Making Your Will

We are one of the fastest growing law firms in the UK and have expert and experienced will writers in our many office locations throughout England & Wales.

The growth of our firm is based on a modern approach and great client care and service levels. If you need to make a will, or get your existing will amended or updated, please get in contact.

Reasons to Make a Will

A well drafted will can:

• Make your wishes clear about your funeral

• Leave specific items of emotional significance to who you want to receive them, such as jewellery or heirlooms

• Save time and costs in administering your estate after your death

• Ensure you provide for any unmarried partner, friends or charities

• Exclude people you don't want to inherit

• Help reduce the potential impact of inheritance tax and care fees on your estate

• Enable you to set up a trust for long term financial management of assets by your chosen trustees

• Delay full entitlement of any financial legacy left to your children until you consider they are the right age, otherwise the age will be 18

• Ensure that you appoint guardians for your children who you are comfortable with so that their future is secure if you and your wife/husband/partner both pass away together, such as in an accident

When to Review and Update Your Will

If you already have a Will in place, it's always a good idea to review it every 3 to 5 years. This will ensure that your wishes as to who inherits your estate are up to date. Changes to the law may also affect your will so it should be reviewed regularly.

It is always a good idea to review your will after significant life events. Many people may not know that marriage invalidates an existing will. Other important reasons to review a will include an increase in assets (e.g. purchasing property), having children, getting married or divorced or losing someone who is named in your will. This ensures that the will still carries out your wishes and protects your assets.

What Happens If You Die Without Making a Will?

Without a Will, you will be classed as dying ‘intestate’ and statutory rules will apply. Under these rules:

• Your spouse or civil partner may only be entitled to part of your estate

• There may be no provision for your children, grandchildren or other relatives or dependents

• Unmarried partners do not benefit

• Charities you may want to benefit will not benefit

• Your estate may end up with an inheritance tax bill