Will Writing Solicitors

A properly drafted will sets out who inherits your estate, who will deal with it, and who would care for any young children. We prepare wills tailored to each client's circumstances, from straightforward wills to wills containing trusts and inheritance tax planning.

Why You Need a Legally Valid Will

A will ensures that your money, property, and assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, your estate may be distributed according to intestacy rules, which might not reflect your intentions.

Key reasons to make a will:

• Ensure your assets go to your chosen beneficiaries.
• Appoint guardians for minor children.
• Protect your partner if you are unmarried.
• Reduce the risk of family disputes.
• Plan for inheritance tax where relevant.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

If you die without a will (intestate), your estate passes under the intestacy rules. This can mean:

• Your spouse or civil partner may not receive the whole estate.
• Unmarried partners and stepchildren have no automatic right to inherit.
• The administration of your estate may take longer.
• Opportunities to plan for inheritance tax may be lost.
• If no guardian has been appointed, the court may need to decide who cares for your children.

A will allows you to decide these matters yourself.

Types of Wills We Offer

• Single Will: A will for one person, setting out how their estate should be distributed.
• Mirror Wills: For couples whose wishes are largely the same.
• Wills with Trusts: Incorporating a trust for asset protection or tax planning.
• Business Wills: Dealing with business assets and succession.

How Our Will Writing Process Works

1. Consultation: We discuss your personal circumstances, assets and wishes.
2. Drafting Your Will: We prepare a will tailored to your needs.
3. Review and Approval: We go through the draft with you to make sure it is accurate.
4. Signing and Witnessing: We arrange for the will to be signed and witnessed correctly, which is essential to its validity.
5. Secure Storage: We can hold the original will in safe storage.

Costs of Writing a Will

The fee for a will depends on what it needs to do. A single will, or mirror wills for a couple, will usually cost less than a will containing trusts or inheritance tax planning. We confirm the fee in writing before any work begins.

Updating or Changing Your Will

Your will should be reviewed after major life events, such as:

• Marriage or civil partnership, which usually revokes an existing will.
• Divorce or dissolution.
• The birth of children or grandchildren.
• Changes in your financial circumstances.
• Moving to a new home or country.
• Changes in tax law affecting your estate.

We can prepare a new will or a codicil so that your will continues to reflect your wishes. How we update your will.

More Wills & Probate services