Having a Will is crucial for everyone, but this is nowhere more apparent than if you have recently separated from your partner. Some of the many benefits of re-drawing or preparing a new Will are set out below:-

1. Control over distribution of your assets: Without a Will, intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed. This may result in your spouse or estranged family members inheriting a significant portion of your estate, despite your wishes.
2. Protecting your wishes and minor children: A Will allows you to specify who you would like to inherit your estate, including children and other family members, friends or charities close to your heart. You can also specify how assets are to be held for minor children, and determine who will look after both your children and your assets in the meantime. This is crucial if your previous arrangements favoured your partner, and your separation means you would like to amend these arrangements.
3. Avoiding legal complications: Separation does not automatically disqualify a spouse from inheriting from your estate or acting as your executor. If you die without a Will, your spouse will likely still have a legal claim to your estate leading to potential disputes and legal challenges among surviving family members.
4. Allowing you to leave something to your ex-spouse: divorce does not cancel an existing Will, however in the event of divorce any reference to your ex-spouse will be treated as if they pre-deceased you, so that the gift to them (or appointment as executor) will fail. This is not always the intention, and an ex-spouse can still be an important part of your life, you may wish to make provision for them.
5. Clarifying intentions: A Will provides clear instructions on how you would like your estate to be handled, reducing ambiguity and potential conflicts. A well drafted side letter explaining your wishes can also provide clarity to your beneficiaries and sometimes more importantly, those who you do not wish to benefit!
6. Ease of probate: A well-drafted Will can streamline and simplify the probate process (if necessary), making it easier for your executor to manage and distribute your assets according to your clear wishes.
7. Financial security for Dependents: In a Will, you can ensure that dependents, such as children or elderly parents, are provided for according to your intentions.

Overall having an up-to-date Will ensures that your current wishes are respected and that your assets are managed and your dependants supported in a way that aligns with your present circumstances, rather than being subject to outdated arrangements or default laws.

Why speak to us?

Consulting with a qualified solicitor (as opposed to a Will writer or using a DIY will pack from a stationer) means that many issues which might otherwise be overlooked can be addressed and dealt with including any pensions. This can also result in significant inheritance tax savings for your estate.

A solicitor is also highly regulated (meaning the risk of “cowboys” or poor advice is significantly reduced) and our comprehensive insurance cover (often not held by Will writers and not available for DIY wills) means that even in the unlikely event something does go wrong, your beneficiaries will still be protected.

We have heard of many will writers who offer wills for very low prices (as little as £19.99) but who then add on extortionate fees (thousands of pounds in some instances) to incorporate trusts and other devices which aren’t necessary and which sometimes actually create additional complications for beneficiaries after your death.

How much will it cost?

A straightforward Will is likely to cost around £295 + VAT, but it will cost more if trusts or other arrangements need to be made. It would be very unusual for a Will to cost more than £1,000 except for complex or high value estates.