Wills

Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets, and your wishes. A properly drafted Will ensures that your Estate passes to the people you choose and provides peace of mind that your loved ones will be looked after when you are no longer here.

Without a valid Will, the Intestacy Rules apply. These rules determine how your Estate is distributed and who may benefit, and they do not take account of personal circumstances or individual wishes. This can result in consequences that may be unexpected and, in some cases, distressing for those left behind.

At Whiting & Mason Solicitors, we provide clear, practical advice on making a Will, guiding you through the process and ensuring your wishes are properly recorded and legally effective.

Making a Will

We advise on the preparation of Wills for a wide range of personal and family circumstances, including straightforward Estates and more complex arrangements.

We will take time to understand your situation and advise you on matters such as:

• Who should benefit from your Estate
• The appointment of Executors and Trustees
• Planning for young or vulnerable beneficiaries
• Property ownership and how this should be dealt with
• The impact of marriage, separation, or divorce
• Inheritance Tax considerations, where relevant

We explain each stage of the process clearly and ensure that your Will reflects both your wishes and your wider circumstances.

Once your Will has been completed, we can store the original securely in our safekeeping at no additional charge.

Fees for Wills

Our fees for preparing Wills are usually charged on a fixed‑fee basis, so that you have clarity from the outset.

Fees typically start from £350.00 plus VAT (total £420.00) for a straightforward single Will for one individual, and from £550.00 plus VAT (total £660.00) for straightforward double/mirror Wills for couples.

The exact cost will depend on your individual circumstances and the complexity of your instructions, for example where trusts, tax planning, business assets, or multiple beneficiaries are involved.

Once we have discussed your requirements, we will confirm the fee payable before any work is carried out.

Reviewing an Existing Will

If you already have a Will, it is important to review it periodically to ensure that it continues to reflect your wishes and current circumstances. Changes in family life, finances, or personal relationships can all affect whether an existing Will remains appropriate.

A Will should be reviewed in particular if you have:

• Married or are planning to marry
• Separated or divorced
• Had children or grandchildren
• Acquired or disposed of property or other significant assets
• Changed your wishes as to who should benefit from your Estate

We can advise whether your existing Will remains suitable or whether a new Will is recommended.

Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney

Many clients, when making a Will, also choose to put Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) in place at the same time. LPAs allow you to appoint trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf relating to your Property & Financial Affairs and/or your Health & Welfare, should you ever be unable to do so yourself.

Preparing LPAs alongside your Will can form an important part of forward planning, providing reassurance that your affairs can be managed smoothly if circumstances change.

We regularly advise clients on LPAs and can explain how these documents work, when they may be needed, and how they fit alongside your wider Estate planning.

Further information can be found on our Lasting Powers of Attorney page, or we would be happy to discuss this with you as part of your Will appointment.

Why Choose Whiting & Mason Solicitors?

• Clear, Practical Advice
  We explain legal issues in straightforward terms, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.
• Carefully Drafted Wills
  We ensure that your Will is clear, properly structured, and legally robust, reducing the risk of uncertainty or disputes in the future.
• Personal Service
  We take the time to understand your circumstances and tailor our advice accordingly rather than relying on standard forms or templates.
• Secure Storage
  We can retain your original Will securely in our safekeeping at no additional cost.
• Established Local Solicitors
  As a long‑established local firm, we offer a professional and personal service you can trust.