A Will? “It’s Not Just Paperwork. It’s Peace of Mind.”
A chat with Cliona Fletcher about wills, worries, and why planning ahead isn’t as scary as it sounds
At Visiting Angels, we meet a lot of people. Families figuring out how to support a loved one at home. Sons and daughters trying to balance work, care, and everything in between. And during our care assessments — whether it’s about helping with meals, medication, or just keeping someone company — another topic often bubbles up.
“Have you sorted your will?”
Sometimes it’s a confident yes. Sometimes it’s a sheepish “not yet.” More often, it’s an awkward laugh followed by “I really should…”
And we get it. It’s not the most cheerful thing to think about. But it matters. That’s why we sat down with Cliona Fletcher, a solicitor based in Canterbury who specialises in wills, lasting powers of attorney, and making sense of it all without the legal waffle.
From ‘Harvey Specter dreams’ to helping real families
Cliona always knew she wanted to be a solicitor.
“I thought I’d be the next Harvey Specter,” she says with a grin. “Sharp suits. Big city. That sort of thing.”
She started out studying business law, imagining boardrooms and corporate deals — but quickly realised it just wasn’t for her. The subject didn’t spark anything.
Then came a course in later-life planning.
“I had this brilliant professor,” she says. “He talked about the law in a way that just made sense — no jargon, no intimidation. It was about real people, real decisions, and how to make things a little easier for families down the line.”
That’s when everything changed. Today, Cliona works with people from all walks of life to help them put their wishes into words — and into documents that actually stand up when they’re needed most.
“I love this work,” she says. “It’s about listening. Understanding what someone wants, and making sure it happens — clearly, kindly, and legally.”
Why even write a will?
Let’s face it — writing a will can feel like something to put off. But Cliona sees it differently.
“It’s not about being morbid,” she says. “It’s about being heard. About making sure your voice carries, even when you’re not around to speak.”
You might want to make sure your niece gets the necklace she always admired.
You might want your neighbour to have that painting you laughed about over tea.
You might want to make sure your children are looked after fairly, or that a family home stays in the family.
Whatever it is — a will helps make sure it happens. No confusion. No arguments. No guessing.
Can’t I just buy a cheap will kit?
Technically, yes. But Cliona has seen how that can go wrong.
“Some of them are so vague, they’re impossible to follow. Others don’t stand up in court. And trusts — if you’re setting one up — need to be worded really carefully. I’ve seen families left in really tough situations because something wasn’t written properly.”
Because she’s a fully qualified solicitor, Cliona’s work is regulated — which means you’re protected, and so is your family. You get proper advice, tailored to your situation, not a one-size-fits-all document from the back of a shop shelf.
Life isn’t always simple — and that’s okay
Modern families come in all shapes. Second marriages. Estranged siblings. Stepchildren. Property abroad. Pets with trust funds (yes, really). Cliona has seen it all.
One family she worked with had set up a trust — but hadn’t looked at it in years. The trustees they named? One had moved abroad, and the other was linked to a firm that no longer existed. Sorting it out was… complicated.
That’s why she always asks the questions you might not think of — the “what ifs” that make a difference down the line.
And if you’re worried about hard feelings, she often suggests including a letter of wishes — a simple note that explains why you’ve made certain choices.
“After someone dies, emotions run high. A little clarity can go a long way. It’s not always about the money — sometimes people just want to feel included, or understood.”
What’s it like to make a will with Cliona?
No long forms. No judgment. Just a conversation.
The first appointment takes about an hour. Cliona will gently ask about what you own, what you owe, who matters to you, and what you’d like to happen. She’ll also chat through inheritance tax and any tricky family situations.
Once you’re happy, her team gets started. You’ll get a draft within 2 to 4 weeks. If it looks right, it’s signed and witnessed — either at her office or, if needed, in your home.
Things to think about before you go
Don’t worry — you don’t need all the answers. But it helps to think about:
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Who should benefit from your estate?
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What happens if a beneficiary dies before you?
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Do you need to set up a trust?
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How might your finances or family situation change over time?
And if you’re not sure? Cliona will help you work through it.
Peace of mind, one step at a time
At Visiting Angels, we often meet people at turning points — a new diagnosis, a shift in mobility, or the simple realisation that a little help could go a long way. And more often than you might expect, those practical conversations open the door to deeper ones:
“What would happen if…?”
“Have I got everything in place?”
That’s why talking to someone like Cliona matters. And that’s why we’re here too.
Whether it’s helping you get to appointments, being there when those big questions come up, or offering steady, respectful care at home — we’re with you, every step of the way.
We don’t just offer companionship. We provide personal care, dementia support, and full domiciliary care services for older adults across Swale, Canterbury and Thanet — always with a focus on dignity, independence, and heart.
📞 Call us today to book a care assessment — or simply have a chat.
And if you’re wondering about lasting powers of attorney, stay tuned — we’re preparing a follow-up blog with more insights from Cliona and our team. Like our Facebook page so you don’t miss it.
Want to speak to Cliona?
You can reach her at Whitehead Monckton, Canterbury:
📞 01227 643250
🏠 32-33 Watling Street, Canterbury, CT1 2AN
🌐 www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk