We get to know our clients, their businesses and their families, and we’re with them every step of the journey.
We work proactively to identify solutions that provide absolute protection, now and in the future.
To help you think about the type of funeral you would like, we have developed this questionnaire.
Making a Will
Making a Will may appear daunting, but you need to think about how much worse it could be if you died without having one in place.
If you don’t have a valid Will, the state dictates what happens to your estate on your death, and these rules will not always provide for your loved ones in the way you might expect. This can leave your family facing a more stressful situation than would otherwise have been the case, at the same time as having to cope with grief and loss.
If you want to make the decisions about the distribution of your assets on death, our expert Will drafting solicitors can help you plan ahead, to ensure your family receive the inheritance you wish them to.
Why make (or update) a Will?
Whatever your age, if you have children, if you own any assets (e.g. a house, a business, savings or investments), whether you are married, single, cohabiting or in a civil partnership, you need to consider making a Will.
There are many reasons why.
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Children
If you have children under the age of 18, you can appoint guardians to look after them and ensure they are provided for financially.
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Property
If you own any property as ‘tenants in common’ a surviving joint owner (whether your spouse, partner, or indeed a business partner) will not automatically inherit your share, unless you have made a Will which makes this provision.
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Unmarried couples
There is NO SUCH THING in English law as a ‘common law’ husband or wife, so your surviving partner has no entitlement to any of your assets if you haven’t got a Will.
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Change in circumstances
If you marry, divorce, or have children.
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Funeral plans
By documenting your wishes and other relevant information, it will save your family and loved ones from making tough decisions at such a difficult time. It will also help your executors, if they are not family or friends, deal with your funeral plans in the way that you would want, after you have passed.
To help you think about the type of funeral you would like, we have developed this questionnaire. Preparing this now will give you peace of mind.
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Business
Do you want to wind down your involvement in your business? You may be considering provision or succession for your children – one who has followed you into the family business, with the others pursuing other career goals. How does the original partnership make plans, is it enough to simply change existing Wills to reflect what you wish on a personal and business level, or is something more required?
We frequently work with our corporate and commercial team to provide bespoke solutions for our business clients’ in respect of their personal matters. With our expertise in complex and technical matters, we can ensure that valuable tax reliefs are not lost and offer succession planning advice for the next generation.
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Inheritance tax
You can minimise the amount payable.
How much will it cost to make a Will?
The cost of your Will depends on the complexity of your affairs and the level of advice needed. We can provide fixed fees for Wills and will discuss the cost with you at your initial appointment or by phone following your enquiry.
Let us help you draw up your Will
Our team of dedicated Wills, estates, tax & trusts solicitors help ensure that your wishes are carried out and that correct provisions have been made.
With our expert advice and knowledge, we can:
Draw up your Will, making provisions for those people who are important to you
Help and advise on inheritance tax issues and asset protection
Arrange the signing of your Will
Ensure your Will is kept in a safe place
Help review your Will, should your circumstances change
Quick contact form
Submit an enquiry and one of our team of experts will be in touch as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
Or call the Wills team on 01522 515971
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Partner Sarah Adams 01472 262624 -
Partner Lesley Archer 01482 398390 -
Partner Monika Bone 01904 688513 -
Partner & Head of Wills, Estates & Tax Planning Lucy Butterfint 01507 430622 -
Partner Laura Fahy 01482 398822 -
Partner Emma Hamilton 01482 337220 -
Partner Paul Horton 01522 515954 -
Partner Lisa-Jane Howes 01522 515971 -
Partner John Lane 01904 688506 -
Senior Associate Victoria Baker 01507 430604 -
Senior Associate Sue Brad 01904 688504 -
Senior Associate Kate Cowling 01472 330369 -
Senior Associate Daniel McCloud 01482 398371 -
Senior Associate Sally Vickers 01507 350166 -
Solicitor Shanneece Brightman 01522 515955 -
Solicitor Amy Murphy 01482 398374 -
Solicitor Jack Newall-Swallow 01472 265985 -
Senior Associate Lindsey Rhodes 01482 398389 -
Solicitor Rebecca Treece 01522 515986 -
Solicitor Alexandra Vilbergsdottir 01522 313512 -
Trainee Solicitor Amy Maden 01482 425816 -
Chartered Legal Executive Benna Noton 01472 246676 -
Senior Paralegal Donna Aslett 01472 246659 -
Legal Assistant Gavin Blakeston 01482 398832 -
Paralegal Lauren Cooper 01472 253933 -
Senior Paralegal Louise Dale 01507 464086 -
Paralegal Tom Taylor 01482 410810 -
Paralegal Leanne Watson 01472 330350 -
Paralegal Eleanor Webster 01482 398398