Wills
Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out. Whether you are preparing your first Will or reviewing existing arrangements, our experienced solicitors provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
Protecting Your Family, Your Wishes and Your Future
Making a Will is about much more than deciding who inherits your assets.
A professionally drafted Will helps ensure your wishes are carried out, your loved ones are provided for and important decisions are made by people you trust. It can also help reduce uncertainty, minimise the risk of disputes and provide clarity for those you leave behind.
Whether you are creating your first Will, updating an existing Will following a change in circumstances or seeking advice on protecting your family's future, Eaton Smith's Personal Legal Planning team can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your needs.
Most People Assume Things Will "Just Sort Themselves Out"
One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that family members will automatically inherit everything or that personal wishes will naturally be followed after death.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
Without a valid Will in place:
- The law determines who inherits your estate.
- Unmarried partners may receive nothing.
- Guardians for minor children may not be those you would have chosen.
- Families can face unnecessary delays, expense and stress.
- The risk of disputes between relatives may increase.
Putting the right arrangements in place now can provide certainty and peace of mind for the future.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If you die without making a Will, you are said to have died intestate.
Many people incorrectly assume that everything will automatically pass to their spouse or partner. However, this is not always the case. Under the Intestacy Rules, it is the law, rather than you, that decides who will inherit your estate.
This can have significant consequences for your family and loved ones.
For example:
- Unmarried partners and cohabitees are not entitled to inherit under the Intestacy Rules.
- The distribution of your estate may not reflect your wishes.
- Family members may face additional stress and uncertainty when administering your estate.
- Guardians for young children will not have been formally appointed by you.
- Opportunities for effective planning may be lost.
In some circumstances, failing to make a Will can result in outcomes that are very different from those you intended.
How We Can Help
Creating a Will
A professionally prepared Will allows you to:
- Decide who inherits your estate.
- Appoint executors to administer your estate.
- Choose guardians for your children.
- Leave gifts to family, friends or charities.
- Provide for vulnerable loved ones.
- Reduce the risk of future disputes.
- Ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally valid.
Every individual's circumstances are unique. We take the time to understand your family, assets and objectives before preparing a Will tailored to your specific needs.
Reviewing and Updating Existing Wills
Life rarely stands still. Marriage, civil partnerships, divorce, the birth of children, property purchases and changes in financial circumstances can all affect whether an existing Will remains appropriate.
We can review your current arrangements and advise whether updates may be required to ensure your wishes continue to be accurately reflected.
A Common Misconception
Many people believe making a Will is something that can wait until later in life.
In reality, anyone with property, savings, investments, dependants or personal wishes regarding their estate can benefit from having a valid Will in place. Unexpected events can occur at any age, and making a Will early provides certainty and protection for those you care about most.
Why Choose Eaton Smith?
Our Personal Legal Planning team understands that discussing future arrangements can sometimes feel daunting.
We take a straightforward and practical approach, providing clear legal advice and taking the time to understand what matters most to you and your family.
Clients choose Eaton Smith because we offer:
- Experienced Personal Legal Planning solicitors.
- Tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.
- Clear and practical guidance.
- Sensitive support when discussing important family matters.
- Long-established legal expertise and trusted local reputation.
Related Services
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Trusts
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Court of Protection
- Estate Planning
Speak to Our Personal Legal Planning Team
Whether you are making your first Will, reviewing an existing one, planning for inheritance tax or considering a Lasting Power of Attorney, Eaton Smith's Personal Legal Planning team can help.
Contact Eaton Smith's Personal Legal Planning team today to discuss your requirements.
