenerative illness. These things happen, and when they do, your business could be left completely exposed.

X Bank accounts frozen.

X Contracts unsigned.

X Staff unpaid.

X Clients left hanging.

All because one crucial document wasn’t in place: a Business Lasting Power of Attorney (Business LPA).

What Is a Business Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Business LPA is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to step in and manage your business affairs if you lose mental capacity — either temporarily or permanently.

That person (called an “attorney”) can:

Access business bank accounts
Pay suppliers, invoices, and staff
Sign contracts
Manage property or premises
Deal with regulators, HMRC, clients, and more

It’s business continuity in a legal form — keeping things moving if you're unable to.

Can’t My Personal LPA Cover That?

Technically — yes. A standard Property & Financial Affairs LPA can cover your business interests.

But here’s the catch:

The person you’ve chosen for your personal affairs (your partner, a child, or friend) may not be the right person to run a business.
There may be conflicts of interest between personal and business decisions.
Your attorney may lack the commercial knowledge, availability, or authority to act confidently.
Banks and stakeholders may be uncomfortable with a personal attorney making business decisions.

That’s why experts recommend a separate Business LPA — especially for:

Company directors
Shareholders
Sole traders
Partners in LLPs or traditional partnerships

This gives you more control, better protection, and much clearer authority in a crisis.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

Without any valid LPA in place, your business is left in limbo.

Someone will need to apply to the Court of Protection to gain access and legal rights — a process that can take months , cost thousands , and leave your team without leadership during that time.

Clients go elsewhere. Staff lose confidence. Operations slow down. And in the worst-case scenario, your business might not recover.

Protect What You’ve Built

At Hexagon Life Planning, we specialise in helping business owners put the right documents in place — clearly, calmly, and without any legal jargon.

We’ll help you:

✔ Set up a separate Business LPA tailored to your structure

✔ Choose the right person to act as your business attorney
✔ Review any existing LPAs or partnership agreements
✔ Ensure everything is correctly registered and valid

Let’s talk about protecting your business properly.

Click here to book a free, no-pressure business LPA review.

You’ve Got a Will… so what's missing?

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 07:30:10 GMT

You’ve Got a Will… But You’re Still Missing This Crucial Protection...

So, you’ve made a Will. Brilliant. That means you’ve taken steps to make sure your loved ones are looked after, and your wishes are followed when you’re no longer here.

But what if something happens to you before you pass away?

We’re talking about a stroke. A car accident. Dementia. A serious illness. Anything that means you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself — whether that’s temporarily or permanently.

In situations like these, your Will does absolutely nothing. Why? Because you haven't died!

And this is where Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) come in — the crucial protection most people are missing.

What Is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you lose capacity.

There are two types:

Property & Financial Affairs – covers things like paying bills, managing bank accounts, dealing with pensions, benefits or even selling your home if needed.

Health & Welfare – covers medical treatment, care decisions, and even choices around life-sustaining treatment.

You can choose one or more people to act for you, and you stay in full control while you still have capacity.

Why Can’t My Partner or Children Just Step In?

This is a common (and dangerous) assumption.

Without an LPA, no one has the automatic right to make decisions for you — not even your spouse or adult children.

Banks won’t speak to them.

Doctors are legally restricted.

Care homes will make decisions based on their own policies, not your family's wishes.

Instead, your loved ones would need to apply to the Court of Protection to gain authority. This can take months, costs thousands, and leaves them powerless in the meantime.

Why LPAs Matter Just As Much As Wills

Wills protect your loved ones after you die.

LPAs protect you while you’re still alive but vulnerable.

They work hand in hand — and having one without the other leaves a major gap in your planning.

How We Can Help

At Hexagon, we make the process straightforward. We explain everything in plain English, meet you face to face, and handle all the paperwork — no jargon, no confusion, no drama.

You’ve done the right thing by sorting your Will. Now let’s make sure you’re protected, too.

