Secure your legacy, protect your loved ones: Will writing you can trust
Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. Whether your estate is large or small, having a legally valid will ensures that your wishes are respected, minimises the risk of disputes and provides clarity during a difficult time. Without a will, strict legal rules determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your intentions.
We understand that making a will can feel daunting. Our experienced solicitors are recognised for their knowledge, availability and empathy, so with our will writing services, you can rest assured that your estate is in safe and caring hands.
When you make will with us, not only will you be protecting your assets for your family. We have partnered with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to plant a tree for every will we write or update, creating a sustainable legacy for future generations to benefit from and enjoy.
One tree for every will
Why making a will is important
Making a will is essential for ensuring that your wishes are fulfilled and your loved ones are protected. Here are some of the reasons why it matters:
- Protect your children: A will lets you decide who will care for your children if you pass away and ensures that any inheritance is safeguarded until they reach an age you choose.
- Provide for your partner: If you are unmarried and not in a civil partnership, a will is the only way to ensure your partner inherits from your estate.
- Tax efficiency and asset protection: A well-drafted will can reduce inheritance tax liabilities and protect family assets in various situations.
- Adapt to life changes: Your will should reflect significant changes in your life. For instance, if you separate, you may want to update your will to reflect your new circumstances. Marriage or entering a civil partnership invalidates any previous will, so it’s essential to create a new one.
Regularly reviewing and updating your will ensures it remains aligned with your current wishes and circumstances, giving you peace of mind that your legacy is secure.
How we can help you
Ready to start making a will or need help updating your existing one? Our will writing solicitors have the knowledge and experience to help you to put your affairs in good order so that you can have complete peace of mind about what will happen to your estate when you die.
Many of our lawyers are accredited by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Association of Lifetime Lawyers, ensuring you receive the highest standard of advice. Members of our team have skills in specialist areas, which means we can match you with the lawyer most suited to you.
FAQs
To begin making a will, consider these key questions:
- What are your assets? List your property, savings, investments and possessions.
- Who are your beneficiaries? Decide who will inherit and whether specific items or legacies should go to individuals or charities.
- What about your children? Name guardians and make provisions for their care.
- Who will be your executors? Choose trusted individuals to ensure your wishes are carried out.
- What are your ‘what ifs’? Plan for unforeseen scenarios, such as no immediate family surviving.
Our experienced solicitors can help you navigate these considerations and ensure your will reflects your wishes comprehensively.
While it’s possible to write a will yourself, errors can cause complications for your family. Using a solicitor is especially advisable if:
- You share property with someone who isn’t a spouse or civil partner.
- You have dependents requiring specific provisions.
- Your estate involves business interests or overseas assets.
- You have complex family dynamics, such as children from multiple relationships.
There are many alternative will writing services available. If you choose one of these it is important to be confident that the person you are entrusting with this work knows what they are doing. To find out more, read our article on the risks of using an unregulated will writer and what to look out for.
The costs of making a will can vary significantly. Our fixed prices offer you peace of mind.
A straightforward will for an individual is £460 including VAT, and wills for a couple are £680 including VAT. Wills with trusts can be more complicated. A trust giving a right to reside in a property would be £1,100 for a couple, and a full discretionary trust will would be £1,375 for a couple.
If your needs go beyond our standard packages, we’ll provide a tailored quote to suit your circumstances.
It usually takes 3-4 weeks from receiving your instructions to having the will ready to sign. We will meet you to talk through your circumstances and wishes, prepare a draft for you to review and then meet again to go through it and sign it.
You may want more time to consider your options, particularly if you have lots of ‘what ifs?’ to consider, and that is fine too.
