Wills

Complete peace of mind at affordable prices

Statistics show that almost two thirds of people don’t have a will, and a quarter of people have never thought about writing one.

The truth is, without a valid and up to date will, the law decides how your property and assets are shared out and, if you don’t have a family, the state will inherit everything. People you may not have considered may have a claim, and this can cause serious problems and complications in the event of your death.

Marriage, children, separation, divorce, living together or dying together can have serious implications if you do not have a properly worded will. Couples who live together without getting married need to be aware that ‘common law marriage’ doesn’t exist. Without a will, their partner is not their next of kin, and may receive nothing at all from their estate.

Reasons to make a will

A will lets you make the decisions you want for your family. You can choose guardians for your children while they are young and decide at what age they should inherit; you can provide for your pets, friends or favourite charities; and preparing a will is far, far less expensive than a disputed estate.

Whether or not it is done as part of a divorce or separation, we can review your will – if you have one – and quickly and easily update it or prepare a new will on your behalf, which will ensure your loved ones receive an inheritance and enable you to appoint guardians for your children, if you have them. We can also advise you on bespoke discretionary and lifetime trusts. You may need specialist tax planning advice when making a will, and we can help with that, too.

How much does a Will cost?

Click here to view our Wills & Probate Fees

Frequently Asked Questions about Wills

Why is it important to have a Will?

A Will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. Without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not align with your intentions.

Who can make a Will in the UK?

Anyone aged 18 or over who has mental capacity can make a legally valid Will in the UK. Exceptions exist for members of the armed forces on active duty, who can make a Will even if they are under 18.

What makes a Will legally valid?

A Will must:

• Be in writing.
• Be signed by the person making it (the testator) in the presence of two witnesses.
• Be signed by the witnesses, who must be present at the same time as the testator.

Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or married to a beneficiary.

Can a Will be changed once it’s written?

Yes, a Will can be updated or changed using a codicil, which is a legal document that amends a Will. Alternatively, a new Will can be created, which should explicitly state that it revokes all previous Wills.

What happens if I die without a Will?

If you die without a Will (intestate), your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which prioritise certain relatives (e.g., spouse, children, or other close family members). Unmarried partners and friends will not inherit under these rules.