Making a will is one of the most important legal steps you can take to protect your family and estate. Our will writing solicitors guide you through the process carefully, ensuring your wishes are properly recorded and legally valid.
In England & Wales, if you die without a valid will, the rules of intestacy apply – which may not reflect your wishes on who inherits what.
Whether you are making your first will or updating an existing will, we take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options and help you make informed decisions. Every will we write is bespoke – from straightforward fixed fee arrangements to more complex estates involving property, business interests or blended families.
When preparing your will, you will usually need to consider:
Our will writing solicitors make this process feel structured and manageable while taking care of what matters most to you.
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Making a will is straightforward when guided by experienced solicitors. We ensure each stage is clear and tailored to your circumstances.
Solicitors help to prevent mistakes in wording, structure or execution that cause serious problems later. An invalid or unclear will can lead to delay, disputes or unintended outcomes.
By working with experienced will writing solicitors, you benefit from:
A professionally drafted will provides certainty and helps reduce the risk of complications for your loved ones.
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Our private client team combines technical expertise with calm and clear communication.
Clients appreciate that we:
We are trusted by individuals, couples and families who want to ensure their affairs are properly structured and legally sound.
If you are ready to make your will, our team are here to guide you through the process with clarity and care. We will explain each step, answer your questions and ensure your wishes are properly documented.
Can I change my will later?
Yes, you can change your will at any time provided you have mental capacity. Minor amendments may sometimes be made using a codicil, which is a supplementary document read alongside your existing will. However, where changes are more substantial, preparing a new will is usually clearer and safer.Life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, acquiring property or changes in financial circumstances should prompt a review. Regular reviews help ensure your will continues to reflect your wishes and remains aligned with wider estate planning.
How long does it take to prepare a will?
It depends on the complexity of your circumstances and the decisions involved. A straightforward will can often be prepared within a relatively short timeframe once we have your full instructions. More complex estates involving trusts, business interests, overseas assets or inheritance tax planning may take longer, particularly if detailed structuring is required.We take time to understand your family position and financial arrangements before drafting. At the outset, we explain the likely stages, timeframes and next steps clearly so you feel informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Is a handwritten will valid?
Yes, a handwritten will can be legally valid in England, provided it meets the required formalities. It must be signed by the person making it and properly witnessed by two independent adults present at the same time. However, handwritten wills often contain unclear wording, ambiguous gifts or signing errors. Even small technical mistakes can cause significant problems after death, including disputes or the will being declared invalid. For that reason, professional drafting helps ensure your intentions are clear, legally effective and less vulnerable to challenge.
What happens if I marry after making a will?
Marriage usually revokes an existing will unless it was specifically drafted in contemplation of that particular marriage. If your will is revoked, the intestacy rules may apply unless you prepare a new one. This can lead to outcomes that do not reflect your intentions, particularly in blended families or where children from previous relationships are involved. It is important to review your will before or shortly after marriage to ensure it remains valid and structured in a way that protects the people you wish to benefit.
What if I do not have a valid will when I die?
If you die without a valid will, the intestacy rules determine who inherits your estate. These rules follow a strict order of priority based on family relationships. Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit, regardless of how long you have lived together. Children inherit at 18, which may not be appropriate in every situation. The outcome can differ significantly from what you would have chosen yourself.Dying without a will can also increase the risk of delay, uncertainty and disputes during the estate administration process.
What makes a will legally valid?
For a will to be legally valid in England, it must be in writing, signed by the person making it and witnessed by two independent adults who are present at the same time. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries, or married to beneficiaries, as this can affect gifts made to them. The person making the will must also have mental capacity and understand the nature and effect of the document. If any of these requirements are not met properly, the will may be invalid, meaning the intestacy rules could apply instead.
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Please note we cannot offer legal aid.
