Kylie Cox of Toucan Law gives a free talk on Wills, inheritance and planning ahead at Clarence Bowls Club, Weston, at 2pm on 2 November. Booking requested.

A Weston-super-Mare Wills and probate specialist is giving a free public talk at Clarence Bowls Club on Monday 2 November, aimed at people who have put off planning for later life because they did not know where to start. Kylie Cox, who founded the family-run firm Toucan Law, says there will be no sales pitch, and the tea and cake are free.

The talk, called Toucan Talk, runs from 2pm to 3.30pm, according to the booking page. It will cover common questions about inheritance, protecting the family home, what happens when family circumstances change, and who can make decisions for someone who becomes unable to make them. Everyone is welcome, including people who are not members of the bowls club, and there will be time for general questions.

Kylie has nearly 30 years’ experience in Wills, Probate and Estate Planning, and the firm is based in St James Street. She says the event grew out of her own family’s story as much as her work.

“Having lost my mum at a young age and experienced caring responsibilities within my own family, I know first-hand how difficult life can become when we’re faced with illness, bereavement and unfamiliar decisions,” she told the Post.

“I’ve also spent almost 30 years working with families through Wills, Probate and Estate Planning, and I’ve seen how easily misunderstandings and misinformation can cause problems, often when people are already going through a difficult time. It’s something I’m passionate about changing.”

“People don’t always know what they don’t know”

In Toucan Law’s announcement of the event, Kylie says those experiences shaped the way she works.

“I’ve experienced some of these things myself, and I know how frightening and overwhelming they can feel,” she said. “When you’re dealing with illness or losing someone you love, the last thing you need is complicated legal processes or discovering that something doesn’t work the way you thought it did.

“Those experiences have shaped how I approach my work. Behind every Will, every Trust and every estate, there’s a real person and a family. That’s something I’ve never forgotten.”

She thinks the biggest barrier to planning ahead is not knowing where to begin.

“Legal services can feel daunting, and there’s so much information online that it can be difficult to know what’s accurate or relevant to your own circumstances.

“People don’t always know what they don’t know. Someone might assume that because they’re married, everything will automatically pass to their husband or wife, or that having a Will means everything is taken care of.

“But the law doesn’t always work quite how people expect, and every family’s circumstances are different. Nobody should feel embarrassed about asking questions or needing something explained in everyday language.”

Ellie Allen of Toucan Law, smiling, sitting cross-legged on a bed of straw in a grey cardigan
Ellie Allen of Toucan Law, who presented an earlier talk with Kylie Cox and Andrew Cox. Photo: supplied by Toucan Law

Kylie gave an earlier presentation with her Toucan Law colleagues Ellie and Andrew. One of the people who attended, Alan McKenzie, called it “unexpectedly refreshing” and praised the way the team explained complicated subjects in terms people could understand, the firm says.

“For me, what makes Toucan Law stand out is that they put a human face on the legal industry,” Alan said. Toucan Law says his comments are used with his permission.

“Alan’s comment really meant a lot to me because that’s exactly what we want to do,” Kylie said. “I don’t think people should need a law degree to understand decisions that affect their own lives and families.

“And we don’t have to make these conversations gloomy or uncomfortable. We can talk about serious things, have a laugh, ask questions and hopefully learn something along the way.”

Andrew Cox of Toucan Law, smiling, leaning on the arm of a green sofa in a black T-shirt
Andrew Cox of Toucan Law. Photo: supplied by Toucan Law

Success is a conversation at home

Kylie is clear that she is not trying to sell anyone a Will.

“I’m not expecting everyone to rush home and change their Wills or set up a Trust. Some people might come along and discover they’ve already got everything in order, and that’s absolutely fine!

“If someone leaves knowing something they didn’t know before, or goes home and starts a conversation with their family that they’ve been putting off, then I’ll consider that a success.

“I know from my own experiences how quickly life can change. We can’t prepare for everything, but having the right information can make a real difference.”

Toucan Talk is the firm’s community education project, meant to help people understand Wills, inheritance, Lasting Powers of Attorney and estate planning. Kylie is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the firm says.

“There’s no stuffy legal lecture and no sales pitch,” she said. “Just a friendly conversation, some useful information and free cake. What’s not to like?”

The Toucan Law office, a glass-fronted corner shop unit with the firm's sign above the door, on St James Street in Weston-super-Mare
The Toucan Law office on the corner of St James Street, Weston-super-Mare. Photo: supplied by Toucan Law

If you want to go

  • When: Monday 2 November 2026, 2pm to 3.30pm.
  • Where: Clarence Bowls Club, Clarence Park, Weston-super-Mare BS23 4BN.
  • Cost: free, including tea and cake.
  • Who: everyone, including non-members of the club. You can bring a partner, friend or family member.
  • Booking: places are limited, so book a free place on the Toucan Talk booking page or call Toucan Law on 01934 271027.

Kylie says the purpose of the talk is education and information. More events across the area are in our What’s On guide.