These plans are available to homeowners over the age of 60 who have little or no mortgage on their property. They are ways of releasing cash from your home to use the money however you wish. You may want to pay for a holiday; home improvements; or in some cases clients like to raise money to fund private health care or even give you a regular income. It is always recommended that you consult an independent financial adviser to discuss which options are best for you.

Once you have decided to proceed with an equity release plan then the next step is to instruct a solicitor to complete the legal paperwork and represent you.

It is a requirement of SHIP (Safe Home Income Plans) that:

- Your legal work for your equity release plan is performed by solicitors

- Your solicitors are independent of the equity release plan provider

- Your solicitors sign a certificate to confirm that you have been properly advised on your equity release plan and that you understand the implications of taking out your chosen plan. No SHIP approved equity release plan can complete without a signed certificate from your solicitors.

We at Ward Gethin Archer have staff that have recent experience of Equity Release Plans and are more than happy to act for you in these circumstances.

You do not need to live locally to our offices as we can manage your equity release case over the telephone and through the post. We are also happy to visit you at your home.

Our usual fees for the more straightforward schemes are in the region of £450.00 plus VAT and any payments made out on your behalf, such as search and HM Land Registry fees. However, each case will be quoted on its individual circumstances.

Please contact either Melanie Egginton on (01553) 667215 or Anna Hall on (01553) 667214 for further information.