Understanding the importance of a Lasting Power of Attorney
Official guidance from the UK government describes a lasting power of attorney (LPA) as a legal document in which you (the ‘donor’) appoint trusted people to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity gov.uk. There are two types of LPA – one covers health and welfare decisions and the other deals with property and financial affairs. Age UK notes that an LPA lets someone you trust act for you if you lose mental capacity, but warns that errors in completing or signing the forms can lead to rejection and extra costs. Although it’s possible to complete the forms yourself, Age UK emphasises that professional advice can prevent problems later on, particularly given that the Office of the Public Guardian currently takes 8–10 weeks to register an LPA. Proper planning is therefore essential if you want to avoid delays or the appointment of a court‑approved deputy and professional fees. In short, LPAs are crucial documents, but they require specialist knowledge to prepare correctly and on time.
A career dedicated to helping families plan ahead
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Stephen Pett, owner of The Professional Will Writer, has been providing advice on wills, powers of attorney, trusts and inheritance‑tax planning for over two decades. He joined the Society of Will Writers in 2001 and served as the Sussex Regional Chairman for 15 years, organising regular training for local members. In recognition of his contribution, he was made one of only five Companions of the Society in 2024. His background in financial services and insurance gives him a wide perspective when advising clients, and he spends well over the Society’s required 24 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year updating his knowledge. This commitment reflects his belief, stated in his writing on CPD, that estate‑planning law, taxation and society change constantly and that specialists must regularly update their competence. He argues that relying on a half‑day of training twenty years ago is inadequate for modern clients; instead, he continually studies legislation, taxation and case law to give the most up‑to‑date advice.
In addition to his professional credentials, Stephen explains that he sold his larger will‑writing business to focus on a more personal service. He is based in Polegate and offers home visits within roughly ten miles, while clients across England and Wales can work with him by telephone, email or video link. His office, near the Cop Hall roundabout where the A27 and A22 meet, is open by appointment. Fair pricing and transparency are central to his approach; his fees page stresses “fair prices, no sales tactics, low overheads and sound advice”. He also offers free reviews of existing wills or LPAs, recommending reviews at least every three years because family circumstances, tax rules and court decisions change over time.
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Expertise in Lasting Powers of Attorney
Stephen emphasises that LPAs are more important than wills for many people. He notes that adults over 18 who lack capacity are subject to the Court of Protection unless they have registered LPAs
joint accounts and jointly owned property are usually frozen at that point. He therefore advises creating both types of LPA: a financial LPA and a health‑and‑welfare LPA. As he explains on his Polegate information page, many advisers leave out the second type to cut costs, yet this is often the very document that prevents a “horrendous experience.” LPAs should be thoughtfully constructed so that the right friends or family members are appointed and registered early, ideally on your 18th birthday, because the Public Guardian currently takes over five months to approve new LPAs. In his view, filling out the forms without understanding your family situation amounts to little more than form‑filling; instead, he spends time discussing clients’ goals so that their LPAs reflect their values and protect their assets.
Trusted by clients
Client testimonials on his website show that Stephen’s personal approach and expertise make a tangible difference.
- John Fullbrook of Polegate says that Stephen “always goes above and beyond” and is both “knowledgeable and trustworthy.”
- Megan Stanfield of Eastbourne describes him as “knowledgeable, efficient and friendly”, adding that he gave her mother “clear and impartial advice” on LPAs and provided a professional service at a fair price.
- Andrew Savile praises his super personal service and patience
- Peter Bennett describes how Stephen visited their home, discussed the choice of attorneys, prepared draft documents and returned with fair copies for signing; when an error required an alteration, Stephen reprinted and returned at no extra cost
- Another client notes that Stephen remained available to answer questions even months after the documents were completed.
These reviews highlight the thoroughness, friendliness and value clients experience when working with him.
Why choose The Professional Will Writer in Polegate?
| Key strengths | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Deep experience & recognised qualifications | Over 25 years advising on wills, powers of attorney and inheritance‑tax planning Stephen Pett is a senior member of the Society of Will Writers and former Sussex Regional Chairman . Honoured as a Companion of the Society Will Writers. |
| Commitment to continuing professional development | Invests way more than the required 24 CPD hours per year to keep abreast of changes in law and taxation – this is relatively easy for Steve who specialised only in Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney – one wonders how some keep up with an endless stream of “expertises.” Professionals must continually update their competence to provide valid advice |
| Personalised, local service | Steve sold his larger business to focus on one‑to‑one service with home visits an option. He is based in Polegate with appointments at his office or via phone/video nationwide. |
| Emphasis on both types of LPA | Explains that there are two types of LPA and both should be in place to avoid court intervention theprofessionalwillwriter.co.uk advocates early registration because the Public Guardian takes months to approve new LPAs |
| Fair pricing and ongoing support | Promises fair prices, no sales tactics and low overheads theprofessionalwillwriter.co.uk; offers free reviews and continues to answer questions after completing work. |
| Positive client feedback | Clients describe him as friendly, knowledgeable, patient and willing to go above and beyond. |
Conclusion
Making a lasting power of attorney is not just about filling in forms; it’s about ensuring that trusted people can make critical decisions when you cannot. Official guidance explains that LPAs give donors control over their future and warns that errors or delays can leave families at the mercy of the court ageuk.org.uk.
In this context, Stephen Pett, The Professional Will Writer, stands out as the leading specialist in Polegate. With more than twenty‑four years of experience, recognised professional qualifications and a commitment to continuous learning, he combines expert knowledge with a friendly, personalised service.
His focus on both types of LPA, transparent fees and willingness to visit clients at home or meet via video make him an accessible and reliable choice. The positive testimonials from local residents underscore the quality and value of his work. For anyone in Polegate or the wider East Sussex area looking to secure their affairs with a lasting power of attorney, Stephen Pett’s The Professional Will Writer offers the depth of expertise and personal care that this important task deserves.