Appointment Confirmation & Information

Thank you for booking your Signing Appointment with Signed & Sorted Estate Planning.

Here’s everything you need to know so you can feel fully prepared for our next meeting. If you’d prefer a printable version of this guide, you can download one here. 

What’s the purpose of this appointment?

This appointment is where we make everything official. I’ll guide you through the signing of your documents to make sure they’re completed correctly and are legally valid. Depending on what we’re signing, this may include:

• Your Will or Wills (for a couple)
• Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA) Documents
• Any additional documents, such as severance of tenancy forms (if applicable)

What will happen on the day?

We’ll start by going through each document to confirm that everything is correct and that you understand what you’re signing. We’ll complete the signing process step by step to make sure everything is legally valid and properly witnessed. If we’re signing LPAs, we’ll ensure that the required sections are completed in the correct order and that everyone who needs to sign is present.

Who needs to be there?

For Wills:

• You’ll need two independent witnesses who are over 18, not related to you, and who not named as beneficiaries in your Will.
• I can act as one of your witnesses if needed, but you’ll need to arrange at least one other person to be present at the same time.

For LPAs:

• The person you listed as your certificate provider must be present to witness your signature and to sign their section of the form,
• Attorneys and replacement attorneys need to attend if they are signing at the same appointment – otherwise, their sections can be signed separately or by post if we’ve agreed to do it that way.

If you’re unsure who needs to be there, feel free to contact me beforehand and I’ll be happy to confirm.

What should you have ready?

• Valid photo ID, if I haven’t already taken a copy at a previous appointment.
• Your arranged witness(es) for your Will
• Your certificate provider (for LPAs)
• Any attorneys or replacement attorneys who are signing in person (for LPAs)

How long will it take?

Most signing appointments take around 20-30 minutes, depending on the number of documents are being signed and how many people are involved.

What happens after?

I’ll check through the documents to make sure everything has been completed correctly. With your permission, I’ll take a scanned copy for my records, which will also be forwarded to you after the appointment.

• For Wills, the original documents will be left with you for safekeeping.  If you’d like to discuss alternative storage options, please let me know.
• For LPAs, I will take the signed documents with me and will submit them to The Office of the Public Guardian for registration. This process can take up to 20 weeks, but I’ll keep you updated throughout.

If you have any questions prior to your appointment, please get in touch – I’m always happy to help!

I look forward to seeing you soon!