Legal Guidance ServiceLegal Guidance Service
What is our Legal Guidance Service?
We understand that planning your affairs can be an overwhelming time, especially with all the various legal tasks to consider, which can leave people unsure of where to begin. That’s why Cancer Research UK are offering the Legal Guidance Service to people organising their legal affairs. We're working with a team of trusted solicitors to help guide you through these tasks, making the process as simple and easy as possible.
Everyone’s circumstances are different, which is why our solicitor partners will provide a free, 60-minute consultation resulting in a tailored legal support plan based on your specific needs. Post consultation if you decide to progress with the service Will-writing is an essential stage of the process.
In addition to your consultation with our solicitor partners, we will contribute £144 towards the cost of writing or updating a single Will and £204 towards the cost of writing or updating a mirror Will. This is inclusive of VAT. We can also contribute up to £500 towards the cost of any combination of the additional services listed below. This discount can be used towards any Will-writing costs incurred above our initial £144/£204 contribution.
What services are offered as part of the Legal Guidance Service?
Will-writing
A Will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever write. It’s the only way to make sure the people and the causes you care about are looked after, and it’s where you can decide what happens to your money and possessions.
Power of attorney
This is a legal document that allows a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf. This could cover a temporary situation, for example, if you are in hospital and need help with everyday tasks such as paying bills, or longer-term scenarios.
Letter of wishes
This is a document that accompanies your Will. It is not legally binding but can guide your executors to make sure your personal wishes are carried out.
Living Will
This is also known as an advance decision and allows you to express your wishes to refuse medical treatment in the future. A Living Will would come into effect if you can no longer communicate your wishes.
Lifetime planning
This includes things such as tax planning advice from our partner solicitors and trusts you may wish to set up.
Step One
Choose which of our solicitor partners you would like to help guide you through the Legal Guidance Service.
Step Two
Contact your chosen solicitor using the listed details to book in your free 60-minute consultation.
Step Three
After you have used the service Cancer Research UK will pay our contribution to your solicitor. You should make sure you agree what costs you will be personally liable for before using the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cancer Research UK contribute to Wills and other services?
We know that many people want to help beat cancer by leaving us a gift in their Will. We want to offer something in return for this generous support. We also know cancer can impact on finances, so as well as providing tailored support to you, we want to help contribute to costs where we can.
How much will I have to pay for my WIll and other services once Cancer Research UK's contribution has been applied?
This will vary greatly depending on the types of services you require. You should make sure you discuss costs you will be liable for with your solicitor during your free consultation meeting.
Can I use Cancer Research UK's £500 discount towards the cost of a more complex Will that costs more than £144 (single Will) or £204 (mirror Will)?
Yes, this £500 discount can be used towards any Will-writing costs incurred above our initial £144/£204 contribution.
Can Cancer Research UK act as an executor of my Will?
Yes. We have Trust Corporation status which means we can act as an executor.
How do we choose our trusted solicitor partners?
We have a close relationship with all these excellent solicitors so we are confident that they will offer a great service to our supporters.
Is the virtual service any different to the face-to-face service?
All services are still available within the virtual service. Your solicitor will be able to provide advice on the telephone and via video calls. When the documents need to be signed, you will be given specific instructions verbally and by letter explaining what to do and who can witness your Will and LPA. Your trusted solicitor will guide you through all of the processes, to make sure everything is completed accordingly.
Further Support
If you have questions about cancer or need extra support, we are here to help.
To talk to a specialist nurse, call freephone 0808 800 4040 Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Impact of Legacy gifts
Over a third of our vital research is funded by gifts in Wills.
We support pioneering research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through the work of more than 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses, which has helped save millions of lives.
Contact Information
To find out more about the Legal Guidance Service, please contact us through the following ways:
Email: supporter.services@cancer.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 7733
Lines are open 8am - 6pm, Monday to Friday.