Terms and Conditions
These are the terms and conditions of A.D.E Estate Planning Limited of 46 Woodstock Road Oxford OX2 6HT (referred to as “A.D.E Wills”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) and will apply to all instructions accepted by A.D.E Wills.
1. Definitions and Interpretation
1.1 Key Terms
In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:- Client
- means any individual who has contacted A.D.E Wills regarding our Services or has purchased our Services
- Contract
- means the legal agreement between A.D.E Wills and the Client for the provision of the Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions
- Services
- means Will writing, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), Ordinary Powers of Attorney, estate planning advice, Legacy Care Plans, Safe Will Plans, attestation services, and all other related services offered by A.D.E Wills
- Charge
- means the sum payable for the provision of the Services
- Website
- means https://adewills.co.uk/
- Legacy Care Plan
- means our subscription service providing Will storage and regular updates
- Safe Will Plan
- means our annual subscription service for secure document storage
- Business Days
- means Monday to Friday excluding Bank Holidays
- Digital Platform
- means our online video calling systems, including Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp video call and, as an alternative, Zoom, and electronic communication methods
- Written
- means any notice in hard copy form or electronic form including email, text message, or any other method that produces a record of the communication
1.2 Changes to Our Agreement
Any changes to our agreement with you must be agreed in writing by both you and us.1.3 Quotation Validity
Quotations are valid for thirty (30) days from the date of issue.2. Scope of Services
2.1 Our Professional Services
A.D.E Wills provides the following comprehensive estate planning services:2.1.1 Will Writing Services
- Standard Will writing (online video call, office visit, and home visit, with telephone available as a backup)
- Mirror Wills for couples
- Complex estate planning Wills
- Will updates and amendments
- Letter of Wishes preparation
- Life Interest Trusts (within Wills)
- Discretionary Trusts (within Wills)
2.1.2 Lasting Power of Attorney Services
- Health and Welfare LPAs
- Property and Financial Affairs LPAs
- Business LPAs
- LPA registration assistance
2.1.3 Other Legal Documents
- Ordinary Power of Attorney
- Estate planning documentation
2.1.4 Ongoing Services
- Legacy Care Plans
- Safe Will Plans
- Annual Will reviews
- Document storage and retrieval
2.1.5 Additional Services
- Attestation and witnessing services
- Professional referrals
2.2 Service-Specific Terms
Each service type is subject to specific terms detailed in the relevant sections below.2.3 How We Prepare Your Documents
2.3.1 Taking Your Instructions
We take your instructions in person, at our office or your home, or by video call, with telephone available as a backup. We will ask about your family, your estate and your wishes, and explain your options.2.3.2 Written Confirmation
Within 5 Business Days of taking your instructions, we will confirm in writing a summary of your instructions and circumstances, the service and any advice we have given, the total price, and when you can expect your draft documents. If your drafts are ready within that time, this confirmation may be sent with them.2.3.3 Your Draft Documents
We prepare your draft documents from your instructions. With a draft Will, we send a clause-by-clause guide explaining the purpose and effect of each clause, so that you can check the Will does what you want it to do.2.3.4 Your Approval
We will make any amendments you need. We will only prepare your final documents for signing once you have confirmed in writing that the drafts reflect your wishes.3. Service Delivery Methods
3.1 Online Video Call Services
3.1.1 Secure Video Platforms
Online services are provided through secure video calling platforms including Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and WhatsApp video call. Zoom may be used as an alternative where these cannot be used.3.1.2 Instruction Acceptance
We accept your instructions once we have taken them during the video call and received any identification documents we need. We will then confirm them in writing, as set out in clause 2.3.3.1.3 Technical Requirements
You must ensure you have appropriate internet connectivity, compatible devices, and a suitable environment for confidential video calling.3.1.4 Progress Updates
We will provide email confirmations of instructions received and progress updates.3.1.5 Written Confirmation
Important instructions and agreements reached during video calls will be confirmed in writing.3.2 Telephone Appointments
Telephone is available as a backup where a video appointment is not practical. It is not offered as a separate service.3.2.1 Consultation Hours
Telephone consultations are conducted during our business hours or by pre-arranged appointment.3.2.2 Call Recording
We may record telephone conversations for quality assurance and training purposes, with your consent.3.2.3 Written Confirmation
Important instructions and agreements reached during telephone consultations will be confirmed in writing.3.3 Office Visit Services
