Terms of Business

Hereford Wills & Probate Effective from: 24 March 2026

Thank you for choosing Hereford Wills & Probate to assist with your Will, Lasting Power of Attorney, Probate, or other estate planning needs. These Terms of Business explain how we work together.

1. Our Services

We provide the following services:

  • Preparation of Wills (single, mirror, or complex)

  • Lasting Powers of Attorney (Property & Financial Affairs and Health & Welfare)

  • Probate and estate administration

  • Estate planning advice and related documents

All work is carried out by Paul Allan Courtney LLB (Hons) or under his direct supervision.

2. Our Fees

  • We normally work on a fixed-fee basis. The fee will be agreed with you in writing before we start work.

  • Fixed fees include all drafting, revisions, and one signing appointment (where applicable).

  • Probate and estate administration fees are usually charged on a fixed fee or time-spent basis, agreed in advance.

  • VAT is not currently charged (we are below the VAT threshold), but we will notify you immediately if this changes.

  • Disbursements (e.g. Land Registry fees, probate court fees, medical reports) are payable in addition to our fees.

3. Payment Terms

  • A deposit of 50% may be required before we begin drafting.

  • The balance is due upon delivery of the final documents or completion of the service.

  • For probate work, we may invoice monthly or at key stages.

  • Payment can be made by bank transfer or cheque.

  • Late payment may result in interest being charged at 8% per year and/or suspension of work.

4. Your Responsibilities

To enable us to provide a high-quality service, you agree to:

  • Provide full and accurate information.

  • Tell us promptly about any changes in your circumstances.

  • Respond to our requests for information or instructions within a reasonable time.

  • Pay our fees and any disbursements when due.

5. What is Included and Not Included

  • Our fixed fees include reasonable revisions based on your instructions.

  • Additional work caused by changes in your instructions or incomplete information may incur extra charges (agreed in advance).

  • We do not provide financial, or investment advice. Where appropriate, we will recommend you seek specialist advice from a qualified adviser.

6. Timescales

  • We aim to provide draft documents within 7–10 working days of receiving your completed instructions.

  • Actual timescales depend on how quickly you provide information and any complexities involved.

  • We will keep you regularly updated.

7. Storage of Documents

We offer secure storage of your original signed Will and LPAs for a small annual fee, depending on the package. We will confirm the storage arrangements with you in writing.

8. Termination

You may end our engagement at any time by giving us written notice. We may end the engagement if you fail to provide necessary information, do not pay our fees when due, or if we believe we can no longer act properly.

In the event of termination, you will be charged only for work already carried out.

9. Complaints

We aim to provide an excellent service. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our work, please raise it with us first so we can try to resolve it quickly. If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer it to the Legal Ombudsman (legalombudsman.org.uk).

10. Data Protection & Confidentiality

All your information is treated as strictly confidential and processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR. A copy of our Privacy Policy is available on our website or on request.

11. Governing Law

These Terms and any agreement between us are governed by the law of England and Wales.

By instructing us, you confirm that you accept these Terms of Business.

Thank you for placing your trust in us.

Paul Allan Courtney LLB (Hons) Law Consultant Hereford Wills & Probate

Date: 24/03/2026