Shall I give my house to my children now?

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:00:05 GMT

Should You Give Your Property to Your Children Now Rather Than on Your Death?

When it comes to passing on your assets, particularly your family home, the question of when is just as important as how . Many people ask: “Should I give my property to my children now rather than on my death?” It’s a big decision that requires careful thought, as there are significant legal, financial, and emotional considerations to weigh up.

In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of gifting your property to your children while you’re still alive. We’ll also address the potential pitfalls and why professional advice is essential for making the right choice for your family.

The Pros of Gifting Your Property During Your Lifetime

Potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) Savings: Gifting your property while you’re alive could reduce your estate’s value for IHT purposes, particularly if you survive for seven years after the gift. This could save your children thousands of pounds in tax.

BUT..... if you continue to live in the property....the 7 year clock does not start ticking until you move out!

Helping Your Children Sooner: If your children need financial support now (e.g., to buy their own home or start a business), transferring your property could provide them with immediate assistance.

BUT... you home could be vulnerable to paying off their debts, settling a divorce or even affecting the amount of tax your children would pay in purchasing their own property.

Avoiding Probate Delays : By transferring ownership during your lifetime, you may help your children avoid the lengthy probate process when you pass away.

BUT....this is dependant on the value of your property and the rest of your estate. You may not need a grant of probate for your property but you may need a grant of probate anyway for other elements that make up your estate on your death: bank accounts, investments, pensions.

Peace of Mind: Knowing your property is securely passed on can give you peace of mind, especially if you’ve clearly communicated your wishes and taken the necessary legal steps.

BUT...if you do not take professional advice, giving your house to your children could cause issues that you had not previously considered.

The Cons of Gifting Your Property Now

Loss of Control: Once you transfer ownership, the property legally belongs to your children. This means you no longer have full control, which could lead to complications if family relationships change or if your child faces financial difficulties, divorce, or bankruptcy.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT): If your children later sell the property and it’s not their primary residence, they may face CGT on the increase in value from the time of the gift to the sale.

Deprivation of Assets for Care Fees: If you require care in the future, transferring your property could be seen as deliberate deprivation of assets, meaning the local authority may still count it when assessing your ability to pay for care.

Unexpected Life Changes: Your circumstances—or your children’s—may change. For example, you might need to downsize, release equity, or move. Gifting the property could limit your financial flexibility.

Inheritance Tax Rules on Gifts: While gifting the property could reduce IHT, this only applies if you survive seven years after the gift. If you die within that period, the value of the gift may still be included in your estate for tax purposes under the “7-year rule.”

Loss of Residence Nil Rate Band Allowance (RNRB) and Gift with reservation of benefit: If you continue living in the property rent-free after gifting it, this could complicate matters. HMRC may view the arrangement as a “gift with reservation of benefit,” meaning the property remains part of your estate for IHT purposes, and you may also lose your extra Inheritance tax allowance (Residence Nil Rate Band Allowance) of up to £175k.

Alternatives to Gifting Your Property

If you’re hesitant to give your property to your children outright, there are alternative strategies that might better suit your goals:

Set Up a Property Trust
A property trust allows you to safeguard your home for future generations while retaining control during your lifetime. This can protect your property from the issues outlined above and ensure it’s passed on as you wish.

Add Your Children as Co-Owners
Rather than transferring full ownership, you could add your children as co-owners. This can ease the transfer process while maintaining some control.

Life Interest Trust in Your Will
A life interest trust allows you to grant your children ownership of the property after your death while ensuring you or your spouse can live there for the rest of your life.

Gifting Cash or Other Assets
If reducing IHT is your priority, consider gifting cash or other assets instead of the property. These can still qualify under the 7-year rule without the complications of transferring property.

