After years in the business world, Dudley Barnes wasn’t ready to slow down completely. He was ready to do something more personal. Now, as a valued Partner with Simon Hall Will Writing Services, he brings empathy, clarity and calm to families planning for the future. In this thoughtful interview with business journalist, Al Gibson, he shares why Will Writing spoke to him and how helping others find peace of mind has become one of the most rewarding roles of his life.

Al Gibson: Great to meet you, Dudley. It sounds like joining Simon Hall Will Writing Services has been a rewarding move for you. Can you tell me what led you to take on this new role?

Dudley Barnes:  My interest in Will Writing actually goes back 15 years to  when my wife and I had our own Wills done. A lovely lady came out to see us and I remember he being so empathetic and friendly. The experience was informal but still professional and I remember thinking to myself, “I could do this job, it suits my nature.  I wish I could do something similar.”

Al Gibson: Why do you think that was?

Dudley Barnes: There was just something about Will Writing – it felt worthwhile, helpful. And she had such a nice, friendly manner. Very attentive and she produced a Will that was absolutely spot on based on our conversation. But then, as the years go by, you don’t act on things. You get busy with other work, you have kids, life happens. However when I saw the Simon Hall opportunity advertised, I thought, “My goodness, that’s what I always wanted to do!”

I’d been thinking of slowing down a bit in my main job, reducing my days, and doing something else that was less stressful and something meaningful I could continue into early retirement. So I contacted Simon, and we clicked straight away. He has a quirky sense of humour, quite dry and I like that. More importantly, there is an authenticity about the company. Simon and his wife Linda are genuine people. They’re the real deal. And I thought, “Yes, I’d like to be associated with you. Your values match my values.”

So I just progressed things gradually, looking into what the training involves and I started on my journey and it’s been great ever since! I’ve really enjoyed it.

Al Gibson: You’ve already written several Wills?

Dudley Barnes: Yes, I had a couple of ‘guinea pigs’ initially, friends of mine, who were happy to let me test myself my new found skills on them. There’s can be sometimes be a gestation period between one’s first appointment with a client and getting a Will finalised. Needless to say, one has to be patient in this type of work as some clients need to take their time. The most important thing to me is doing it right.

Al: So, what are the reasons people don’t have a Will?

Dudley Barnes: Some people don’t like to face death. Younger people feel they’ll live forever and it’s not on their radar. Older people are sometimes afraid about the future and don’t want to think about it. But it’s all about the way you approach the topic. If you’re empathetic you put people at ease. That’s when they start to realise, “Yes, I do need to sort this out. I don’t want to leave a mess behind. Can you help me?”

If you’ve got the right approach, you simplify the process. You help people feel comfortable. They start to think, “Let’s just get it done. I want this sorted.”

Al Gibson: What’s the biggest benefit of having a Will?

Dudley Barnes: The biggest benefit is one you’ll never experience yourself – it’s for the people you leave behind. You’re not burdening them with the chaos of intestacy. It gives them comfort and clarity. You’ve set your affairs in order, and that makes their life easier once yours has ended. Especially when it comes to children and Guardianship. Many people don’t realise that without a Guardianship Clause in your Will, your children could end up in the care of someone you wouldn’t have chosen – potentially Social Services. You’re removing all doubt by stating your wishes clearly.

The biggest benefit of having a Will is one you’ll never experience yourself – it’s for the people you leave behind.

 

Al Gibson: What about people getting married? 

Dudley Barnes:Yes, that’s an important point. If you have a Will and you get married, that Will is revoked – it’s no longer valid. So newlyweds need to update their Wills to include each other.

If you get divorced, it depends on what’s in the Will but generally, people write a new one. Marriage is still an important aspect of Estate Planning Law. However there areas of misunderstanding. Sometimes people assume their partner will automatically inherit everything. That’s not necessarily the case, especially if they’re not married. So it’s important to have a Will especially for couples who don’t have any legal protection in place.

