Will Writing Solicitors in Birmingham, Northampton and London

As Featured In

If a person dies without a will (intestate), the distribution of their estate is determined by the laws of intestacy in their jurisdiction. This process varies, but generally, the estate is distributed among close relatives such as spouses, children, and other next of kin according to a predefined legal hierarchy. The lack of a will can lead to complications, potential disputes, and the possibility that the deceased’s wishes may not be accurately reflected in the distribution of assets. Creating a will allows individuals to have control over the disposition of their estate and provides clarity for their loved ones.

Are you in need of a will? Contact our will-writing solicitors in London, Birmingham and Northampton on 0300 303 2071 today. Alternatively, feel free to send us an email at info@witansolicitors.co.uk.

How We Can Help

At Witan Solicitors, we have decades of experience in will writing, so if you wish to make or review your Will, our solicitors are fully qualified and have the necessary experience to deal with your matter. We are members of the Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners (STEP), the Private Client Section of the Law Society and the Solicitors for the Elderly, and we have the Regional Coordinator for the East Midlands Region on our team.

We specialise in preparing wills that comply with the STEP Code and we can advise on all matters relating to Wills, such as:

• Will Writing
• Will Reviews
• Inheritance Tax Planning & Trusts
• Residential and Nursing Home Fee advice
• Managing overseas assets
• Powers of Attorney

Our Will solicitors will ensure that all your personal affairs are dealt with correctly and efficiently. To discuss making your will with a solicitor, get in touch with us on 0300 303 2071 to book an initial consultation face-to-face or over the phone.

Our Will Writing Service

At Witan Solicitor, we can make sure that your family is protected and your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death by making a Will. Our experienced will-writing solicitors based in Birmingham, London and Northampton can help you create a legally binding Will and regularly review it to ensure your legacy is secured.

Complex Circumstances and High-Value Estates

Navigate the intricacies of complex circumstances and high-value estates with confidence, backed by the expertise of our will-writing solicitors. In situations where precision and strategic insight are paramount, our skilled solicitors are indispensable. Whether you’re dealing with intricate family dynamics, substantial assets, or intricate legal structures, our team excels in providing tailored solutions. Employ our services when faced with contested wills, intricate tax considerations, business ownership complexities, or international estate matters. Entrust us to safeguard your interests, ensuring the seamless and optimal resolution of high-value estate affairs. When the stakes are high, our solicitors are your steadfast allies, dedicated to delivering exceptional legal support.

Do We Offer a Home Will-Writing Service?

Simplify your legacy planning with our convenient home will-writing service in Northampton. Our expert team ensures a hassle-free experience, guiding you through the process from the comfort of your Northampton home. Secure your family’s future with a professionally crafted will that reflects your wishes.

Sharia-Compliant Islamic Wills

Our solicitors specialise in drafting Sharia-compliant Islamic Wills, ensuring alignment with Islamic principles in asset distribution, inheritance shares, and other provisions. With personalised consultations, our solicitors create legally sound and culturally sensitive documents that reflect clients’ wishes in accordance with Islamic law.

Why Do You Need to Make a Will

Having a Will written by a professional solicitor can bring great certainty to your loved ones and ensure your estate is distributed in the way you have decided.

If you don’t have a Will when you pass away, according to the law in England and Wales, the rules of intestacy would apply. The rules of intestacy set out a legal formula and hierarchy for the division of your assets (money, property and other possessions). If you don’t have any living relatives, everything you own will become the property of the Crown. If you have children under 18, who they live with, where they study and their finances will be managed by others.

Making a Will allows you to take control of the distribution of your property and the future of those you care about the most. Having a well-written, up-to-date Will minimises the risk of family disputes, reduces your tax liability and ensures that your possessions are not inherited by someone you wouldn’t have wished to have them.

The Benefits of Having a Will

By making a will, you can ensure that your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, property, guardianship of dependents, and other important decisions are legally recognised and followed after your passing. Additionally, having a will can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones, streamline the probate process, and minimise the potential for disputes among heirs.