3.3.1 Appointment Only
Office visits are available at our office at 46 Woodstock Road Oxford OX2 6HT by pre-arranged appointment only.3.3.2 No Walk-In Appointments
We do not accept walk-in appointments and all office visits must be booked in advance.3.3.3 Cancellation Notice
Please give us at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to change or cancel an office appointment. If you give less notice, we may charge for any costs we have reasonably incurred as a result. We will tell you the amount before charging it.3.4 Home Visit Services
3.4.1 Service Availability
Home visits are available within a reasonable distance from our office, with each situation judged on its merits and urgency.3.4.2 Travel Charges
Additional charges may apply for home visits requiring long-distance travel. We will tell you the amount before you book.3.4.3 Cancellation Policy
Please give us at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to change or cancel a home visit. If you give less notice, we may charge for any costs we have reasonably incurred as a result, such as travel. We will tell you the amount before charging it.3.4.4 Safety Discretion
We reserve the right to decline home visits if we consider them inappropriate or unsafe.4. Client Obligations
4.1 Information Provision
4.1.1 Complete and Accurate Information
You must provide complete, accurate, and honest information when requested to enable us to provide the Services.4.1.2 Change Notifications
You must immediately notify us of any changes in circumstances that may affect your instructions or the validity of documents we prepare.4.1.3 Relevance Disclosure
If you are unsure whether information is relevant, you must disclose it and allow us to determine its relevance.4.1.4 Liability Limitation
We will not accept liability for information not disclosed that later affects the validity or content of documents produced.4.2 Document Review
4.2.1 Careful Review Required
You must carefully and promptly review all draft documents we provide, using the clause-by-clause guide we send with your draft Will, and confirm they correctly reflect your wishes. If anything is unclear, please ask us before you approve.4.2.2 Detail Verification
You must verify all names, addresses, and details are correctly recorded.4.2.3 Timely Response
You must return draft documents with any required amendments as soon as possible.4.2.4 Non-Receipt Notification
You must notify us if you do not receive draft documents within three weeks of your initial consultation, unless otherwise agreed.4.3 Identification Requirements
4.3.1 Legal Compliance
You must provide satisfactory evidence of identity and current address as required under Money Laundering Regulations 2017.4.3.2 Required Documents
Proof of name:
- Current signed passport
- Original birth certificate (and marriage certificate where appropriate)
- Current UK driving licence
Proof of address:
- Utility bill issued within three months
- Current year council tax bill
- Driving licence (if not used for name verification)
4.3.3 Alternative Arrangements
If you cannot provide standard identification, you must contact us immediately to discuss alternatives.4.4 Cooperation with Procedures
4.4.1 Capacity Assessment
You must cooperate with our capacity assessment procedures and any requests for medical information or GP assessment.4.4.2 Appointment Attendance
You must attend scheduled appointments or provide adequate notice of changes.4.4.3 Signing Procedures
You must follow our signing and witnessing procedures to ensure document validity.5. Our Obligations
5.1 Service Standards
5.1.1 Professional Care and Skill
We will perform all Services with reasonable care and skill to the best of our abilities.5.1.2 Appropriate Advice
We will provide appropriate advice based on information you provide, including basic inheritance tax guidance.5.1.3 Timescales
We will agree timescales with you when we take your instructions, taking account of your circumstances, including your age and health. If we cannot meet an agreed timescale, we will tell you, explain the reason and the new timescale in writing if you ask, and give you the choice of agreeing new arrangements or cancelling. If you cancel for this reason, we will give you a full refund.5.1.4 Clear Communication
We will explain the procedures and terms used in your documents in language you can understand, at no extra cost, and in writing if you ask. If you need documents in large print or another format, we will provide them at no extra cost.5.2 Professional Standards
5.2.1 Professional Membership
Your documents are prepared by a full member of The Society of Will Writers, working to their Code of Practice. A copy of the Code of Practice is available free of charge on request.5.2.2 Insurance Protection
We maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance for your protection.5.2.3 Specialist Referrals
We will identify when you require specialist advice from third parties (such as financial advisers, solicitors, or accountants) and provide appropriate referrals. We are not qualified or regulated to provide financial or legal advice beyond our scope of practice as Will writers.5.3 Capacity Assessment