Key Considerations Before Making a Decision

Before transferring your property, ask yourself the following questions:

Will this affect my financial stability?
Ensure you have enough resources for your own needs, including care costs, before making a gift.
Do I trust my children to manage this responsibility?
Family dynamics can change over time, so it’s vital to be confident in your decision.
Have I consulted a professional?
Complex rules around IHT, CGT, and deprivation of assets mean professional advice is essential. At Hexagon Life Planning Services in Ormskirk, we specialize in helping families navigate these tricky decisions.

Real-Life Example: Why Professional Advice Matters

One of our recent clients in Ormskirk wanted to transfer her home to her two children but had concerns about her future care needs. After consulting with us, we advised setting up a property trust instead, ensuring her home was protected while still meeting her children’s long-term goals.

This approach avoided the risk of deprivation of assets, allowed her to retain control, and ensured her children would inherit as planned.

Is Gifting Your Property the Right Choice?

The decision to gift your property now rather than on your death is deeply personal and depends on your circumstances. While there are potential benefits, the risks and complexities mean it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

A t Hexagon Life Planning Services, we specialise in will writing and property trusts in Ormskirk and the surrounding areas. We’ll help you explore all your options and create a plan that works for you and your family.

New Year, New You (and a New Estate Plan Too?)

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:55:35 GMT

It’s that time of year again!!

It’s that time of year again. The mince pies are gone (mostly because you ate them all), the Christmas lights are packed away (or shoved in the loft in a big tangled mess), and your New Year’s resolutions are already on thin ice.

But before you lose all motivation and resign yourself to “same old, same old,” let us pitch you a resolution that’s easy to keep and will genuinely make a difference: estate planning.

Yes, I know it sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry, but hear us out—this is one New Year’s resolution you won’t regret, and it could save your family a lot of heartache down the line. Plus, it doesn’t involve Lycra, so there’s that.

Why Bother with Estate Planning?

Let’s cut to the chase: estate planning is about protecting the people and things you care about most. Whether it’s making sure your home stays in the family, safeguarding your savings, or deciding who inherits your prized collection of garden gnomes, estate planning is how you take control of your legacy.

Without a proper plan in place, your family could face:

Expensive Court Battles: If you don’t leave a will, your loved ones might end up squabbling over your estate—or worse, letting the government decide who gets what. Spoiler: the government isn’t exactly known for its thoughtful decisions.

High Inheritance Tax Bills: Proper planning can reduce or even eliminate inheritance tax. Why let HMRC take a slice of the pie when it could stay with your family instead?

Care Home Fees: Without safeguards like property trusts, the value of your home could be eaten up by care costs if you ever need long-term care.

Family Drama: Let’s be real—most families don’t need help finding things to argue about. A clear estate plan avoids misunderstandings and keeps the peace.

Why Is the New Year the Perfect Time for Estate Planning?

January is all about fresh starts, and there’s no better way to start the year than by getting your affairs in order. Here’s why:

It’s a Practical Resolution: Unlike “go to the gym 5 days a week,” this is one resolution you can actually stick to.
It Protects Your Family: Your loved ones will thank you for taking the time to make things simple and straightforward for them.
It’s Future-Proofing: Life is unpredictable. Having a plan in place means you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
It’s Surprisingly Quick and Easy: With the right guidance (hi, that’s us!), estate planning doesn’t have to be a long or stressful process.

What Does Estate Planning Include?

Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-rich with sprawling mansions and offshore bank accounts. It’s for anyone who owns a home, has savings, or just wants to make life easier for their loved ones.

Here’s what a good estate plan covers:

A Will: This is your chance to decide who gets what—whether it’s your house, your savings, or your cherished vinyl collection.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): This gives someone you trust the ability to make decisions for you if you’re ever unable to do so. Pro tip: pick someone sensible (not your cousin Dave who once “invested” his savings in a pyramid scheme).

Property Trusts: These protect your home from being sold to pay for care fees or from accidentally landing in the hands of someone you didn’t intend (like that surprise step-parent).

