Having a valid Will in place ensures that your loved ones will benefit from your estate in the way that you want when the time comes. It means that you can safeguard your assets, structure your estate in the most efficient way possible and make choices over issues such as the age of inheritance and who to appoint as your executors. Working with a Will writing solicitor can prevent common pitfalls from happening.
At Toner Legal, we can guide you through the Will-making process, ensuring that you have the right provisions for your circumstances. We will discuss what you want to achieve and explain the various options to you, answering your questions and giving you clear explanations as needed.
We have substantial expertise in drafting Wills, including in complex and non-traditional circumstances and for clients with high-value estates and business interests.
To speak to one of our expert Wills solicitors, call our team on 0207 118 9218 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will contact you.
Why is a Will important?
Some of the main reasons for making a Will are:
Financial security for your beneficiaries – your Will can provide for your loved ones in the future, ensuring that they have support.
Protecting your assets – in some cases, it may be beneficial to leave assets in trust to protect them for the next generation. For example, you may want to leave your share of your home to your spouse or partner for their lifetime but also ensure that they cannot leave it to someone else. A life interest means that once your spouse or partner no longer needs the property, your share will pass to your chosen beneficiaries.
Appointing guardians and trustees – if you have minor children, your Will can appoint a guardian to care for them should they be left without a parent. You can also name trustees to manage any money you leave in trust.
Deciding on the age of inheritance – you can specify at what age you want your children to inherit. This does not have to be 18, and you may feel that this is too young for them to receive a large sum of money.
Reducing the risk of disputes – there is an increased risk of disagreement between family members when someone dies without leaving a Will. If you put a clear Will in place, your loved ones will have the reassurance of knowing exactly what you wanted.
Will Writing Solicitor – Our FAQs
Do you need a solicitor to make a Will?
You are strongly advised to use an experienced Will writing solicitor when making a Will. It is a complex area of law, and there are strict rules surrounding issues such as the wording, witnessing and execution of Wills. If a Will is not drafted by a professional, it could easily be unclear or ambiguous, which can cause disputes after a death. Wills disputes have a reputation for being very damaging to family relationships, as well as being lengthy and expensive.
If you ask us to draft your Will, we will go through everything with you, explaining your options and advising you on the best way to structure your estate. This will take into account issues like Inheritance Tax, as well as ensuring that your assets are safeguarded for your beneficiaries.
What happens if you do not have a Will?
When someone dies intestate, or without a valid Will, the Rules of Intestacy apply to their estate. These rules set out who will inherit, in a fixed order of priority. If the deceased had a spouse or civil partner and children, the spouse will inherit all personal possessions and the first £322,000 of the net estate. The remainder is then split in two, with one half going to the spouse and the other half divided equally between the children. (Please note: the statutory legacy amount is correct as of April 2025, but it is subject to change.)
This means that children may inherit far less than you might expect, which may not reflect your intentions. A cohabiting partner and stepchildren are not entitled to anything under the intestacy rules and would need to make a legal claim for financial provision, which can be stressful, expensive, and uncertain.
There is also an increased risk of disputes if someone dies without a Will, as different family members may have opposing ideas of what the deceased wanted to happen.
Who should I appoint as an executor in my Will?
The role of executor can be complex, and it is important to choose someone you believe is up to the task. It is common for an executor to instruct a solicitor to handle the estate administration, but you still need to ensure that they will have the time and capacity to deal with matters. It can be better to appoint someone younger to make sure there is a good chance they will be able to take on the role.
We can discuss this with you if necessary, as well as the options of appointing more than one executor or choosing a professional executor.
Does everyone need a Will?
We strongly believe that everyone should have a valid Will. Even if you believe you are too young or you do not have sufficient assets to leave, a Will gives your family the reassurance of knowing that you were thinking of them and what your wishes were.
Having a Will in place can give you the peace of mind of protecting your loved ones as far as possible and making the right plans for them for the future. Working with a Will writing solicitor takes out the guess work.
Contact A Will Writing Solicitor
If you need a Will or you would like your existing Will reviewed and updated, contact us today and we will be happy to help.
To speak to one of our expert Wills solicitors, call our team on 0207 118 9218 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will contact you.