Introduction
Fitzgibbons is a well-established will writing and estate planning company based in the United Kingdom. They have been assisting clients with creating wills, lasting powers of attorney and other estate planning documents since 1974. This article will provide an overview of Fitzgibbons’ will writing service, including what is involved in the process, what documents they can help with, pricing and reviews from past clients.
The Will Writing Process with Fitzgibbons
Fitzgibbons takes a personalized approach to will writing. The process typically begins with an initial consultation either over the phone or in person. During this consultation, a Fitzgibbons solicitor will discuss your assets, family situation, wishes and concerns. This allows them to gain a thorough understanding of your estate planning needs.
After the consultation, the solicitor will draft your will based on the instructions provided. Fitzgibbons prides itself on using plain English everyone can understand in the will documents. Once a draft is complete, you will be provided a copy to review at your leisure. You can request any changes or modifications until you are fully satisfied.
Once you approve the final draft, Fitzgibbons will arrange an appointment for you to formally execute the will. This involves signing the will in front of two witnesses, who also need to sign. Fitzgibbons provides the witnesses free of charge. They will also offer secure storage of your original will document.
Along with basic wills, Fitzgibbons can create additional documents like lasting powers of attorney for health/welfare and financial decisions. These allow you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity in the future.
Documents Created
In addition to wills, some key estate planning documents Fitzgibbons can prepare include:
Basic will – Distributes your assets to beneficiaries of your choosing upon death.
Complex will – For those with more substantial assets, multiple beneficiaries or specific wishes. May involve trusts.
Lasting power of attorney (LPA) – Appoints an attorney to make decisions about finance/property or health/welfare.
Codicils – Makes small amendments to an existing will without rewriting the whole document.
Inheritance tax planning deeds – Helps pass on assets efficiently and potentially reduce any IHT bill.
Probate applications – Handles the legal process of applying for the grant of probate.
Funeral plans – Records your preferences for services and helps organize payments.
Fees and Pricing
Fitzgibbons is transparent about their fees upfront. Pricing depends on the complexity of the estate but basic wills start from around £150 plus VAT for individuals or £200 plus VAT for couples.
Complex wills involving trusts or multiple beneficiaries are priced depending on the specific circumstances. An average complex will may cost £500-£1,000 plus VAT.
Lasting powers of attorney range from £250-£500 plus VAT each depending on needs. Fitzgibbons also offers a bundle package for combined wills and LPAs that provides good value.
Customers can pay the full fee upfront or several months of installments if preferred. Volume or repeat client discounts may also apply in some situations. Inheritance tax planning starts at around £600 plus VAT.
Client Reviews
Fitzgibbons has overwhelmingly positive reviews online from thousands of past clients. On sites like Trustpilot, they have a near perfect average customer score. Here are some highlights from verified reviews:
“Friendly and professional service. Made the process of sorting out my will very straightforward.”
“The solicitor took the time to fully understand my family situation and assets. I feel my wishes are clearly expressed.”
“Value for money given the peace of mind these documents provide. Strongly recommend Fitzgibbons.”
“Fantastic service as always. They have handled all my legal needs for decades.”
“Couldn’t be happier with the specialist inheritance tax advice. Really helped maximize what can pass to my children.”
The consistent positive feedback illustrates why Fitzgibbons has been the trusted choice for estate planning needs over multiple generations for many families. Nearly all clients remark how smooth, simple and hassle-free the process was.
Professional Accreditations
Fitzgibbons works to the highest legal and ethical standards in the estate planning industry. Some accreditations they hold include:
The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) for wills and probate
Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
Accredited by the Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists (ACTAPS)
Signatory to the master code for will writing, designed to protect consumers
All solicitors working for Fitzgibbons must maintain current membership of the Law Society and abide by its principles. The firm is also registered with HM Land Registry to conduct land and property transactions.
Conclusion
Fitzgibbons represents a gold standard option for anyone looking to have professionally drafted wills, lasting powers of attorney or probate services in the UK. Their decades of experience, sterling reputation and accreditations provide assurance your estate will be handled expertly according to your preferences. While not the most budget-friendly choice, most clients agree their fees are very reasonable for the peace of mind received. The vast majority of reviews point to superb client care and a straightforward process from start to finish.
Andrew Stroud