Will Writing Solicitors

We can provide you with comprehensive guidance in creating a Will that best suits you.

Our Will Writing solicitors are highly experienced.

Making a Will ensures certainty for your loved ones who are likely to be experiencing a time of intense bereavement. The thought of making a Will to many people is uncomfortable but it is probably the most important legal document that you will ever make, giving both you and your loved ones peace of mind to know that your affairs are in order and that your wishes are in place.

What is a Will?

A Will is a crucial legal document that enables you to decide who will inherit your possessions, assets, and property after your passing. Without a Will, your family may encounter significant challenges in settling your affairs.

Your circumstances will inevitably change at certain points in your life, and you may revise your decisions regarding who you want to leave your estate to. By regularly reviewing your Will and making any necessary updates, you can ensure that your Will reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

In the absence of a Will, the Rules of Intestacy come into play. Under these rules, your possessions are distributed according to a predetermined legal framework, potentially resulting in outcomes that do not align with your wishes.

Why Do You Need a Will?

Failing to create a Will can result in your estate being managed by individuals you may not have chosen. There is also a risk that your estate is poorly planned and this could potentially lead to higher inheritance tax payments.

Drafting a Will allows you to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. By clearly outlining who should benefit from your estate, you can avoid any uncertainty and prevent potential disputes among family members.

When you create a Will, you have the opportunity to select executors to handle the probate process and appoint guardians for your children. This ensures that your estate is managed by individuals you trust, and that your children are cared for by the people you have chosen.

Creating a Will allows for tax planning, ensuring that your estate is managed in a tax-efficient manner and reducing the inheritance tax burden. By incorporating trusts and other tax planning strategies, you can minimise the tax liability on your estate and maximise the amount that is passed on to your beneficiaries.

In addition to distributing your assets, your Will can also outline your funeral preferences and incorporate trusts to protect your assets. This is especially useful for those with complex family situations, such as second marriages or cohabiting partnerships, as it allows you to provide for your loved ones while also protecting your assets for future generations.

If you’re interested in learning more about our Will Writing services, please contact us by phone, online, or in person. We’re always available to discuss your needs and offer fixed-fee services.

Will Writing service at Merriman Solicitors

It’s crucial to keep your Will under regular review to accommodate any changes in your circumstances. Life events such as divorce, the birth of children, or the acquisition of significant assets can all necessitate updates to your Will. Our experienced team at Merriman Solicitors is here to help navigate the complexities involved in making and updating your Will.

While it is possible to write a Will yourself, mistakes can lead to multiple issues. That’s why we strongly recommend having a solicitor by your side throughout the process. Our team can ensure that your Will is drafted accurately and reflects your wishes precisely.

Don’t leave your estate to chance. Contact us today to discuss your will writing needs.

Why choose Merriman Solicitors (Incorporating AB Family Law)?

Fully authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Specialist solicitors who can both write new Wills and amend existing ones

Transparent fees with no hidden costs

Sensibly priced legal support that put your mind at ease

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Frequently asked questions

Can I write my own Will legally?

You can technically write your own Will as the only criteria for legal validity is that it should be witnessed and signed. However, you should only do this if you have a straightforward estate, and generally it is better to have a qualified Will Writing solicitor to oversee the process to ensure everything is accurate and reflects your wishes.

Can I make a valid Will without a solicitor?

A Will that is signed and witnessed without a solicitor can technically still be legally valid. The risk is that a Will created without qualified supervision may not accurately reflect your wishes. It is always advisable to attain the help of a Will Writing solicitor to ensure your loved ones are cared for in the way you planned when you pass.

What should I include in my Will aside from asset distribution?

Apart from the contents of your estate such as property, stocks and shares and valuable items, you should also make sure to answer the following questions:

Who do you wish to appoint as executor?
How will debts be resolved like an existing mortgage or credit card?
Who would look after any underage children or other dependents you have?

Can I make changes to my Will after it has been written?

You can make changes to your Will by creating what’s called a codicil. It is important that you enlist a qualified Will Writing solicitor to help with this. For major changes, however, you should write a new Will and physically destroy the old one.

Can a Will be contested or challenged?

Yes, anyone with an interest in someone’s Will can contest it and this is usually dependents or close family such as the spouse or children. Some grounds for contesting a Will include undue influence, professional negligence and suspected fraud or forgery. It is important to attain legal representation in order to make a claim and bear in mind that there are time limitations for doing this.