Last Will and Testament

Securing Your Legacy with a Lasting Testament

A last will and testament is a powerful legal document that allows you to define your legacy, protect your loved ones, and ensure your final wishes are carried out as you envision. We specialise in the creation and execution of last wills and testaments, offering a comprehensive suite of services to ensure your intentions are legally and faithfully documented.


Our Last Will and Testament Services:

  • Will Drafting: Our experienced professionals meticulously draft your last will and testament, addressing key elements such as asset distribution, appointment of an executor, and guardianship arrangements for minor children.

  • Specific Bequests: If you have specific wishes regarding the distribution of sentimental items or unique bequests, we ensure that these are carefully outlined and legally binding.

  • Estate Tax Planning: Our services can incorporate strategic estate tax planning to minimise tax liabilities, preserving more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

  • Advance Healthcare Directives: In addition to your will, we assist in creating advance healthcare directives, ensuring your medical preferences are honoured should you become incapacitated.

  • Review and Updates: We offer ongoing support for reviewing and updating your last will and testament to reflect changes in your life circumstances or preferences.

Our Last Will and Testament Process:

  1. Consultation: We start with a thorough consultation to understand your wishes, assets, and family dynamics.

  2. Document Drafting: Based on your goals, we draft a legally sound last will and testament tailored to your unique circumstances.

  3. Review and Amendments: We review the document with you, making any necessary amendments to ensure it accurately represents your intentions.

  4. Execution: We guide you through the proper execution of the will, ensuring it complies with all legal requirements.

  5. Safekeeping and Updates: We can assist in safely storing your will and offer support for updates as needed over time.


Your last will and testament is not just a legal document; it’s a reflection of your values and a gift to your loved ones. Explore our last will and testament services, meet our expert team, and take the first step toward securing your legacy with confidence.

Expert Legal Guidance

_____________
Our team of experienced solicitors specialises in Last Will and Testament drafting. We possess a deep understanding of UK inheritance laws and stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments, ensuring your Will is meticulously crafted and legally sound.

Expert Legal Guidance

Our team of experienced solicitors specialises in Last Will and Testament drafting. We possess a deep understanding of UK inheritance laws and stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments, ensuring your Will is meticulously crafted and legally sound.

Comprehensive Services

_____________
We offer a complete suite of services beyond Will drafting, including addressing specific bequests, incorporating estate tax planning, and providing guidance on guardianship arrangements. Our holistic approach covers all aspects of estate planning.

Comprehensive Services

We offer a complete suite of services beyond Will drafting, including addressing specific bequests, incorporating estate tax planning, and providing guidance on guardianship arrangements. Our holistic approach covers all aspects of estate planning.

Personalised Approach

_____________
Our team takes a personalised approach, working closely with you to ensure your Last Will and Testament accurately reflects your desires and safeguards your legacy, providing you with peace of mind and assurance.

Personalised Approach

Our team takes a personalised approach, working closely with you to ensure your Last Will and Testament accurately reflects your desires and safeguards your legacy, providing you with peace of mind and assurance.

Make Your Estate Secure: Protect Your Assets with a Trust

Planning your estate is about more than just dividing assets—it’s about ensuring your legacy is protected and distributed exactly as you wish. Trusts are powerful tools that help you safeguard your wealth, minimise tax liabilities, and provide for loved ones, even in complex situations.

With a professionally crafted trust, you can:

  • Protect your assets from potential claims or disputes.
  • Ensure minor children or vulnerable dependants are cared for financially.
  • Minimise inheritance tax, leaving more for your beneficiaries.
  • Maintain control over how and when your estate is distributed.

 

Our regulated professionals specialise in creating tailored estate plans that include trusts to meet your unique needs. Whether it’s for tax efficiency or ensuring long-term financial security for your family, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

FAQ

Frequency Asked Question

A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that outlines an individual’s wishes for the distribution of their assets and the management of their estate after their passing. It is important because it allows you to have control over your legacy, protect your loved ones, and ensure that your assets are distributed according to your preferences.

A Last Will and Testament ensures a person’s property, digital assets, and personal belongings are distributed according to their wishes after death. It also allows the testator to make specific gifts, appoint guardians for minors, and name an executor to manage the estate.

