Wills & Trusts Solicitors
“Had a small task that they dealt with quickly and for a small fee that no other law firm in Southampton that I contacted could, or could be bothered to, deal with.”
Estate Planning Solicitors for Wills & Trusts
Making a Will gives you peace of mind that your wishes will be respected, and your legacy is left in the right hands for when you pass. We understand that there’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning your estate, and it can be all too easy to put off. However, having a Will in place removes any ambiguities for your loved ones when the time comes for your funeral and distribution of your estate.
We provide advice in plain English, with hassle-free guidance from the outset. Your personal Wills & Trusts Solicitor will get to know you as an individual and understand your circumstances so that you receive a bespoke service. We understand from experience that everyone and their estate is different from the next, so whatever the reasons for you wanting to make a Will, we will work towards protecting your wishes and assets in a personalised and watertight document.
Depending on your estate and what you want to achieve, we can advise on a number of Trust Wills that provide extra protection. We often work with varied types of estate, pensions, and other valuable commodities that you may want to put in a Trust, and your Will can establish how that Trust is released. It’s also recommended to distribute your estate while you’re alive if your estate reaches the inheritance tax threshold, which is highly likely if your estate contains property. There are a number of ways to reduce inheritance tax liability, or even avoid it altogether. We can advise you on these and make a thorough plan for your estate as part of our Wills & Trusts packages.
Three easy steps to Making a Will
Step 1) Answer our simple questions
You will receive a form that makes the process quick and easy. It will explore your assets, liabilities, and your family circumstances, so that we are clear on what you have and who you want to leave it to. Rest assured, we’ll be there to talk you through it. It can be all too easy to overlook the assets in your estate and leave something out. You might find that you have assets that you didn’t think you could leave in a Will. That’s why we’re here to help. We can work around you and guide you through it in person or over the phone, which normally takes around 30 minutes.
Step 2) Draft the Will
One of our experts will begin drafting the Will using your instructions and understanding your circumstances. We’ll talk you through it, explaining any legal jargon so that you can fully understand every eventuality. Once you’re happy to proceed with your Will, we’ll need to organise a Witness.
Step 3) Sign the Will
To make the Will legally binding, you will need to sign it, with any partners if the Will is mirrored. You will also need two witness signatures which cannot be anyone named in the Will. We can help you with this if you can’t think of anyone.
When the deal is sealed, you might want to think about storing copies. It’s best to keep as many copies as possible, especially with your Executor and any beneficiaries. You can also store a copy with us for a one-off fee of £20.
FAQ’s
What happens if I die without a Will?
Although you are not required to make a Will by law, not having one in place can cause problems for your relatives. In England and Wales, the law decides who gets what if you die without a Will, which defines that spouses and children will get a percentage of any property and assets. Your relatives will also be liable to paying inheritance tax, which is 40% of the estates’ value if it is worth £325,000 or more. If you have no living family members, all your assets will go to the government or the Crown.
There also comes the possibility of disputes within the family, and not having the necessary guidance when it comes to your funeral.
Even if you think you don’t have enough to pass down, your circumstances can always change in the future. Some people unexpectedly inherit assets from a distant relative who had a Will, so it is worth doing.
What is an Executor?
An executor is a person you nominate in your Will to carry out your wishes after you pass. Executors will need to provide certain organisations with your death certificate and usually arrange your funeral. They will also obtain the Grant of Probate so that they can gather the details of your assets and liabilities, pay any debts, and distribute your estate to your chosen beneficiaries.
How much does a Will cost?
This can vary depending on the type of Will you require and on the complexity of your estate. We will always be transparent with you on any costs; however, you can view our prices here.
What about Care Home fees?
Our Wills & Trusts Solicitors can help you protect your assets from care homes fees with a specialist trust. We will explore these with you if you have any concerns.
FAQ’s
What happens if I die without a Will?
Although you are not required to make a Will by law, not having one in place can cause problems for your relatives. In England and Wales, the law decides who gets what if you die without a Will, which defines that spouses and children will get a percentage of any property and assets. Your relatives will also be liable to paying inheritance tax, which is 40% of the estates’ value if it is worth £325,000 or more. If you have no living family members, all your assets will go to the government or the Crown.
There also comes the possibility of disputes within the family, and not having the necessary guidance when it comes to your funeral.
Even if you think you don’t have enough to pass down, your circumstances can always change in the future. Some people unexpectedly inherit assets from a distant relative who had a Will, so it is worth doing.
What is an Executor?
An executor is a person you nominate in your Will to carry out your wishes after you pass. Executors will need to provide certain organisations with your death certificate and usually arrange your funeral. They will also obtain the Grant of Probate so that they can gather the details of your assets and liabilities, pay any debts, and distribute your estate to your chosen beneficiaries.
How much does a Will cost?
This can vary depending on the type of Will you require and on the complexity of your estate. We will always be transparent with you on any costs; however, you can view our prices here.
What about Care Home fees?
Our Wills & Trusts Solicitors can help you protect your assets from care homes fees with a specialist trust. We will explore these with you if you have any concerns.
