Skip to Content

Our website uses cookies, for more information please see our cookie policy. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies.

Agree
Menu
  • For immediate service and attention,
  • 24 hours a day, please call
  • 0161 796 6018

Making A Will

By making a will you can decide what happens to your property and possessions after your death. Although you do not have to make one by law, it is the best way to make sure your estate is passed on to family and friends exactly as you wish. If you die without a will, your assets may be distributed according to the law rather than your wishes.

A will sets out who is to benefit from your property and possessions (your estate) after your death. You can decide how your assets are shared - if you don't have a will, the law says who gets what. If you're an unmarried couple (whether or not it's a same-sex relationship), you can make sure your partner is provided for, and if you're divorced, you can decide whether to leave anything to your former partner. FInally, if you have a larger estate, you can make sure you don't pay more Inheritance Tax than is absolutely necessary.

Although it is possible to write a will by yourself, it is advisable to use a solicitor as there are various legal formalities you need to follow to make sure that your will is valid. You may also need legal advice for more complicated matters. A solicitor can also advise you about how Inheritance Tax affects you. The cost of writing a will can vary between solicitors and will depend on how complicated your affairs may be and the experience of the solicitor.

Before you write your will or consult a solicitor, it's a good idea to think about what you want included in your will. You should consider the following issues:

  1. How much money, and what property and possessions do you have?

  2. Who do you want to benefit from your will?

  3. Who should be appointed to look after any children under 18 years of age?

  4. Who do you wish to appoint as your executor? An executor is the individual who is charged with looking after all matters relating to the administration of your estate after your death.

Once you've made your will, it is important to keep it in a safe place and tell your executor, close friend or relative where it is. If a solicitor makes your will, they will normally keep the original and send you a copy. You should review your will every five years and after any major change in your life - such as getting separated, married or divorced, having a child or moving house. Any change must be by 'codicil' (an addition, amendment or supplement to a will) or by making a new will.

Paul Williams Independent Funeral Directors have developed a close working relationship with Latimer Lee LLP, a local law firm with extensive experience in dealing with all matters relating to wills, estates and probate. We have listed their contact details below; we urge you to contact them should you wish to instruct them to draw up a last will and testament.

Latimer Lee LLP
Solicitors & Notary Public
35 Bury New Road
Sedgley Park
Prestwich
Manchester
M25 9JY
Telephone: 0161 798 9000