5.3.1 Standard Procedure
We will assess mental capacity as part of our standard procedure for all clients.5.3.2 Capacity Requirements
We will not proceed if we are not satisfied you have the requisite capacity.5.3.3 Medical Assessment
We may request medical assessments or GP reports if we have concerns about capacity.6. Legacy Care Plans
6.1 The Plan
The Legacy Care Plan is a single-tier subscription service.6.1.1 Legacy Care Plan (£10/month individuals, £18/month couples)
- Secure storage in fire-resistant and flood-resistant premises
- One minor amendment each year
- A new Will every 3 years
- Annual review contact
- 10% discount on additional Wills services (this discount does not apply to LPA services)
6.2 Plan Terms
6.2.1 Payment Schedule
Plans are charged monthly in advance via Direct Debit through Go Cardless or Stripe.6.2.2 Minimum Term
The minimum initial term is 12 months. Thereafter, plans continue on a rolling monthly basis.6.2.3 Cancellation
After the initial 12-month period, you can cancel your plan at any time by giving us one month’s notice. You also have the right to cancel within 14 days of joining, as set out in clause 9.1.6.2.4 Early Cancellation
If you cancel during the initial 12 months, you will not have to pay the remaining monthly payments. Instead, we may ask you to pay the difference between the payments you have made and our standard price for any Will, amendment or other service you have already received under the plan. We will tell you the amount in writing before asking for payment.6.2.5 Price Reviews
Plan charges are reviewed annually. We will give you at least one month’s written notice of any change. If you do not wish to continue at the new price, you can cancel your plan before the change takes effect without any charge under clause 6.2.4.6.3 Amendments and Updates
6.3.1 Minor Changes
Minor changes include: name/address changes for executors, trustees, guardians, or beneficiaries; small gift amount adjustments; contact detail updates.6.3.2 Major Changes
Major changes requiring a new Will include: new clauses, appointments, or gifts; changes to residuary estate; structural alterations to the Will.6.3.3 Additional Updates
Updates beyond plan entitlements are available at a 10% discount to our standard charges for Wills services. The discount does not apply to LPA services.6.3.4 Regular Reviews
We will contact you annually to review your circumstances.7. Safe Will Plans
7.1 Service Description
7.1.1 Secure Storage
Safe Will Plans provide secure storage for completed Wills and related documents in fire-resistant and flood-resistant premises.7.1.2 Annual Pricing
Plans are charged annually in advance: £36 for individuals, £60 for couples.7.1.3 Digital Access
Storage includes password-protected digital copies sent via email.7.1.4 Review Services
We provide annual Will review reminders and free reviews by our team.7.1.5 Service Discounts
Additional Wills services are provided at a 10% discount to our standard charges. The discount does not apply to LPA services.7.1.6 Renewal
Your plan renews each year. We will remind you in writing at least one month before each renewal, telling you the renewal price and how to cancel. You can cancel before the renewal date without charge.7.2 Storage Security
7.2.1 Physical Security
Documents are stored in fire-resistant and flood-resistant secure premises with restricted access.7.2.2 Insurance
Our professional indemnity insurance covers claims arising from the loss of, or damage to, documents we store for you, and the reasonable cost of restoring or replacing a stored Will that is lost or damaged.7.2.3 Digital Security
Digital copies are stored on encrypted, backed-up systems.7.2.4 Executor Access
Access procedures are in place for executors upon presentation of death certificate and appropriate identification.7.2.5 If We Stop Practising
If we ever stop practising, we will arrange alternative secure storage for your documents at no extra cost to you, and tell you in writing where they are held. This applies to documents stored under a Safe Will Plan or a Legacy Care Plan.8. Charges and Payment
8.1 Payment Methods
Payments are accepted via:- Bank transfer
- Cheque
- Stripe (card payments)
- Go Cardless (Direct Debit for subscriptions)
8.2 Payment Terms
8.2.1 Invoice Timing
Invoices for one-time services are issued after initial consultation when draft documents are submitted.8.2.2 Payment Before Completion
Payment must be received before final documents are provided for signature.8.2.3 Subscription Billing
Subscription services are charged in advance via automatic payment.8.2.4 Payment in Full
Invoices should be paid in full by the due date shown on the invoice.8.2.5 Late Payment
If an invoice is not paid by its due date, we may pause work on your documents until it is paid. We will tell you before we do so.8.3 Additional Charges
8.3.1 Signing Services
Attendance for document signing incurs additional charges as specified at consultation.8.3.2 Travel Costs
Home visits requiring long-distance travel may incur additional travel charges.8.3.3 Expedited Services
Expedited or emergency services may incur premium charges.8.3.4 Additional Documents
Additional documents such as Letters of Wishes, Life Interest Trusts, or Discretionary Trusts incur separate charges.8.4 Refunds