Guardians for Children or Grandchildren: If you’ve got young kids or grandkids, this is crucial. It’s your chance to choose who would look after them if something happened to you.

Why Homeowners and Families Should Take Estate Planning Seriously

If you’re a homeowner or part of a family (especially one with grown-up children or grandkids), estate planning is about safeguarding your life’s work. Your home, your savings, your investments—all the things you’ve worked hard for—should be protected and passed on to the people you love most.

Here’s the thing: without an estate plan, the government’s default rules (known as the rules of intestacy) kick in . These rules might not reflect your wishes at all. For example:

If you’re married, your spouse might not automatically inherit everything.
If you’re in a long-term relationship but not married, your partner could get nothing.
If you have stepchildren, they won’t inherit anything unless you specify it in your will.

Planning now means you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure your legacy is exactly how you want it to be.

A Recent Success Story

We recently helped a family in Ormskirk who came to us feeling overwhelmed after a difficult year. Here's what they had to say:

"Carolyn at Hexagon made what started as an emotional and confusing task into an understandable, empathetic, and positive experience for my recently widowed Mum. Thank you—we would recommend your services to anyone in need. Reasonable prices for a first-class service. You were brilliant!"

This is what we do: make estate planning straightforward, stress-free, and dare we say… enjoyable?

Start Your Year Right with Hexagon

If you’re ready to tick “get my affairs in order” off your to-do list, we’re here to help.

At Hexagon Life Planning Services, we specialize in making estate planning simple and tailored to you. Whether you need a will, an LPA, or advice on property trusts, we’ve got your back.

Contact us today to book a consultation. Let’s make 2024 the year you finally get this sorted.

Because while you can’t predict the future, you can plan for it.

Will Writing and Property Trusts: The Gift Your Family Really Needs This Christmas

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 10:50:09 GMT

Will Writing and Property Trusts: Protect Your Family’s Future This Christmas

Ah, Christmas. The season of joy, overcooked turkey, and family arguments about whether Die Hard is a Christmas film (spoiler: it is). While you’re busy untangling fairy lights and trying not to throttle Carol from HR at the office party, let’s talk about something you probably haven’t added to your festive to-do list: sorting your will and protecting your home with a property trust.

Not the most exciting Christmas topic, I know. But hear me out—because if you think gift-wrapping is stressful, wait until you see what happens when a family tries to split assets without a will.

Why You Need a Will (Even If You’re Invincible)

Let’s face it, none of us like thinking about writing a will. It’s up there with cleaning the oven and watching your neighbor’s 3-hour slideshow of their Tenerife holiday. But here’s the cold, hard truth: if you don’t have a will, the government decides what happens to your stuff. Yep, the government. And let’s be honest, do you really trust them to make good decisions?

For homeowners, a will is especially important. You’ve worked hard for your home—do you really want it to go to Cousin Gary who “borrowed” your hedge trimmer in 2012 and never gave it back? No, you don’t. A will makes sure your house, savings, and prized collection of garden gnomes go exactly where you want them to.

What the Heck Is a Property Trust?

Now, let’s talk about property trusts—a phrase that sounds complicated but is actually your new best friend.

Picture this: you’ve spent years paying off your mortgage, only for your house to be sold to cover care fees, or worse, passed to someone who isn’t even in the family (Steve, I’m looking at you).

Here’s what a property trust can do for you:

Protect your home from being used to pay for someone else's care fees.
Make sure your children or grandchildren inherit their share of the property.
Keep your assets safe from unexpected life events (and, let’s be honest, family drama).

Basically, a property trust is like wrapping your house in a protective bubble. And don’t worry—it’s not as complicated or scary as it sounds. We’ll walk you through the process, making it straightforward, stress-free, and dare I say...even enjoyable?

What Our Clients Say (Spoiler: They’re Happy)

Still not convinced? Here’s what one of our lovely clients had to say:

Translation: We’re good at what we do, and people seem to like us!!

