Will Writing & Estate Planning Lawyers.

It’s advisable to revisit your Will following significant life events, such as marriage (which will usually revoke your Will), divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes to your financial circumstances.

If you die intestate (without a Will) in England and Wales, the law dictates the distribution of your estate, which may not be in accordance with your wishes. In extreme cases, where there are no family members, your estate may pass to the Crown.

Creating a new Will automatically revokes and replaces any previous Wills, rendering them null and void. To avoid confusion, it’s standard practice for the new Will to contain a clause revoking all previous Wills and codicils. After executing a new Will, it’s advisable to destroy any old Wills to prevent future misunderstandings or disputes.

Yes, we provide office appointments for our Will writing services, arranged in advance so our solicitors are available to assist you. For your convenience we can also offer home visits, and some of our solicitors are available during evenings and weekends upon request, so we can accommodate your schedule.

It’s essential to store your Will somewhere safe and secure where it won’t be lost, damaged or accidentally destroyed. You may keep it in your own storage, such as a home safe or with your bank. Alternatively, we offer a secure storage facility where your Will can be kept for a duration of your choice, for a nominal fee, protecting your important document against unforeseen circumstances.

It’s not legally required to update your Will for simple changes such as an address update. However, where there are significant changes in personal circumstances, such as a beneficiary’s marriage or a name change, it’s recommended to review your Will to ensure its clarity and relevance. Always consult a solicitor to determine whether an update or codicil is needed to reflect these changes accurately.

Probate is the official legal process of administering the estate of a deceased individual: clearing debts, paying tax, and appropriately distributing the remaining assets.

Yes. The law in England & Wales offers specific grounds on which a Will can be contested, such as suspected undue influence, the testator’s lack of capacity, or potential issues with the Will’s execution.

Inheritance tax is levied on the estate of a deceased person. Astute estate planning can be instrumental in reducing its impact.

Dying intestate is the term used when someone passes away without a valid Will in place. The estate is then divided according to the rules of intestacy specific to England and Wales.

A Will specifies how your assets will be distributed after your death, whereas a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf during your lifetime, either immediately or should you lose mental capacity.

Trusts are legal tools that enable more nuanced control over asset distribution. They can be key to protecting your wealth, minimising inheritance tax implications, and catering to specific stipulations, such as ensuring the well-being of a disabled beneficiary. Trusts can be set up during your lifetime or by Will.

Our fees vary depending on the complexity of your matter and are always agreed with you in advance. For a full breakdown, please see our Wills, Trusts & Probate fees.