A will is a legal document outlining how your assets should be distributed after you pass away. It allows you to specify beneficiaries, name guardians for minors, and appoint executors. Without a will, the law decides how your estate is divided, which may not reflect your wishes and could exclude people you intend to benefit.

It’s advisable to draft a will as soon as you have assets, dependants, or specific wishes for your estate. Key times to consider creating or updating a will include major life events such as marriage, the birth of children, divorce, or significant financial changes.

If you die without a will (known as dying intestate), your assets are distributed according to UK intestacy laws. This may mean that some family members or loved ones are excluded, and the process could be lengthier and more stressful for those left behind.

While it’s possible to draft a will yourself, using a professional will writing service ensures your will is legally sound and accounts for potential complexities in your estate. Mistakes in DIY wills can lead to disputes or even invalidate the document.

Your executor is responsible for managing your estate and ensuring your wishes are carried out. You can appoint a family member, friend, or a professional such as a solicitor. It’s essential to choose someone trustworthy and capable of handling administrative tasks and potential complexities.

Inheritance tax (IHT) applies to estates over £325,000 in value, with a tax rate of 40% on assets above this threshold. With a professionally drafted will, you can reduce IHT by including strategies like leaving assets to a spouse or charity, making provisions for gifts, or setting up trusts.

Yes, you can update your will at any time. Minor changes can be made using a codicil, which is an additional legal document attached to your existing will. For significant updates, it’s often best to draft a new will to avoid confusion.

It’s recommended to review your will every three to five years or after any major life event. Regular reviews help ensure that your will still reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

For a will to be legally valid in the UK, it must be written by someone aged 18 or older, signed in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries, and signed by the witnesses themselves. Using a professional service helps ensure these requirements are met.

Yes, you can include funeral preferences in your will. However, since wills are often read after the funeral, it’s a good idea to communicate your wishes separately with family or include them in a letter alongside your will.

Store your will in a safe place where it can be easily accessed by your executors. Many people choose to store their wills with a solicitor, in a secure location at home, or in a will storage facility. Let your executors know where it’s kept.

The cost of will drafting varies depending on complexity. Basic wills generally cost less, while more detailed wills that include trusts or tax planning will be higher. 

We understand that cost is important, which is why My Will and Probate partners with a range of professionals to offer competitive, low-cost will services. Our transparent approach ensures that you’ll receive quality advice without hidden fees, so you can protect your assets and loved ones effectively and affordably.

Claims against a will, such as challenges based on undue influence, lack of capacity, or negligence in drafting, can lead to disputes. Working with an experienced will-writing service through My Will and Probate reduces these risks, as our experts take care to ensure your will is drafted with attention to detail, avoiding potential legal issues. If you’re concerned about possible challenges, we can guide you on how to strengthen your will.

An LPA is particularly important for those concerned about future care needs due to dementia or other conditions that may impair decision-making ability. An LPA allows you to designate a trusted person, or attorney, to manage your affairs if you’re unable to do so. This ensures your wishes regarding care, finances, and welfare are respected, relieving loved ones of decision-making stress.

Absolutely. My Will and Probate offers access to professionals who provide will-writing and LPA services at affordable rates. By partnering with a range of experts, we can offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. With our service, you’ll receive expert guidance tailored to your needs and budget.

Yes, you can make updates to your will and LPA as long as you have mental capacity. It’s a good idea to review these documents regularly, especially after major life events, to ensure they reflect your current wishes. My Will and Probate can connect you with experts who’ll guide you through the process of making amendments.

With an LPA, you can ensure that your financial affairs are managed by someone you trust, reducing the risk of loss due to mismanagement. Your attorney has a legal duty to act in your best interest, and you can outline specific instructions for handling your finances, property, and other real assets to protect your wealth.

Yes, charitable donations made through your will can qualify for inheritance tax relief, reducing the tax burden on your estate. Your will-writing specialist can guide you on how to structure these donations to maximise tax benefits, benefiting both your chosen charities and your estate.

If your chosen lawyers become unable or unwilling to act, it’s important to have a replacement attorney listed in your LPA. Our experts can help you structure your LPA to ensure there’s always a trusted person available to manage your affairs, giving you peace of mind.

Not at all. A will is important for anyone who wishes to protect their assets, no matter the size, and ensure they’re distributed according to their wishes. Whether your estate is large or small, a professionally drafted will offers clarity and security for your loved ones.

Yes, you can appoint a professional executor, such as a solicitor or accountant, to handle your estate. Professional executors bring experience and expertise in managing complex estates, ensuring that your wishes are carried out accurately. Our network at My Will and Probate can connect you with qualified professionals if you’re considering this option.

Yes, a living will, also known as an advance directive, allows you to specify your wishes regarding medical care if you’re unable to make decisions in the future. This can be set up alongside a traditional will to cover both medical and estate planning. Our experts can help you draft both to ensure your full intentions are documented.