What to Include in a Will

A Will is a legally binding document that allows you to: 

• Appoint guardians – those are the people who will take care of your children until they turn 18
• Appoint executors –  those are the people you choose to carry out your Will 
• List beneficiaries – those whom you would like your estate to go to (people, charities etc)
• Leave legacies – those are specific gifts that you leave for your loved ones (items, money)
• Create trusts – make arrangements for trustees chosen by you to help distribute assets to vulnerable beneficiaries and protect your assets in the long run
• Funeral wishes – state any particular wishes about your funeral arrangements 

Your Will will differ in length and content depending on your financial and personal situation. Our will-writing solicitors will offer advice and guidance on everything that your Will needs to cover so that all your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Changing Your Existing Will

A will is a crucial legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets and the care of your dependents after your death. However, life circumstances and legal requirements may change, necessitating a review and potential revision of your existing will. 

Individuals may need to review their wills based on:

• Change in Family Circumstances
• Financial Changes
• Relocation
• Changes in Executors or Guardians
• Changes in Legislation
• Business Ownership
• Charitable Intentions
• Health Changes
• Reviewing Beneficiary Designations

Why You Should Have Your Will Reviewed

Your Will should undergo a thorough review at least every five years to ensure that it is up to date. If there are any significant changes in your life, your Will may need to be reviewed sooner. Situations in your personal circumstances that could warrant a Will review include:

• Birth or death in the family that would prompt a change of beneficiaries 
• Marriage or divorce (re-marriage automatically revokes any existing Wills)
• If you come into an inheritance
• Buying or selling land or property mentioned in your Will 

For more examples, check out our list of 22 reasons to make or review your will. If you find yourself in a similar situation, our team of will writing solicitors will be there to offer their expertise and ensure your Will is legally binding.

Contesting or Defending a Will

Are you facing challenges regarding a will? Whether you’re contesting or defending, navigating the complexities of probate law can be daunting. Our expert legal team is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need. We specialise in contesting and defending wills, ensuring that your rights are protected and the legal process is handled with precision. Trust us to meticulously examine the details of your case, offering strategic advice and representation tailored to your unique situation. Let our experienced professionals guide you through the process to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Our solicitors also specialise in Lasting Power of Attorney. Whether you’re planning for incapacity or seeking to manage affairs on behalf of a loved one, our experienced team provides expert guidance. We streamline the LPA process, offering personalised advice and ensuring your documents meet legal requirements. Rely on us to navigate the complexities of granting and managing powers effectively, providing you with peace of mind and a robust legal foundation for decision-making.

Will Writing and Mental Capacity

Our will-writing service extends to making wills and addressing concerns surrounding mental capacity concerns. Ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones and be guided by our expert solicitors. We can help you navigate the intricacies of will creation, ensuring every detail reflects your wishes. We also provide comprehensive support in navigating mental capacity issues and addressing concerns related to the ability to make decisions. 

Testamentary capacity, a critical aspect of will-making, is meticulously considered by our team, guaranteeing that you are of sound mind and fully comprehend the implications of your decisions. Rely on our expertise to create a legally sound and mentally secure foundation for your will, tailored to your unique circumstances.

Why Choose Witan Solicitors?

At Witan Solicitors, we understand that your Will is your legacy and we are committed to ensuring your wishes are honoured after your death. We are here to give you peace of mind knowing that your loved ones are protected when you are gone. 

• Solicitors with over 100+ years of experience 
• Honest and clear advice 
• Legal matters explained in simple terms 
• Experience with complex Wills and overseas assets
• Solicitors with the highest industry qualifications 
• Efficient and reliable legal advice
• Premium quality Will writing service

FAQ

Can I change my Will once it’s been written?

Yes, you can update your Will as many times as you like as your circumstances change. In fact, we advise you to review your Will every 5 years or less to ensure that it is up to date.

Where should I keep my Will?

Your Will should be kept in a secure location. You can instruct us to assist you in keeping the original of your Will in a safe place. We recommend original Wills should be registered and stored with the National Will Registry provided by Certainty (Certainty – The National Will Register). 

