Will writing

Making a will might feel daunting, but we can help explain the process, prepare the relevant documents and check that you have completed them correctly. A will can help make sure your assets are passed on to the right people, and your wishes for a funeral or childcare are made known. It can help make it easier to deal with your estate, and make plans for any tax payable on death.

Without a will, standard rules will apply, which are not appropriate in some situations, especially if you live with someone without being married or in a registered civil partnership.

A will can deal with specific bequests, or more general gifts – whether to family, friends or good causes. The documents can also specify who should deal with your assets and liabilities, which may be more complex if you expect to receive royalties, since those rights will continue in some cases for seventy years from the end of year of your death. You may appoint family member or friend, or you may prefer to ask a professional to act for you – perhaps to look after your literary or musical works.

In simple cases, making a will is possible without legal advice. We have access to a very simple online solution that can prepare the first draft of a will by you answering some simple questions. Because any mistakes can have serious consequences, we recommend that the draft is reviewed before signature, and in any event, if your arrangements are more complicated, we can prepare a will to take those situations into account.

Wills, like all legal documents, may need to be reviewed from time to time, so that it continues to reflect your wishes and circumstances. A living will (or power of attorney) may also help manage decisions about your health or assets during your lifetime.

Whatever your circumstances, please contact us to discuss will writing, inheritance planning and powers of attorney.