When someone dies without a valid Will (intestate), their estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy. This means that the government determines how assets are allocated, which may not align with the deceased’s wishes. It can also lead to delays and additional expenses.

Your will should include:

  • A clear identification of the testator.
  • A list of property and assets, including digital assets.
  • The names of beneficiaries and details of their gifts.
  • The appointment of an executor.
  • Instructions for guardianship if you have minors.

Ensure all information is clear and unambiguous to avoid disputes.

Yes, you can make provisions for digital assets in your will, such as online accounts, digital currencies, or intellectual property. Include clear instructions for accessing and managing these assets, as this ensures they are passed on according to your wishes.

Yes, a Last Will and Testament can be changed or updated through a legal process called a codicil (an amendment to the Will) or by creating a new Will. It’s important to keep your Will up-to-date to reflect any changes in your circumstances or wishes.

While it is possible to create a simple Will without a solicitor, involving a solicitor or a lawyer is advisable, especially for complex estates. A solicitor ensures that your Will adheres to legal requirements, minimising the risk of disputes and ensuring your wishes are clearly and legally documented.

Yes, a Last Will and Testament can be contested by individuals who believe it is invalid or does not accurately reflect the deceased’s intentions. Common reasons for contestation include allegations of undue influence, lack of capacity, or improper execution. Contesting a Will typically involves legal proceedings.

Yes, you can write your own will using books, online templates, or forms. However, it’s important to check that it complies with the legal rules of England and is correctly signed and witnessed. Errors or omissions may lead to the will being challenged or declared invalid by a court.

An executor is responsible for managing and administering the deceased’s estate according to the instructions in the Will. Their duties may include gathering assets, paying debts and taxes, distributing assets to beneficiaries, and handling other estate-related matters.

If a will doesn’t meet the legal requirements, it may be deemed invalid, and the estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. This could result in unintended outcomes, such as certain family members or individuals not receiving any property or gifts.

While there is considerable flexibility in what can be included in a Will, certain legal and ethical limitations exist. For example, you cannot make provisions that encourage illegal activities, or disinherit a spouse or dependent in a way that violates their legal entitlement.

Yes, you can leave gifts or property to a company, such as a business or charity. Ensure you provide the correct legal name and details of the company to avoid confusion or delays during probate.

Conflicting Wills can lead to disputes among beneficiaries. Generally, the most recent valid Will takes precedence. However, it’s essential to resolve conflicts through legal means to ensure the correct Will is upheld.

It is advisable to review and update your Last Will and Testament whenever there are significant life events, such as marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or changes in your financial situation. Regular reviews ensure that your Will remains current and aligned with your wishes.

Why You Need a Last Will and Testament

A Last Will and Testament is not solely for the wealthy or elderly; it’s a vital legal document for anyone who wishes to protect their assets, ensure their loved ones are cared for, and have a say in how their estate is distributed. Here’s who can benefit from Last Will and Testament:

  • Parents: Especially for parents, a Will is crucial for designating guardians and providing for the financial well-being of their children.
  • Couples: Married or unmarried couples can use a Will to protect their shared assets, provide for each other, and outline their inheritance wishes.
  • Business Owners: Business owners can include provisions in their Wills to address business succession and asset management.
  • High-Net-Worth Individuals: Those with substantial assets can use a Will to minimise estate taxes and ensure that their wealth is distributed according to their preferences.
  • Elderly Individuals: As individuals age, a Will becomes essential for addressing healthcare decisions, long-term care planning, and asset distribution.
  • Individuals with Specific Bequests: If you have specific wishes for items or assets, a Will ensures your unique bequests are carried out.
  • Anyone Who Cares About Their Legacy: Regardless of age or wealth, anyone who wishes to have control over their legacy, protect loved ones, and avoid potential conflicts among heirs should consider a Last Will and Testament.

 

In summary, a Last Will and Testament is a vital document for individuals and families who want to ensure their assets are distributed as they wish and that their loved ones are cared for in the manner they desire. It is a proactive step toward securing your legacy and providing peace of mind for the future.

  •  

Contact Us

Seeking Guidance from Wills and Probate Experts?
Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Contact Us

Quick Links

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

Follow Us

Newsletter

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

COPYRIGHT © 2024 MY WILL AND PROBATE