Questions
Straight answers, before you commit to anything
What we do, what we deliberately do not do, and what happens once you send an enquiry.
Working with us
How Cromwell Associates works
- What does Cromwell Associates actually do?
- We are a discreet point of contact. We take the time to understand what you want to protect or resolve, record the relevant details, and introduce you to a specialist who is appropriately qualified for that work. We do not draft documents, give legal or tax advice, or arrange insurance ourselves.
- What will this cost me?
- Please ask us to explain any charges that would apply, and any remuneration we may receive for making an introduction, before you proceed — we will set that out plainly. Sending an enquiry places you under no obligation to go ahead. The specialist you are introduced to agrees their own scope, fees and terms with you directly, and you should have those in writing before deciding.
- Do you give advice?
- No. Where regulated advice is required, we introduce you to an appropriately authorised specialist. Anything on this site is general information intended to help you frame your questions, not advice on your circumstances.
- What happens after I send an enquiry?
- One named contact reads it, comes back to you using the contact preferences you gave, and checks the picture is complete. An introduction to a specialist is only made with your agreement; that specialist then takes responsibility for advice, documents and terms, and confirms their own scope, fees and terms with you.
- How is my information handled?
- Your details are used to respond to your enquiry. They are not passed to anyone else unless you agree to a specific introduction, and we will tell you who first. Nothing is forwarded automatically. Our Privacy Notice sets out what is collected and your rights over it.
- Which areas do you cover?
- Hampshire, West Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight are where we work most closely. Enquiries from elsewhere in England and Wales are welcome and we will say plainly if we are not the right starting point.
Wills, trusts and estates
The questions we are asked most
- What happens if I die without a will?
- The intestacy rules decide who inherits, and they may not match what you would have chosen — unmarried partners, step-children and blended families are often the ones affected. A specialist can explain how the rules would apply to your household.
- How often should a will be reviewed?
- A review makes sense after any significant change — marriage, divorce, a birth, a death, buying or selling property, or a change in business ownership — and periodically in between. An out-of-date will can be as difficult as no will at all.
- What is the difference between a will and a trust?
- A will directs what happens on death. A trust is a structure that holds assets for named people, and can operate during life or be created by a will. They are often used together; which combination suits you is a matter for a qualified specialist.
- Why are Lasting Powers of Attorney mentioned alongside wills?
- A will only takes effect on death. Lasting Powers of Attorney cover the situation where you are still living but cannot make decisions yourself. Many people put both in place at the same time so there is no gap.
- Do you write wills yourselves?
- No. We coordinate the enquiry and introduce you to an appropriately qualified will writer or private client solicitor, who is responsible for the advice and the drafting.
What happens next
Four steps, no obligation at any of them
- 01
You tell us what matters
A short guided enquiry, or a message in your own words. Only what is needed to route the enquiry, and nothing is committed.
- 02
One named contact reads it
Personally, not through a call centre. If anything is unclear we come back to you using the contact preference you chose.
- 03
We introduce you to the right specialist
Only with your agreement. Where regulated advice is required, the introduction is to an appropriately authorised specialist.
- 04
They take it from there
The specialist is responsible for advice, documents, quotations and terms. We stay available to coordinate connected needs.
Cromwell Associates coordinates enquiries and makes introductions. It does not provide regulated financial, legal or tax advice.