8.4.1 Service Failure Refunds
Refunds for one-time services are provided if we cannot complete the service due to our failure.8.4.2 Subscription Refunds
Subscription refunds are pro-rated for unused periods in exceptional circumstances at our discretion. This does not affect your right to cancel under clause 9.1.8.4.3 Cancelling a One-Off Service
If you cancel a one-off service within the 14-day cancellation period, clause 9.1 applies. If you cancel after that period has ended, or where it does not apply, we will refund any money you have paid, less a reasonable charge for the work we have carried out and any costs we have incurred up to the date you tell us you are cancelling. Our charge will never exceed the full price of the service.9. Consumer Rights
9.1 Your Right to Cancel
9.1.1 When It Applies
If you instruct us away from our office, for example at your home, by video call, by telephone, online or by email, you have the right to cancel within 14 days of the day our contract is made, without giving any reason. This right does not apply to contracts made in person at our office, but clause 8.4.3 still protects you if you change your mind.9.1.2 Starting Work Within 14 Days
We will not start work during the cancellation period unless you ask us to in writing. If you ask us to start and then cancel within the 14 days, you will need to pay a proportionate amount for the work we have carried out up to the point you tell us you are cancelling.9.1.3 When the Right Ends
If, at your written request, we complete the service in full within the 14-day period, and you acknowledged when making that request that you would lose your right to cancel once the service was complete, you will no longer be able to cancel.9.1.4 How to Cancel
To cancel, tell us clearly that you wish to do so, for example by email or letter. You can use the cancellation form we give you, but you do not have to.9.1.5 Refunds on Cancellation
We will refund any money owed to you within 14 days of being told you are cancelling, using the same payment method you used, less any proportionate amount due under clause 9.1.2.9.2 Service Quality
9.2.1 Legal Standards
Services will be performed with reasonable care and skill as required by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.9.2.2 Putting Things Right
If any part of our service is not performed with reasonable care and skill, you can ask us to repeat or correct that part, and we will do so at no additional cost and within a reasonable time.9.2.3 Price Reduction
If it is not possible to put things right, or we cannot do so within a reasonable time or without significant inconvenience to you, you are entitled to an appropriate reduction in the price, which may be a full refund. This does not affect your other legal rights, including any right to claim for loss.10. Data Protection and Privacy
10.1 Data Processing
10.1.1 Legal Compliance
We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.10.1.2 Processing Basis
We rely on different lawful bases depending on why we use your information: performing our contract with you, complying with our legal obligations (such as identity checks under the Money Laundering Regulations 2017), and our legitimate interests. Full details are set out in our Privacy Policy.10.1.3 Special Category Data
Where we need information about your health to assess capacity, we will ask for your explicit consent first.10.2 Data Use
10.2.1 Purpose Limitation
Personal data is used solely for providing Services, legal compliance, and maintaining our client relationship.10.2.2 No Data Selling
We do not sell or share personal data with third parties except where necessary for service provision or legal compliance.10.2.3 Professional Sharing
Data may be shared with our professional advisers, IT service providers, and other professionals involved in your matter.10.3 Data Rights
10.3.1 Your Rights
You have rights to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing.10.3.2 Retention Periods
Data retention periods vary by document type but generally align with professional body requirements and limitation periods.10.3.3 Privacy Policy
Our full Privacy Policy is available on our Website and upon request.11. Attestation and Witnessing
11.1 Signing Services
11.1.1 Professional Attendance
We can attend to supervise Will and LPA signing for additional charges.11.1.2 Witness Services
We will act as independent witnesses and Certificate Providers where appropriate.11.1.3 Mandatory Attendance
If personal attendance is essential for validity, we will inform you and attendance will be mandatory.11.2 Client-Arranged Signing
11.2.1 Signing Guides
Documents can be sent to you with comprehensive signing guides.11.2.2 Witness Arrangement
You must arrange for appropriate independent witnesses.11.2.3 Liability Limitation
Where we do not supervise the signing, we are not responsible for problems caused by documents not being signed or witnessed in line with our signing guide. We remain responsible for the accuracy of our signing guide and of any check we carry out under clause 11.2.4.11.2.4 Free Signing Check
We will check, free of charge, that documents you have signed without our supervision appear to have been signed and witnessed correctly. Please send them to us for checking once signed.12. Third Party Professionals
