The importance of having a will cannot be overstated. Without one, the intestacy rules apply: it falls to the law, not to you, to decide who inherits your estate, and the result is often not what you would have wanted. Unmarried partners, step-children and friends receive nothing under the intestacy rules, and the rules can produce an unexpected inheritance tax bill.
We are experienced in drafting both simple and complex wills. Call us or send an enquiry to make an appointment at either office, or to arrange a video meeting.
What we cover
- Who should inherit, in what shares and at what age
- Appointing executors and, for younger children, guardians
- Specific gifts, legacies to charities and gifts of business or agricultural property
- Inheritance tax planning, including the use of the residence nil-rate band and exemptions
- Protective trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries, second marriages and blended families
- Wills for clients with assets in more than one country
- Reviewing and updating existing wills after marriage, divorce, births or a change in circumstances
Why use a solicitor?
Many of our clients have come to us after using unregulated will writers or do-it-yourself kits and found that important points were overlooked, that the will was invalidly executed, or that the wording was ambiguous. Putting that right after death is far more expensive than getting it right in the first place. As solicitors we are regulated, insured and bound to act in your interests, and we store your original will securely without charge.
Our private client team
Wills are prepared by Salma Butt, Senior Associate Solicitor and STEP member, and her team at our Woodford Green office, with Stephen Thirsk also advising.