wills and lpas in sheffield.

Worksop has a Sheffield postcode, so in a way I’ve always been on the edge of the city. I’ll come anywhere in Sheffield. Most of my visits are on the eastern and southern sides, nearest to me, but that’s just geography. If you’re across the other side, I’ll still come.

coming to you in sheffield

Depending on traffic and where you live, it’s thirty to forty-five minutes from me. Handsworth, Woodhouse, Beighton and Mosborough are at the quick end. Hillsborough, Crookes and Walkley are at the long end. The home visit is included in every price, so there’s no mileage charge on top. Evenings are fine too, which often suits people who work in town.

what happens locally when someone dies

Since 2024, a medical examiner reviews every death in England before it’s registered. In Sheffield that applies to deaths at the Northern General, the Royal Hallamshire or at home. The Medical Examiners’ Office may contact the family before passing the paperwork on.

Sheffield Register Office is in the Town Hall on Pinstone Street, but the way in is the entrance on Norfolk Street at the back. A death has to be registered within five days of the register office receiving that paperwork.

Probate used to have a Sheffield office at the West Bar law courts, but it closed some years ago. Now most executors apply online through GOV.UK, and paper forms go by post to HMCTS’s central probate service. It’s slower when the will is unclear or nobody can find the paperwork, which is exactly what good planning avoids.

what if your mum or dad can’t make decisions any more?

A lot of families only start thinking about this when something has already happened. A parent has had a fall or a diagnosis, and suddenly nobody can deal with their bank or talk to their doctor on their behalf.

Being next of kin doesn’t give you that power. Neither does being married. A lasting power of attorney does. There are two kinds. One covers property and money. The other covers health and care. You choose who acts for you, while you’re still able to choose.

Timing is the key thing. An LPA has to be made while the person can still understand what they’re signing. If that’s gone, the family may have to apply to the Court of Protection for a deputyship instead, which is slower, more expensive and comes with yearly reporting.

an example from sheffield

This is an example of a common situation, not a real client. Names and details are made up.

Margaret is 79 and lives on her own in Handsworth. Her son Paul lives in Mosborough and her daughter lives in Leeds. Margaret is still sharp, but she’s had two falls this year, and Paul has started worrying about what would happen if she ended up in hospital.

At her kitchen table, with Paul there for the second half, Margaret made both LPAs, naming Paul and his sister to act together or on their own. We also updated her will, which was 20 years old and named her late husband as executor. Paul now keeps the Executor Pack, so he knows where her bank, pension and house papers are.

If the worst happens, Paul can talk to the hospital and deal with the bills without going to court.

what it costs in sheffield

• Lasting power of attorney: £199 per document. Most people have both kinds.
• Single will: £149
• Mirror wills for a couple: £249
• Executor Pack: £249

There’s more on the lasting power of attorney page, and every price is on the prices page.

If this is on your mind, don’t wait for a crisis. Book a home visit or ring me.