Why Christmas Is the Perfect Time to Talk About Death (Yes, Really)

You might be thinking, "Why on earth would I sort out my will or a property trust at Christmas?" And fair enough—it’s not exactly festive. But hear me out:

You’re already with your family. If you need to have that conversation (you know, the one about who gets the house or the family china), this is the perfect time.
It’s one less thing to worry about. Once it’s done, you can focus on eating mince pies and avoiding the in-laws.
It’s a practical gift. Forget the pointless gadgets. Giving your loved ones security and peace of mind? Now that’s a real Christmas present.

How to Get Started

At Hexagon Life Planning Services, we make will writing and property trusts simple, straightforward, and (dare we say it) even pleasant. No legal jargon. No intimidating forms. Just clear advice and a friendly face.

So, if you’re a homeowner in Ormskirk (or nearby) and want to get started, head over to our Contact Us page and book a consultation. We’ll take care of the rest while you bask in the glory of being the most responsible adult at the Christmas table.

Wrapping It Up (Pun Intended)

This Christmas, give your family a gift that truly matters. Whether it’s ensuring your wishes are carried out or protecting your home for future generations, sorting your will and setting up a property trust is the ultimate way to say, “I’ve got your back.”

So, let’s get it done, shall we? After all, you’ve already dealt with the Christmas shopping, the tree decorating, and Aunt Linda’s complaints about the pudding. This will be a breeze.

Local Ormskirk Business Owner- Case Study

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 09:14:18 GMT

How One Business Owner in Ormskirk Protected Her Family and Business Before Surgery

When Claire, a 55-year-old business owner in Ormskirk, came to us, she was facing a significant life event. As the sole owner of a successful local business and a single mother to two grown-up children, Claire was preparing for a major operation that would require a lengthy recovery. Understandably, she wanted to ensure her children and business were protected should anything unexpected happen during or after the procedure.

Claire’s Concerns

Claire had worked tirelessly to build her business over the years, and it was her primary source of income.

However, as the operation loomed closer, she realized she had no safeguards in place to manage her personal or business affairs if she was unable to do so herself. Her main concerns included:

Her Children’s Future : Claire wanted to ensure her two children, Emily and Jack, would inherit her assets fairly and without complications.
Business Continuity : As the sole decision-maker in her business, she worried about how it would operate if she became incapacitated.
Legal and Financial Decisions : She wanted to appoint someone she trusted to handle her affairs if she couldn’t.
Health Decisions : Who would make critical medical decisions if she was unable to do so herself?

Our Solution

After discussing Claire’s concerns, we developed a comprehensive plan to give her peace of mind.

Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Property and Finances
We recommended and set up an LPA for Property and Financial Affairs, appointing Emily and Jack as her attorneys. This allowed them to manage her personal and business finances if Claire was temporarily unable to do so
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare
Claire chose to appoint Emily and Jack as her attorneys for health and welfare decisions. This gave them the authority to make important medical and care decisions on her behalf if she lost the capacity to do so, including choices about treatments, living arrangements, and end-of-life care.
Advance Decision (Living Will)
Claire also chose to create an advance decision to specify her medical treatment preferences. This provided reassurance that her wishes would be respected if she were unable to communicate them herself.
Business Lasting Power of Attorney
To address her business continuity concerns, we created a Business LPA. Th is ensured her attorneys had clear authority to make decisions about the business, pay staff, and manage day-to-day operations during her recovery.
A New Will
Claire’s existing will was outdated, so we drafted a new one to reflect her current wishes. She wanted to leave her children equal shares of her assets, including the business, while ensuring they could sell or run the business without legal complications.
Letter of Wishes
To provide clarity and avoid potential disputes, we helped Claire draft a letter of wishes to accompany her will. This outlined her personal intentions, including sentimental gifts, and offered guidance to her children on what to do with the business.

