Making a will or codicil

Whether you’re creating a will for the first time or revisiting an older plan, we guide you through the entire process with clarity and sensitivity. We ensure that:

• Your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
• Key responsibilities, such as guardianship for children, are clearly outlined.
• Special items or sentimental possessions, like family heirlooms, are protected.

If your circumstances have changed, there’s no need to start from scratch. A codicil is a simple, legally binding way to amend your existing will. We help you:

• Add new beneficiaries or executors.
• Make changes to asset allocation.
• Update provisions to reflect new life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

We ensure your codicil integrates seamlessly with your existing will, avoiding any potential conflicts or confusion.

For families with minor children, selecting a guardian is one of the most important decisions in estate planning. We help you:

• Choose a suitable guardian who reflects your values and priorities.
• Clearly outline guardianship responsibilities within the will.
• Ensure your dependents’ financial and emotional needs are considered.

For vulnerable dependents or individuals with special needs, we offer tailored advice to ensure long-term care and protection through trusts or other legal mechanisms.

If you own property, have international assets, or run a business, our solicitors are experienced in navigating these complexities. We address issues like:

• Cross-border inheritance laws for overseas property.
• Tax planning strategies to minimise inheritance tax liability.
• Structuring wills to ensure businesses can continue running smoothly.

Many clients benefit from incorporating trusts into their wills. Trusts can provide long-term protection for beneficiaries and help reduce inheritance tax liabilities. Our services include:

• Setting up trusts to protect assets for children or vulnerable beneficiaries.
• Advising on discretionary trusts, life interest trusts, and charitable trusts.
• Strategic planning to maximise the value of your estate for your loved ones.

We recognise that some items carry significant emotional value. Whether it’s a family heirloom, jewellery, or personal collections, we ensure these items are properly accounted for in your will. This can help avoid disputes and ensure your intentions are respected.

We understand that financial transparency is vital. That’s why we:

• Provide clear, upfront costs with no hidden fees.
• Tailor our advice to your individual circumstances, ensuring you only pay for the services you need.
• Offer a personal, compassionate approach that puts your wishes first.

We begin with a friendly and confidential consultation, either in person, over the phone, or via video call. Our solicitors take the time to understand your personal circumstances, assets, and wishes.

We discuss key considerations such as:

• The distribution of your assets.
• Guardianship arrangements for children or dependents.
• Any specific bequests, such as sentimental items.
• Tax planning to minimise inheritance tax where possible.

Based on our consultation, we draft a legally robust will or codicil tailored to your unique situation. We ensure:

• All instructions are clearly and accurately documented.
• Any special provisions, such as trusts or gifts to charities, are included.
• The document complies fully with the laws of England and Wales.

Once the draft is complete, we carefully review it with you to ensure every detail aligns with your wishes. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, clarify any concerns, and make changes if needed. We explain any legal terms or implications in plain English, so you feel fully informed and confident.

The final step is ensuring your will or codicil is signed and witnessed correctly, as this is crucial to its validity. If needed, our team can assist in arranging witnesses or provide guidance to ensure the process meets all legal requirements.

We offer secure storage options to keep your will safe and easily accessible when needed. Life circumstances often change, so we encourage regular reviews of your will. We’re here to help you update it with a codicil whenever required.

A will must meet strict legal requirements to be enforceable. Errors in language, execution, or witnessing could render it invalid, leaving your estate distributed according to default laws rather than your wishes. Solicitors ensure every document adheres to these rules, giving you the confidence that your will or codicil will stand up to scrutiny.

If you own property, run a business, or have dependents to provide for, your estate planning may require advanced strategies. Professional solicitors can advise on situations such as:

• Managing multiple properties or overseas assets.
• Creating trusts to protect assets for children or vulnerable beneficiaries.
• Balancing inheritance between family members in blended families.
• Minimising inheritance tax through effective estate structuring.

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) solutions rarely account for such complexities, often leaving critical gaps that could lead to disputes.

Wills can sometimes lead to disagreements among family members, particularly if the instructions are unclear or leave room for interpretation. Our solicitors draft wills with precise language, reducing the risk of challenges or misunderstandings. This clarity helps prevent costly and stressful disputes after you’re gone.

Life changes – marriages, divorces, births, and property purchases can all affect the relevance of your will. A codicil, which serves as a legal update to your will, ensures that your estate plan stays current without the need for a complete rewrite. Our team provides expert advice on when and how to amend your will to reflect your evolving circumstances.

The process of drafting a will or codicil may seem overwhelming, but professional assistance simplifies everything. We guide you step-by-step, helping you make informed decisions about:

• Choosing executors.
• Assigning guardians for minor children.
• Dividing assets fairly and effectively. By working with solicitors, you avoid the stress of doing it alone and gain the assurance that every detail is handled with care.

No two estates are the same, and online templates cannot address the unique challenges of your situation. Whether you’re planning for future generations, safeguarding sentimental items, or considering inheritance tax implications, our solicitors tailor advice to your specific goals and priorities.

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) wills and online services may seem cost-effective but often result in costly mistakes. Examples of common pitfalls include:

• Ambiguous instructions leading to disputes.
• Missing key legal clauses, such as provisions for executors or guardians.
• Overlooking tax implications, which could leave beneficiaries with unexpected liabilities.

Choosing a professional solicitor eliminates these risks, ensuring a robust, legally sound will or codicil that reflects your wishes accurately.