South London, 29^th January 2008 - A recent report from the National Consumer Council states that only 12% of people from black and ethnic minority groups have made a will. Many people claim that this is because they simply haven’t thought about what would happen to their assets after they pass away and also culturally, death is a topic that many black people don’t like to discuss or plan for. Not making a will can lead to further heartache and financial uncertainty for those left behind, so taking care of this is something that everyone should consider.

Business owner, Dionne Wilkes is tackling this situation. Assurance Wills  is a new will writing company based in Brixton which Dionne runs from home alongside her husband. Dionne is challenging the stereotype of will writers as she is a young, black woman working in this typically white industry. She is able to greater understand the reasons why black people may be reluctant to make a will and help to overcome any barriers they may have associated with planning for death.

Assurance Wills  offer expert advice in all areas of preparing and writing a will and as Dionne is a member of the Society of Will writers her wills are therefore insured through the organisation. She hopes that her free home and phone consultations will encourage people in her area to think about making a will before it’s too late. Assurance Wills are currently offering an introductory 10% off their normal fees throughout February which Dionne hopes will help to encourage members of the community to take responsibility for their future.

For additional information on Assurance Wills contact Dionne Wilkes 0845 833 0004 or visit www.assurancewills.co.uk     

About Assurance Wills: Assurance Wills is a specialist will writing company which offers wills and trusts, inheritance tax, living wills, business wills, probate and FastTrack wills for same day delivery. Wills can be delivered within 72 hours and appointment times are flexible.

Pictures available on request.

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Assurance Wills,  a new Will writing company established by Dionne Wilks and her husband, Michael Shand in Dec 2007, is offering free consultations to families in South London who wants to make a Will.  The company is also offering a 10% discount on fees throughout Feburary.

"People don't want to think about dying but it's vitally important to make a proper Will to ensure that your children are looked after and your money and property go to the right people" said Ms Wilks.  “Nobody knows what’s going to happen in the future. Every year around 10000 people aged 20-40 in the UK lose their lives, and the vast majority of them don’t have a Will.  This creates all sorts of problems for their loved ones on top of the grief their death has caused”. 

Assurance Wills has been established to help ordinary people and families, who might not be comfortable going to a solicitor, make a legal Will.  The process is relatively easy and straightforward and the professional advice given will ensure that your Will is valid.

The company offers free consultations in your home or over the telephone where one of their qualified Will writers can help you clarify your exact wishes.

“Our Will writers are fully trained in all aspects of Will preparation including Trusts, Inheritance Tax and Living Wills,” said Ms Wilks “and we are fully insured by the Society of Will Writers.”

For more information about how to create a legally binding Will so that your estate is properly distributed on your death, please call 0208 678 1352 and speak to Dionne or see the website at http://www.assurancewills.co.uk. Pictures available in request.

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M&D Shand have launched an independent Christian will writing service in South London.  They will provide advice on what to include in your Will, how you can reduce inheritance tax and on protecting your home from care fees.

The idea of leaving a legacy and looking after our families’ future before we die is an age-old custom.  The Bible is littered with good examples of financial planning for the family.  Family is mentioned more times than money.  The scriptures mention inheritance 203 times, possessions 104 times, and land 1,489 times.

But there are still many Christians who do not ensure they leave a legacy and who do not understand the implications of dying without a Will.

“More of us are home-owners than ever before but writing a Will is no longer considered a priority,” comments company director Dionne Wilks.  “Yet thousands of people lose their home needlessly to pay for care fees – and Christians are caught up in these statistics.”

Because they think it’s so important, M&D Shand are offering free consultations all through February – a massive saving of £55.

“Death should not be a taboo subject for Christians,” adds Dionne.  “And when understood from the wisdom of the Bible writing a Will should be a joy rather than a daunting task.

The company aims to be a source of information for Christians.  “We understand both their financial and spiritual needs,” says Dionne Wilks.

Dionne and her team visit people in their own homes – or for those who live further afield they’ll have a long talk on the phone.  They’ll take detailed instructions, clarify what you don’t understand, make sure you’ve thought of everything and give you good advice

And at the end of the process you not only get a Will to sign.  You know that your loved ones will not go through hell while you’re in Heaven.

And you’ll save £55 on the consultation in February.

What are you waiting for?  Contact M&D Shand Will Practitioners on 0845 833 0004  today, or email helpdesk@assurancewills.co.uk.

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Background information:

M&D Shand Will Practitioners is an independent will writing service.  They are members of the Society of Will Writers, the regulatory body which strives to provide a fair and ethical service.  They are available for short talks and can offer a regular advice service to church leaders.  Christians are encouraged to call for in-depth advice.  Everyone over the age of 18 is advised to make a Will, and especially those who own property or who have a family. 

For further information contact: Dionne Shand

Tel. 0845 833 0004

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