Life Insurance & Estate Planning

(Client names and details have been changed for privacy).

When Callum passed away suddenly, his wife, Olivia, was already facing the deepest grief. Thankfully, Callum had been responsible, having taken out a £150,000 Life Insurance policy years ago to secure her future.

The claim was submitted, and the money arrived swiftly. Crucially, Olivia had access to the full tax-free lump sum within weeks.

This immediate security was not a matter of luck. It was the direct result of a crucial meeting Callum had with Richard Hadley years earlier.

The Tragedy Richard Prevented

When Richard first reviewed Callum’s policy, he saw a common, dangerous oversight. If the policy had been left outside of a Trust and Callum hadn't updated his Will, that vital £150,000 would have been legally locked in his Estate.

Richard explained that this oversight forces the funds through probate, a legal process that can take a family nine months or more to complete. Richard's foresight ensured Olivia never had to face this financial delay while grieving.

The Goodniss Solution: Comprehensive Security

When IT consultant, Javier, came to Richard for a similar protection review, Richard confirmed his Life Insurance policy was excellent, but stressed the final, crucial planning step.

Richard, an advisor who believes protection is about planning for the moment of need, ensured Javier’s protection was watertight:

1. Placing the Policy in Trust: Richard helped Javier sign a simple Trust document. This immediately separates the insurance payout from Javier’s main Estate, ensuring the money bypasses probate entirely and is paid directly and swiftly to his partner, Maria, by the Trustees.

2. Organising an Estate Planning Review: Richard then connected Javier with a specialist, authorised professional to review and, if necessary, update his Will. This ensures all of Javier's assets are dealt with efficiently, complementing the Life Insurance Trust.

(Richard Hadley organises Will and Estate Planning reviews on a referral basis to appropriately authorised professionals who provide regulated advice. We do not offer regulated advice on Wills or Estate Planning directly.)

The Peace of Mind Payout

For both Callum's family and Javier's future, the result is the same: the policy is now legally structured for a swift, tax-efficient payout. This is the difference between immediate financial security and months of avoidable stress during the hardest of times.

Richard Hadley: The Value of Planning

"A Life Insurance policy is only as effective as the legal structure it sits within. Our job isn't just to find you the cheapest quote; it's to ensure that your money is ready to perform its job exactly when your family needs it most. Every Life Insurance policy we arrange includes guidance on placing it in Trust and an offer to connect you with a specialist for your Will review."

Don't leave your family waiting. Contact Richard Hadley and the Goodniss team today to ensure your Life Insurance payout is secure and immediate.

Call us today on 01625 682 538 or enquire through the contact page.

(Please note: Tax treatment of benefits paid via a Trust is dependent on individual circumstances and prevailing legislation. The use of a Trust and any related Will advice must be reviewed by a professional as part of a formal Estate Planning process.)