The Outcome

With these measures in place, Claire felt confident going into her operation. She knew her children could step in to manage her personal and business affairs if necessary, and that her legacy would be protected no matter what the future held. Her children also felt reassured, knowing they had a clear plan to follow.

Could This Be Your Story?

If you’re a business owner, it’s easy to focus on the day-to-day running of your business and put off planning for the future. But as Claire’s story shows, life’s uncertainties can happen at any time.

Whether you’re preparing for surgery, planning for retirement, or just want to protect your family and business, we’re here to help.

Contact Hexagon Life Planning Services Ltd today to put your own tailored plan in place.

Don’t leave your business and family’s future to chance—se cure it now.

How to Ensure All Children Are Treated Fairly in a Second Marriage

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 13:11:14 GMT

Case Study: Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves – Protecting children in a second marriage

When Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves from Ormskirk approached us, they were facing a common yet complex challenge faced by many blended families. Both had been married before and brought children from their previous relationships into their new marriage. They wanted to ensure that their individual children were provided for after they passed away while also ensuring that the surviving spouse would be financially secure.

Their Concerns

Mr. Hargreaves has two adult children, while Mrs. Hargreaves has three. Their key concerns included:

Fairness : They wanted to make sure each of their children benefited from their respective estates without any disputes.
Security for Each Other : They didn’t want the surviving spouse to face financial difficulties if one of them passed away first.
Avoiding Family Tensions : With five children involved, they worried about the possibility of disagreements or misunderstandings about inheritance.
Inheritance Tax : They wanted to explore ways to reduce the tax burden on their children.

Our Approach

After an initial consultation at their home in Halsall, we took the time to fully understand their family dynamics, their financial position, and their goals. Together, we developed a tailored estate plan that addressed their concerns.

Mirror Wills with a Property Trust
We set up mirror wills containing a property trust . This allowed Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves to ensure that the surviving spouse could remain in the family home for their lifetime, but the value of the property would ultimately be divided between their children as specified in the trust. This provided security for the surviving spouse while ensuring their children would benefit equally in the future.
Life Interest Trusts
In addition to the property trust, we advised them to establish life interest trusts for any savings and investments. This protected their respective assets while still allowing the surviving spouse to draw income from them during their lifetime.
Letter of Wishes
We helped them draft a detailed letter of wishes t o accompany their wills. This provided clarity about how personal items, sentimental belongings, and smaller gifts should be distributed among their children.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs)
To future-proof their plan, we assisted Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves in setting up LPAs for property, finances, and health decisions. This ensured that, should either of them lose capacity, their wishes would still be followed.
Inheritance Tax Advice
We reviewed their estate in detail and identified ways to utilise available allowances and reliefs, such as the residence nil-rate band, to minimise inheritance tax.

The Outcome

Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves now have peace of mind knowing their respective families will be cared for, and their wishes will be honoured. They’ve protected their children’s inheritances while ensuring financial security for each other. Most importantly, they’ve removed potential sources of conflict and confusion for their family.

Could This Be Your Story?

Many families in Ormskirk and across the North West face similar challenges when it comes to estate planning in blended families. It can feel overwhelming to balance fairness, security, and tax efficiency—but that’s where we can help.

If you’re in a second marriage, have children from previous relationships, or simply want to ensure your loved ones are protected, get in touch with us today. We’ll create a clear, tailored plan that works for your family, just like we did for Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves.

Contact Hexagon Life Planning Services Ltd today to book a free initial consultation.

(Your family’s future is too important to leave to chance.)

Do I really need a Lasting Power of Attorney

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 17:43:50 GMT

Do I Really Need a Lasting Power of Attorney? Let’s Talk About the Reality...

When speaking with families in Ormskirk, one thing has become clear: many people don’t fully understand the importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Time and again, clients tell us things like:

“I’m too young to need an LPA.”
“My partner can handle things for me if something happens.”
“It’s just an extra cost I don’t need right now.”