Another important consideration for couples who own property together is whether they are Joint Tenants or Tenants in Common. This distinction can significantly impact one’s Estate. See my article: Joint Tenants and Tenants in Common – why it’s crucial to know the difference.

Al Gibson: Tell us about Lasting Powers of Attorney?

Dudley Barnes: LPAs are separate from a Will and we also offer them at Simon Hall Will Writing Services. There are two types – one for health and welfare and one for property and finance.

Anyone can apply to the Office of the Public Guardian, but the forms aren’t easy to fill in. Applications often get rejected over small errors. So we offer a service where we complete the forms correctly and guarantee they won’t be rejected. Of course, clients still pay the government fee, like everyone else.

These documents are becoming increasingly important even for younger people. It’s not just about dementia or losing capacity due to age. One could have a car accident and end up in a coma. There are lots of causes of incapacity. I’m seeing younger and younger clients wanting LPAs. The average age for a Will might be people in thiei 50s, but I’ve seen quite a few under 50 lately. Especially those with children.

Al Gibson: Solicitors offer Wills – what’s the difference between that and coming to you?

Dudley Barnes: A common misconception is that you need a solicitor to write your Will — in fact, our service is often more cost-effective and just as thorough. We follow a code of practice under the IPW (Institute of Professional Willwriters). We are fully trained and ready to meet.

If someone lacks mental capacity, then we’re legally required to step back.  They would need to see a solicitor but for the vast majority of clients, we’re able to offer a more personal, flexible service that meets their needs with care and clarity.

Al Gibson: So, why should people choose Simon Hall Will Writing Services over other Estate Planning companies?

Dudley Barnes: There are lots of Will Writers out there – big firms, small independents. With Simon Hall, it’s all about personal service.  We like to meet people in person if possible. Simon is a very genuine, straightforward guy. The tagline is “friendly but professional,” and it’s spot on. He’s incredibly knowledgeable but also very down to earth.

We don’t treat it like a morbid process. Yes, it’s serious, but it doesn’t need to feel gloomy. We bring a bit of warmth and lightness to the conversation. That’s why we get so many recommendations – people feel comfortable and looked after. Compare that with walking into a solicitor’s office. Some may find this too formal, cold or intimidating. With us, you’re at home, cup of tea in hand, just chatting through your wishes. That’s a much nicer way to do it.

Al Gibson: As we end off, tell us a bit about you personally.

Dudley Barnes:I’ve been married for 37 years – my wife’s name is Lesley and we’ve got three grown-up children. Our daughter, who’s 23, still lives at home. Our two sons are older and in their own homes. We have four grand children. We moved to the West Country in 2001 from the Midlands. Escaped the rat race, really.

Now I’m at that point where I want to scale back on other things and continue in this new role with Simon Hall Will Writing Services. It’s going really well and I love that it’s local. For example I live in Ilminster and see clients in Yeovil, South and Mid Somerset, West Dorset and East Devon. My colleagues Rachel Robb and Wendy Mason-Tucker each have their own areas. Rachel sees our clients in Taunton and Wendy is in Crediton. Simon covers Exeter and surrounds.

Previously, I travelled all over the UK and Europe sellkng furniture to dealers, so I’ve always been in relationship-based roles. Those skills translate well to Will Writing. It’s not a hard sell. Like my other work, it’s about building trust and offering value.

Al Gibson: And you’ve fulfilled an ambition you had years ago?

Dudley Barnes: Yes, it was a long-held idea that just sat dormant. I didn’t know how to act on it back then. I was younger, busy with family, but now the opportunity has come along and I’ve taken it. I’m really glad I chose Simon Hall. This is a service that truly makes a difference in people’s lives and even in their deaths. Once their Will is signed, there’s a real sense of relief. You can see it in people’s faces. It’s done, tucked away, sorted. It’s so satisfying to know that, when the inevitable happens, you’ve helped someone take care of their loved ones. That’s a nice feeling.

Al Gibson

Al Gibson is a business journalist based in Exeter. He started Countdown Creative in 2020 offering copywriting services to local companies, charities and organisations.