Will Writing Solicitors

FAQs

Why do I need to make a will?

By making a will, you can ensure that your estate, and the gifts you wish to pass on to your loved ones in the event of your death, are administered to them at the right time. A will can also be a way of reducing the amount of tax you pay, including Inheritance Tax.

If you do not make a will, your assets will be distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy, meaning the law will dictate who will benefit from your estate. The law relating to intestacy does not recognise common law spouses or step children; as such, if you die intestate, your common law spouse or stepchildren will get nothing.

Administration of an estate is often complicated and dying intestate will only put further stress on those who are left behind. The legal process is more involved and therefore more expensive.

What happens if I don’t have a will drafted?

If you don’t have a will drafted and die without one in place, then the government will decide who gets what (for those living in England and Wales). If you have children under 18 years old and haven’t made your wishes known with a will, other people will be able to take care of important decisions involving them.

What is the will writing process?

The will writing process may seem complicated initially, but if approached correctly, it can be stress-free and efficient. We have produced a guide exploring the process of making a will, which can be viewed here.

Can I include funeral decisions in my will?

Yes, although this will just be an expression of a wish and is not legally binding on your executors. You can include as much detail about your funeral wishes in your will as you would like.

What should I include in my will if I have young children?

Writing a will when you have young children is incredibly important, as you need to consider who you would like to look after them if you die. If they are under 18, you can then appoint a guardian for them in your will. This will only take effect if there is no one else with parental responsibility over your children when you die.

Young children can also be included as beneficiaries in wills, and you are able to decide what age you want them to have access to their inheritance. This is typically at ages 18, 21, or 25 and, until they reach that age, their inheritance will be held in a trust. You can appoint people called trustees who will manage this on your children’s behalf.

Can I be a beneficiary and an executor of a will?

Yes, there is absolutely no reason why anyone benefiting from a will cannot also be an executor. The individual will need to be over 18 years of age and willing to be an executor. It’s important that you have this conversation with the friends or family members involved first.

WHY CHOOSE US?

By choosing Ramsdens Solicitors to help you write your will, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with utmost care and sensitivity. We are a Law Society-accredited solicitor, and have also been ranked in the Legal 500. Our expertise means you can rely on the highest standard of legal advice throughout the will writing process.

We provide:

• A free consultation
• A friendly, confidential service
• Fast responses to all communication
• Specialist solicitors to handle your case

Find out more about our awards and accreditations.