These are common misconceptions, and they leave people vulnerable to unnecessary stress and financial difficulties if the unexpected happens. If you’ve been searching for phrases like “Do I need an LPA?” or “What does an LPA do?”—this guide is for you.

What Happens If You Don’t Have an LPA?

Without an LPA, your family’s hands are tied. If you become unable to make decisions due to illness, accident, or incapacity, no one—not even your spouse or children—has the automatic legal authority to act on your behalf.

In these cases, your loved ones must apply to the Court of Protection for permission to handle your finances, health care, or living arrangements. This process can take months, cost thousands of pounds, and cause unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.

The Most Common Misconceptions About LPAs

Here are some of the most frequent myths we hear from our clients—and the truths behind them:

“I’m too young for an LPA.”
Many people think LPAs are only for the elderly. However, we’ve worked with younger clients who unexpectedly needed someone to step in after a car accident, sudden illness, or even mental health struggles. Life doesn’t give us a warning—an LPA ensures you’re prepared.
“My family will take care of everything if I can’t.”
This is a common assumption, but legally, your family members can’t access your bank accounts, manage your property, or make health decisions without an LPA. Even paying a simple bill becomes complicated.
“It’s too expensive to set up.”
The cost of setting up an LPA is minimal compared to the financial and emotional costs of not having one. At Hexagon Life Planning Services, we offer affordable, transparent pricing to make this vital protection accessible for everyone.

What Does an LPA Cover?

There are two types of LPAs, and both are essential:

Health and Welfare LPA :
Decides where you live if you need care.
Ensures your wishes for medical treatment are followed.
Covers decisions about your daily care, such as diet and routine.
Property and Financial Affairs LPA :
Manages your bank accounts, investments, and pensions.
Handles property sales or rental agreements.
Ensures your bills, such as mortgage payments, are taken care of.

Why Ormskirk Families Are Choosing LPAs Now

More families in Ormskirk and West Lancashire are recognising that an LPA isn’t just a legal document—it’s a plan to protect themselves and their loved ones. Recent conversations with our clients highlight some key concerns:

Care Costs : “What if I need long-term care, and my family can’t access my accounts to pay for it?”
Business Risks : “Who will make decisions for my business if I can’t?”
Uncertainty : “I want to make sure my family knows what to do if something happens to me.”

An LPA gives you control and removes uncertainty for those closest to you.

How to Set Up an LPA in Ormskirk

If you’ve been Googling “How do I set up an LPA near me?” or “LPA services in Ormskirk,” you’re in the right place. At Hexagon Life Planning Services , we specialise in helping local families create LPAs tailored to their needs.

Our service includes:

Home Visits : We come to you, making the process simple and convenient.
Clear Guidance : We explain every step in plain English.
Friendly Advisors : Whether you prefer a male or female advisor, we’re here to help.
Stress Free process - we take control of ALL of your paperwork on your behalf- advising on documents, contacting and obtaining signatures from attorneys, being a point of contact for our clients and their attorneys, liaising with Office of the Public Guardian. All you need to do is sit back in the knowledge that everything is taken care of for you.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your future. Setting up an LPA in Ormskirk is easier and more affordable than you think.

Dementia Tax

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 18:19:38 GMT

Can we protect our estate from paying future care fees?

Securing Your Family's Future: An Ormskirk Will Writing Success Story

At Hexagon LPS, we take pride in helping families in our community protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honoured. Recently, we had the pleasure of assisting a local couple, Ray and Joyce, with their estate planning needs. Their story highlights the importance of professional will writing services and how they can make a significant difference in securing your family's future.

Meet Ray and Joyce

Ray and Joyce, a retired couple in their seventies from Ormskirk, came to us with concerns about their estate. They had three adult children and owned a home valued at approximately £150,000. Like many in their situation, they were worried about potential care costs in their later years and how this might affect their ability to leave an inheritance for their children.