Does my partner inherit my assets automatically if we live together?

In the UK, unmarried couples don’t have the same rights as married couples in the eyes of the law. Therefore, even if you have lived with your partner for a long time, they will not automatically inherit your assets when you die, unless you have specified so in your Will. 

What is a Mirror Will?

If you and someone else would like to leave your assets to one another when one of you passes away, we can make a Mirror Will to reflect your wishes. 

Do I need to have my Will written by a solicitor?

Writing your Will on your own exposes you to legal loopholes and opens the door to family disputes. With expert Will writing from Witan Solicitors, you can rest assured that your family is protected and your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. 

How much does Will writing cost?

We offer Will writing services in Birmingham, London and Northampton, starting from£345 plus VAT for standard simple single Wills. We typically charge £595 plus VAT for a pair of mirror Wills. 

If the wills are more complex the costs may increase, as an indication the following charges would apply in addition the costs of basic wills outlined above:

How can I create a will?

You can create a will by either seeking legal advice from a solicitor or using a reputable will-writing service. It’s essential to ensure that your will complies with legal requirements to be valid.

What are the associated costs of making a will?

Costs for making a will vary, with solicitors typically charging a fee. Will-writing services may offer fixed fees. Prices can depend on the complexity of the will and the expertise of the professional assisting you.

What considerations should be taken into account during the will-making process?

Considerations include appointing an executor, specifying beneficiaries, distributing assets, addressing guardianship for minors, and reviewing and updating the will as circumstances change.

Is it possible to have my will stored by someone?

Yes, it is possible to store your will with a solicitor, a bank, or the government’s official will storage service. Inform your executor of the storage location and keep a copy for yourself.

What kinds of gifts can I include in my will?

You can include various gifts in your will, such as specific assets, monetary amounts, or a percentage of your estate. It is essential to clearly define these gifts in your will.

Can the executor of a will also be named as a beneficiary?

Yes, the executor of a will can also be named as a beneficiary. However, this situation should be carefully considered and clearly documented in the will to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Is having a will necessary if I don’t own a house?

Having a will is advisable regardless of homeownership. It allows you to express your wishes regarding asset distribution, guardianship of dependents, and other important matters.

What if I have no assets to leave behind?

Even if you have no assets, a will can still be valuable for expressing funeral preferences, appointing guardians for children, and providing clarity for your loved ones.

Are there any suggestions for drafting a will when you have young children?

Consider appointing a guardian, establishing trusts for minors, and specifying how assets should be managed on behalf of your children. Regularly review and update the will as circumstances change.

Can I express my funeral wishes in my will?

Yes, you can use your will to express your funeral wishes, although it is advisable to communicate these preferences with your loved ones as well.

Will a will assist in safeguarding my home from potential care home fees?

A will alone may not protect your home from care home fees. Seek legal advice to explore options such as property trusts for potential asset protection.

I’m not married to my partner; should I still create a will?

Yes, it is advisable to create a will, especially if you have specific wishes regarding your partner’s inheritance. Unmarried partners do not automatically inherit from each other under intestacy laws.

How does marriage impact an existing will?

Marriage generally revokes a will unless it was made in contemplation of marriage. It is crucial to review and update your will after marriage to reflect your current intentions.

Can any of my beneficiaries act as a witness during the will-making process?

No, beneficiaries or their spouses cannot act as witnesses to the signing of the will. Witnesses should be impartial and not benefit from the will.

Can I designate Witan as my executor?

Yes, you can designate Witan as your executor, but it is recommended to seek legal advice and ensure that the chosen executor is willing and capable of fulfilling the role.

Can my will be legally contested?

Yes, a will can be contested on various grounds, including lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. Seeking professional legal advice during the drafting process can help minimise the risk of challenges.

What does the term “undue influence” mean in the context of will writing?

“Undue influence” refers to situations where external pressure or coercion is applied to the testator, impacting their free will in making decisions within the will. Such influence can render the will invalid, and legal advice is crucial to address and prevent this issue.