12.1 Professional Referrals
12.1.1 Specialist Referrals
We may refer you to financial advisers, accountants, or other specialists when required.12.1.2 Third Party Liability
We do not accept liability for services provided by third parties.12.1.3 No Commissions
We do not receive any commissions from referrals to third-party professionals.12.2 Information Sharing
12.2.1 Formal Authority Required
Instructions to obtain information from third parties must be confirmed with a signed Letter of Authority and appropriate identification provided.12.2.2 Letter Preparation
We will prepare appropriate Letters of Authority for your signature.12.2.3 Consultation Discussions
We may discuss third-party information requests during consultations, but formal written authority is required before we can contact any third party on your behalf.13. Limitation of Liability
13.1 Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for any failure to perform due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, pandemic, government action, strikes, or technical failures.13.2 Our Responsibility for Loss
13.2.1 What We Are Responsible For
We are responsible for loss you suffer that is a foreseeable result of our breaking these Terms and Conditions or failing to use reasonable care and skill. Loss is foreseeable if it was obvious it would happen, or if both of us knew it might happen when the contract was made.13.2.2 What We Are Not Responsible For
We are not responsible for loss that was not foreseeable to both of us when the contract was made, or for loss that was not caused by any breach on our part.13.2.3 Client Non-Compliance
We are not liable for losses arising from your failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions.13.2.4 What We Do Not Exclude
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, for fraud, or for anything else that cannot be excluded or limited by law.13.3 Raising Problems
13.3.1 Telling Us Promptly
Please tell us as soon as possible if you think something has gone wrong, so that we can try to put it right and limit any loss. This does not affect the time limits the law gives you to bring a claim.13.3.2 Loss Mitigation
You should take reasonable steps to limit any loss that arises.14. Termination
14.1 Termination Rights
14.1.1 Material Breach
Either party may terminate immediately for material breach of contract.14.1.2 Instruction Failure
We may terminate if you fail to provide proper instructions within a reasonable timeframe.14.1.3 Exceptional Circumstances
We may terminate in exceptional circumstances including illness, conflict of interest, or inappropriate client behaviour.14.2 Effects of Termination
14.2.1 Payment and Refunds
You will pay for the services we have provided and expenses we have incurred up to the date of termination. We will refund any money you have paid for work we have not carried out.14.2.2 Notice Provision
Reasonable notice will be provided where practicable.14.2.3 Document Return
We will return any original documents you provided to us whatever the reason for termination. Copies of documents we have prepared for you, and any working papers specifically relating to your matter, will be made available to you once any outstanding fees for that work have been paid.15. Complaints Procedure
15.1 Raising a Complaint
If you are unhappy with any part of our service, please tell us. You can complain by telephone, email, letter or in person, and there is no deadline for doing so. It helps us put things right if you raise it as soon as you can.15.2 Our Complaints Policy
We will deal with your complaint promptly and fairly under our Complaints Policy. The Policy explains how to complain, what to include and our timescales. It is available on our Website and free of charge on request.15.3 The Society of Will Writers
If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer it to The Society of Will Writers. The Society will usually ask you to raise the complaint with us first. If the Society cannot resolve it, you will have access to its alternative dispute resolution (mediation) service.15.4 Your Other Options
You do not have to use our procedure or the Society’s. You may pursue other options, such as independent arbitration or court action, at any time. Nothing in this section affects your legal rights.16. Intellectual Property
16.1 Our Rights
We retain intellectual property rights in our processes, templates, and methodologies.16.2 Your Documents
Documents prepared for you become your property upon payment of all fees.16.3 Case Studies
We may use anonymised case studies for training and marketing purposes.17. General Provisions
17.1 Notices
17.1.1 Notice Methods
Notices must be in writing (as defined in clause 1.1) and sent by:- First class post to our registered company address: 8 Sharp Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 8RR
- Hand delivery to our registered company address or business premises
- Email to our main business address with delivery confirmation
17.1.2 Receipt Timing
Notices are deemed received:- Post: second Business Day after posting
- Hand delivery: when delivered during business hours
- Email: next Business Day after sending