In this Simon Hall video interview, Simon & Linda Hall discuss the critical importance of Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Hosted by David Brock of Your Partnerships, this insightful conversation highlights real-life stories, Estate Planning essentials and the risks of not having a Will. If you think Estate Planning is only for the wealthy – think again. Watch as Simon and Linda shares how they help families secure their futures.
Simon Hall video interview – Why Wills & Power of Attorney matter
David Brock (Brock): Hello and welcome. Today, we’re joined by Simon and Linda Hall, experts in Will writing and Estate Planning. Simon, tell us about your journey, how did you get started and what led you into this field?
Simon Hall: Great to be here, Brock! It’s fair to say I didn’t plan on becoming a Will Writer. In fact, this whole journey started unexpectedly. This is a great opportunity to share my story.
I’ve been self-employed since I was 16, and over time, I realised I wanted to do something meaningful, something that helps people. In 2018, I was introduced to Will Writing. At first, I was sceptical but as I learned more, I saw the huge gap in Estate Planning. Many people don’t have Wills and even those who do often have outdated or invalid ones.
Six years later, here we are! This business has grown, Linda has joined me, and we now have a team of Will Writers across the South West.
David Brock: That’s an incredible journey. Linda, what’s your role in the business?
Linda Hall: I handle the administration, client check-ins and follow-ups. We make sure clients’ Wills stay up to date. One thing that sets us apart is that we don’t just create a Will and disappear. We offer annual checkups, something many Will Writers don’t do.
David Brock: You also do a lot of face-to-face meetings, which is rare these days. Why is that important?
Simon Hall: Absolutely! Estate Planning is personal. I always joke that I’d rather visit people in their homes, drink their tea, and eat their cake (diet permitting!).
But on a serious note, people don’t wake up one morning thinking, “Today’s the day I plan for my death.” It’s usually triggered by a life event, losing a loved one, having children or buying property. Our role is to educate, not pressure.
We sit down, explain things simply, and help clients make informed decisions about Wills, LPAs and protecting their assets.
“I encourage everybody to reach out to Simon and Linda, just have a conversation. Often people are scared to talk about Wills, or concerned about the cost, but Simon Hall Will Writing Services truly helps people, their Wills are affordable and once you’re in the know, you can decide what’s best for you and your family.” – David Brock, Founder of Your Partnerships
David Brock: That makes sense. I know personally how tough things can be without a Will.
Simon Hall: Exactly. Without a Will or an LPA, families face huge legal and financial struggles. I want people to understand that Estate Planning isn’t about money, it’s about protecting loved ones.
Even if you have a small estate, family disputes can arise. And in blended families, things can get even more complicated.
David Brock: Speaking of family, let’s talk about guardianship. Many parents assume their kids will automatically go to grandparents. But that’s not how it works, is it?
Linda Hall: No, it’s not. If parents pass away without a legal guardian named in their Will, the local authority decides what happens. They don’t automatically place children with family members. We want to stress that for parents, writing a Will is about making sure your children are taken care of.
David Brock: That’s eye-opening. Simon, when you meet clients, what key questions do you ask?
Simon Hall: I always ask three essential questions at the start of an appointment:
1️⃣ What do you want to achieve by making a Will today?
2️⃣ How important is it to you to get this sorted?
3️⃣ What do you value most in your life?
That last one catches people off guard. They expect to talk about paperwork, but estate planning is about life—about family, relationships, and values. In this Simon Hall video interview, I hope people see that writing a Will is about much more than just legal documents. Also read: Will Writing done right – Key Questions a Will Writer should ask, including Simon Hall’s top three
David Brock: That’s a powerful way to start. And what about Lasting Power of Attorney? Many people think marriage gives them automatic rights, what’s the truth?
Simon Hall: That’s a huge misconception! Even if you’re married, you don’t automatically have the right to manage your spouse’s finances if they lose capacity.
An LPA gives someone legal authority to make decisions for you if you’re unable to do so. Without it, even joint bank accounts can be frozen. I stress this point in every client conversation, if you want to protect yourself and your family, you need an LPA.
David Brock: That’s shocking. I know families who have lost everything due to not having a Will or LPA.
Simon Hall: It happens more than people realise. I’ve seen families with multi-million-pound estates lose everything because a loved one died intestate (without a Will). The cost of sorting it legally is far higher than writing a Will in the first place.
But Estate Planning isn’t about forcing decisions, it’s about options. Some people are fine with inheritance tax eating into their Estate, while others want to protect every penny. It’s about making informed choices.
David Brock: We’re almost out of time, but Linda, is there anything we haven’t covered?
Linda Hall: One big topic is exclusions – who you don’t want in your Will. Disinheriting someone can be legally challenged, so it must be done correctly. We guide clients through that process to ensure their wishes stand.
David Brock: That’s a critical point. Well, thank you both for being here. This has been incredibly insightful. Get in touch with Simon & Linda and their expert team of advisors today. Estate Planning isn’t scary or complicated and they make the process simple.
Simon & Linda Hall: Thanks for having us!
Watch the Your Partnerships / Simon Hall video interview
Simon Hall Will Writing Services
Simon Hall Will Writing Services was started by Simon Hall in 2019 to provide our clients with peace of mind both now and in future. We offer Wills, Trusts, Lasting Power of Attorney and Probate.
