An interview with Craig Copley: Your Trusted Neighbour for Estate Planning in Burntwood
Introduction:
Welcome to our interview with Craig Copley of Craig Copley and Associates. Specialising in wills, trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), Craig is a well-known and “trusted neighbour” in Burntwood. His business thrives mostly on word of mouth, a testament to the 5-star reputation he’s built within the community.
Burntwood Business: Could you please introduce yourself and Craig Copley and Associates?
Craig Copley TEP: Of course! I’m Craig Copley, and I head up Craig Copley and Associates. We’re your community-focused firm in Burntwood, offering bespoke estate planning services, including will writing, Family Trusts, Property Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney, living wills, and probate services.
Burntwood Business: Why is having a will so vital?
Craig Copley TEP: A will is essentially a roadmap for your family after your passing. It’s much better than letting intestacy laws make decisions on your behalf. When you create a will, you have the power to specify how your assets are distributed, who takes care of your children, and even what happens to your pets. In the absence of a will, intestacy laws take over.
Burntwood Business: Could you please elaborate on the risks of relying solely on intestacy laws?
Craig Copley TEP: Absolutely. Intestacy is the legal term used to describe the situation when someone dies without a will. Relying on intestacy laws can be akin to rolling the dice with your family’s future. These laws offer a one-size-fits-all solution, dividing your estate in a predetermined way that may not align with your wishes or your family’s specific needs. This could create unnecessary tension or hardship among your loved ones.
Burntwood Business: Could you explain the types of Lasting Powers of Attorney—Health and Welfare, and Property and Financial Affairs?
Craig Copley TEP: Absolutely! A Health and Welfare LPA becomes operative when you’re incapacitated. It lets your designated person make critical healthcare decisions, such as medical treatments or life-sustaining measures. The Property and Financial Affairs LPA allows someone to manage your finances, like selling property or handling bank accounts when you’re unable to do so.
Burntwood Business: How do living wills fit into the estate planning picture?
Craig Copley TEP: Living wills are vital. They allow you to outline specific medical treatments or interventions you would or wouldn’t want, should you be unable to communicate your wishes. This takes the burden off your family, providing a guideline for healthcare professionals.
Burntwood Business: Could you elaborate on Family Trusts and Property Trusts?
Craig Copley TEP: Certainly. Family Trusts secure assets for your family’s future, often for specific milestones like education. Property Trusts protect your home, for example from long-term care fees, ensuring your largest asset remains in your family.
Burntwood Business: Can charitable donations be included in wills?
Craig Copley TEP: Definitely, including a charity in your will is a fantastic way to leave a meaningful legacy while possibly reducing your estate’s tax liability.
Burntwood Business: Can you explain the probate process briefly?
Craig Copley TEP: Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. It involves validating the will, inventorying assets, paying off debts, and distributing the remaining assets. It’s a complex process that can be streamlined significantly with professional guidance.
Burntwood Business: What are common misconceptions about estate planning?
Craig Copley TEP: A big misconception is that it’s just for the wealthy. Regardless of your estate’s size, a proper plan can save your family time, effort, and emotional strain during an already difficult period.
Burntwood Business: How does your service offer peace of mind?
Craig Copley TEP: We offer a thorough, tailored approach that ensures your estate plan is both legally sound and optimally structured. This minimises the room for misunderstandings or legal loopholes, offering you and your family peace of mind.
Burntwood Business: How can people get in touch?
Craig Copley TEP: You’re welcome to reach out for a free brochure and no-obligation home visits. Our website has further information, or you can call us at 01922 322192, email craig@craigcopley.co.uk, or visit our Facebook page.
There you have it—a comprehensive discussion with Craig Copley, your trusted neighbour in estate planning. Feel free to reach out to him with your questions or to begin planning for the future of your estate.
