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Wills & Succession Planning

Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

A Will is one of the most important documents you will ever make, yet over 50% of adults in the UK still do not have a Will. A Will ensures that your money and possessions go to the people and causes that matter to you most. Have you written yours?

If you die without leaving a Will your partner, spouse or other close family members do not automatically benefit from your estate. If you have no surviving family your estate will pass to the Crown.

Many people are concerned about the cost of writing a Will with a Solicitor. But a simple mistake in a DIY Will or one prepared by uninsured and untrained Will writers can often mean paying a much higher price and leave loved ones and assets unprotected.

As a Will writing Solicitor, we will advise on Inheritance Tax, asset protection by the inclusion of a Trust in your Will and the appointment of guardians if you have minor children. Our Wills and inheritance advice offers a flexible solution to practical problems.

What information do I need to know for my first Will appointment?

Prior to your first Will appointment you should give some thought to matters that you would want included in your Will such as funeral wishes, who is going to sort out your estate and carry out your wishes and any specific legacies you wish to make.

The questionnaire on the link below will help you and it would be useful if you could fill this in before your appointment and send it to us so we can discuss further at our first meeting.

Information we need to draft a Will

How much will a Will cost?

Standard Single Will: £325 plus VAT

Will including Life Interest Trust: £575 plus VAT

Will including Discretionary Trust: £650 plus VAT

Standard Mirror Wills: £425 plus VAT

Mirror Wills including Life Interest Trusts: £675 plus VAT

Mirror Wills including Discretionary Trusts: £750 plus VAT

Codicil: £175-275 plus VAT

Our costs may increase if the preparation of the Will involves consideration of business assets, foreign assets or the Will is complex.

Have you made a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)?

Many clients who have not made a Lasting Power of Attorney, choose to do this at the same time as they make a Will. If you would like to do this, please let us know.

For further advice on Wills and succession planning, please contact a member of our Wills, Tax & Estate Administration team based in Canterbury, Ashford and Herne Bay.

Our Experts

Charlotte Nock

Head of Department
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Lesley Rushton

Managing Partner
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Louise Wilson

Head of Department
Court of Protection

Ovid Busette

Senior Associate Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Joshua Parton TEP

Senior Associate Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Poppy Cooke

Associate Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Sarah Geering

Senior Associate Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Katie Collis

Associate Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Susan Jull

Wills, Tax & Estate Administration Executive
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Laura Harvey

Assistant Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Natasha Boyd

Tax Technician
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Stephanie Stocker

Assistant Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Sophia Wright

Paralegal
Dispute Resolution

Anna Ayling

Trainee Solicitor
Wills, Tax & Estate Administration

Related Pages

CHARLOTTE NOCK PROFILE

What Happens If I Don't Make a Will?

RELATED CONTENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a Will?

A Will is a legally binding document which sets out your wishes regarding the distribution of your property and assets when you die, as well as the care of your minor children.

Do I need to use a solicitor to make a Will?

Although a Will is a legally binding document, it does not need to be drawn up by or witnessed by a solicitor. If you wish to make a Will yourself, you can do so. However, trying to make your own Will without assistance, can lead to mistakes or lack of clarity and could mean that your Will is invalid. There are specific requirements for the signing of a Will which if not followed can also make your Will invalid.

We recommend using a solicitor to draft your Will who will have been professionally trained so as to ensure that your wishes are appropriately reflected.

Similarly, if a Trust is required or there are numerous beneficiaries, a professionally drafted Will gives peace of mind and can make it easier for those you leave behind.

Will my partner inherit my estate?

A surviving partner who is not married to you or in a civil partnership will have no automatic right to inherit from you. If you die without leaving a Will such a partner will only inherit if you make a Will leaving your estate or part of your estate to them.