Having worked in the industry for over two decades, Guildford- based Matthew Mitchell from Legacy Legal talks to Today’s Wills and Probate about writing his first book “You can’t take it with you.”
So, what prompted you to write the book?
I wanted to write a book that’s easy to read and that’s easy to understand. Whilst my aim was mainly to highlight the importance of having a Will and the potential repercussions for those left behind, I knew it was important to get the point across in a succinct and clear way. I thought that this would be the most effective way to encourage the reader to take action.
Though I hope to give the reader a balanced view of the reasons why they should have a Will, the book is designed to be informative as opposed to persuasive. Even if they reach the end and decide the don’t need one, I want them to feel that their decision is informed.
So is the book written just with consumers in mind?
Not at all. Given that Legacy Legal have over 200 UK businesses using our systems to provide an estate planning service to their clients, I wanted to highlight their role in the clients’ eyes. Financial advisers will typically have a great relationship with their clients; they usually know and respect them, as well as having a good understanding of the estate value for example. In fact, in many cases, they have helped them grow their wealth. So, to me it makes perfect sense that they would be involved with their estate planning to protect it. My company motto is ‘Protecting your assets for many generations, not just one lifetime’. And to illustrate this we use the following image:
How do you see your book being used?
The book acts as a practical tool to gain referrals. At the first meeting, our members will leave a copy with the client and ask request that they read it before the next meeting. Given the conciseness of the book and the small size, it doesn’t look at all intimidating – something which I paid a great deal of attention to during the design process.
In many cases, clients have also asked if we could send a copy to their Guardian, Executor, Trustee, Attorney, making the consultant look very efficient when the book is handed to them so promptly. For that, we thank fast delivery. Moreover, this can then lead to some great referrals resulting in our consultants seeing a further increase in business.
Some of the comments we’ve received have been brilliant – it’s great to receive such positive feedback on something that’s had so much thought put into it.
So what do readers of the book think?
Karen Babington, MD of Solve Legal Marketing says “I can see financial advisers using this book to explain in simple, but comprehensive terms the importance of estate planning to a customer who may already have made other financial provisions such as pensions, but for whatever reason has de-prioritised making a will or organising LPAs.”
Can you tell us more about Legacy Legal; who you are and what services you provide?
Legacy Legal are an independently owned business based in Guildford, Surrey. We provide comprehensive estate planning solutions for financial service professionals, namely those looking to introduce Estate Planning into their client service proposition. We also cater especially to those who would like all advice and recommendations provided for them.
Our philosophy is predominantly reflected in the software we produce; we strongly believe that the financial service professionals we work with deserve innovation, support and leading technology which, when used in an effective and creative way, can deliver a genuine competitor advantage.
Using our unique estate planning software, we are able to provide tailored estate planning solutions for individuals, private clients and business owners.
We also run monthly training courses up and down the country – further details of dates and venue can be found on our website www.llconsultants.co.uk
Finally, given the book’s success, will there be a sequel?
Plans are already afoot to write a follow up so watch this space for more information.
“You can’t take it with you” which is 58 pages long is available to buy on amazon for £5.52 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Cant-Take-generations-lifetime/dp/1979009899/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
