Wills Drafting

Expert guidance for creating a will tailored to your needs.

Personalised Will Drafting

Tailored wills to reflect your unique wishes and circumstances.

Estate Planning Advice

Comprehensive strategies to protect your assets and loved ones.

Legal Support

Experienced lawyers to guide you through the will-making process.

Wills and Estates

Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected. At Laws Bureau, our experienced lawyers can guide you through the process and draft a Will tailored to your personal circumstances.

Whether you own property, have children, or simply want peace of mind, a valid Will ensures your estate is handled according to your wishes—not left to the rules of intestacy.

Why You Need a Will

Without a Will, strict legal rules decide who inherits your estate. This may not reflect your wishes or protect the people who matter most to you. By making a Will, you can:

• Decide exactly who inherits your money, property, and possessions

• Protect unmarried partners or partners not in a civil partnership (who otherwise have no automatic rights)

• Appoint guardians for your children under 18

• Reduce inheritance tax through careful planning

• Update arrangements when your life changes (e.g. divorce, remarriage, or new children)

Common Mistakes Without Legal Advice

DIY or unregulated Wills can cause major problems later. Common errors include:

• Not following the correct signing and witnessing process (making the Will invalid)

• Forgetting to include certain property or assets

• Not planning for what happens if a beneficiary dies before you

• Failing to update your Will after marriage, divorce, or civil partnership changes

• Overlooking the rights of dependants who could make a claim against your estate

Sorting out mistakes after your death can cost your family time, stress, and significant legal fees.

When Professional Advice is Essential

You should always use a lawyer if:

• You share property with someone who isn’t your spouse or civil partner

• You want to provide for a dependant with special needs

• You have children from different relationships

• You own property abroad or your permanent home is outside the UK

• You run a business

What to Include in Your Will

When preparing your Will, think about:

• Your money, property, and belongings

• Who you want to inherit (your beneficiaries)

• Charitable gifts, if any

• Guardians for your children

• Who should act as your executors (the people who carry out your wishes)

Executors – Choosing the Right People

Executors are responsible for collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate. You can appoint up to 4, though 2 is most common. Executors can be:

• Relatives or friends

• A lawyer or accountant

• A bank or professional trustee

Choose carefully, as it is a role of responsibility. Always check they are willing to act before naming them.

Requirements for a Valid Will

To be legally valid, a Will must:

• Be made by someone aged 18 or over, of sound mind, and acting voluntarily

• Be written and signed in the presence of two independent witnesses

• Be signed by the witnesses in the presence of the person making the Will

Witnesses (and their spouses) cannot benefit under the Will.

Updating or Changing Your Will

Life changes—your Will should too. You should review your Will after:

• Marriage, remarriage, or civil partnership

• Divorce or separation

• The birth or adoption of children

You cannot simply amend an old Will. Changes must be made either through:

• A codicil (for minor updates), or

• A new Will (recommended for major changes)

Where to Keep Your Will

Your Will should be stored safely, such as:

• At home (in a fireproof safe if possible)

• With your lawyer

• At your bank

It should never be attached to other documents. Make sure your executors know where to find it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Will if I don’t own much?
Yes. Even small estates can cause disputes without a Will.

What happens if I die without a Will?
Your estate will be divided under the rules of intestacy, which may exclude unmarried partners or step-children.

Can I write my own Will?
You can, but mistakes are common. It’s always safer to have a lawyer draft or check your Will.

How often should I review my Will?
Every 3–5 years, or whenever your circumstances change significantly.

Where should I keep my Will?
With your lawyer, at your bank, or in a safe place at home. Executors must know where it is stored.

We can help you prepare a legally watertight Will that protects your family and your assets.

📞 Call us today on +447831533143 or complete our Online Enquiry Form – and let us help you move forward with confidence.

Creating my will was straightforward and gave me peace of mind for my family.

Jenny D.

★★★★★