Their Initial Concerns

The couple had heard discussions about the "dementia tax" and were anxious about the possibility of their home's value being used to pay for care, potentially leaving nothing for their children. They had even considered transferring ownership of their house to their children, based on advice from a friend.

Our Tailored Solution

After carefully assessing Ray and Joyce's situation, we advised against transferring ownership of their home. Instead, we proposed a more secure and legally sound approach:

Severing their joint ownership : We recommended that Ray and Joyce become owners of their house as Tenants in Common. This meant they would be 50/50 owners of their property rather than joint owners.
Carefully Structured Wills: We drafted new Wills that included provisions to protect at least half the value of their house from issues in the life of the surviving partner that could use up the estate value.
Right of Occupation: Each will included a right of occupation for the surviving spouse, ensuring neither could be forced out of the home.

The Outcome

By implementing this strategy, Ray and Joyce achieved several important goals:

Protected half the value of their home from potential care costs
Ensured the surviving spouse could continue living in the home
Secured a significant inheritance for their children
Gained peace of mind about their estate's future

Additional Protections

To further safeguard their interests, we also helped Ray and Joyce set up Lasting Powers of Attorney for both Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare. These documents ensure their children can make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so themselves.

The Impact

This comprehensive estate plan not only addressed Ray and Joyce's immediate concerns but also provided long-term security for their family. By investing in professional will writing services, they potentially added £thousands to their children's inheritance – a remarkable return on their investment.

At Hexagon LPS, we're committed to providing similar tailored solutions for families in our local area or Ormskirk, Southport, Burscough and surrounding areas. Whether your concerns are about care costs, inheritance, or ensuring your wishes are respected, our expert team is here to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning.

Don't leave your family's future to chance. Contact Hexagon LPS today to discuss how we can help secure your legacy and protect your loved ones.

Will Writing in Ormskirk

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 12:51:01 GMT

Welcome to Hexagon Life Planning Services – Your Local Will Writing and Estate Planning Experts

At Hexagon Life Planning Services, we understand how important it is to protect what matters most: your family, your assets, and your peace of mind. Based in the heart of the North West, we’ve been proudly serving the Ormskirk community and surrounding areas with professional, approachable, and reliable advice since 2018.

Who Are We?

We’re a team of qualified advisors with extensive experience in will writing, estate planning, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). We have a deep understanding of the legal and practical challenges families face when it comes to protecting their future.

What sets us apart is our client-first approach:

We offer home visits to every client for every meeting, ensuring you’re comfortable and supported throughout the process.
Our team includes both male and female advisors, so you can choose who you feel most at ease with.
We pride ourselves on breaking down complex legal concepts into clear, straightforward advice.

How We Can Help

Whether you’re planning for the future, navigating family changes, or addressing immediate concerns, we’re here to help.

Here are just a few examples of what we can do:

Protecting Your Family’s Future
If you have young children, it’s vital to appoint guardians to care for them should the unexpected happen. We’ll help you write a watertight will, including guardianship arrangements and a letter of wishes, to ensure your children’s welfare is always prioritised.

Making Sure Your Wishes Are Heard
If illness or injury prevents you from making decisions, having a Lasting Power of Attorney in place ensures someone you trust can step in. We help individuals and families put these documents in place, covering both health and financial matters.

Helping Families Through Complex Situations
We regularly work with clients facing challenges such as remarriage, second families, or blended households. Through careful planning, we help you ensure that your loved ones are provided for in a way that’s fair and reflects your intentions.

Why Ormskirk Families Choose Hexagon

We know the local community and its values. Whether you’re a young family, a business owner, or enjoying retirement, we tailor our services to your unique circumstances. Our goal is to make estate planning accessible, stress-free, and effective for every individual and family we work with.

Let’s Start the Conversation

Protecting your loved ones and your legacy begins with a simple conversation. Contact us today to arrange a no-obligation meeting at your home or a location convenient for you. Together, we’ll create a plan that gives you peace of mind.