Wills & Probate

Wills and probate law covers the planning and administration of your estate — everything you own — both during your lifetime and after your death. A specialist solicitor can ensure your will is legally valid and reflects your wishes, set up Lasting Powers of Attorney to protect you if you lose capacity, and guide your family through the probate process when the time comes.What we can help withWriting and reviewing wills — simple, complex, and mirror willsLasting Powers of Attorney — property and financial affairs, health and welfareEstate administration and applying for Grant of ProbateIntestacy — administering an estate where there is no willContested probate and disputed willsInheritance Act claims for those left out of a willKey factsOver half of adults in England and Wales do not have a willMarriage automatically revokes a previous willCohabiting partners have no automatic inheritance rights without a willLPAs must be registered before they can be used — registration takes around 20 weeksFrequently asked questionsHow much does it cost to make a will?A simple will from a solicitor typically costs £150–£300. More complex wills — for example involving trusts, business assets, or property abroad — cost more. The cost is small relative to the peace of mind and the potential cost of dying without one.What is the difference between a will and a Lasting Power of Attorney?A will deals with what happens to your assets after you die. A Lasting Power of Attorney deals with who can make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity during your lifetime — for example due to dementia or a serious accident. Both are essential parts of estate planning.Can I challenge a will I think is unfair?Yes. You can challenge a will on grounds of lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, or improper execution. Family members and dependants who were not adequately provided for may also be able to bring a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.