Make a will

It is sensible for everyone to make a will and, having made one, to keep it up-to-date.

Why should I make a will?

By making a will you can ensure:

  • Your assets are received by who you choose, not distributed according to formulas set by the government.
  • Your children are cared for how you want.
  • The process of administering your estate is easier for your loved ones.
  • Your estate does not pay more inheritance tax than necessary.

Do I need a solicitor to make a will?

It is important that you receive legal advice when making a will to ensure:

  • The will is written so that it is legally valid and executed properly.
  • All relevant issues are addressed.
  • Your wishes are clear
  • You do not inadvertently create technical problems for your executors to resolve.
  • You know the tax consequences of your decisions.

 

How long does it take to make will?

For most Wills we only need one simple appointment or phone call to take your instructions on what you want the Will to say.  This usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes.   After that appointment, we will send a draft of your Will within 7-14 days so that you can make sure you’re happy with everything. If you need to make changes, you can do so at no extra cost.   As soon as you have confirmed that you are happy with everything, we will prepare the original Will and meet you to sign it, usually within a week.

Altogether, we usually estimate that it will take 2-3 weeks to make a will from when you first contact us, but if needed it can be made much quicker.

How much does it cost to make a will?

We charge a fixed fee for a Will.  Unless something about your Will is unusually complex, we will charge you the following fixed fees:

  • Single Will: £250 + VAT; or
  • Two mirror Wills: £400 + VAT