Making a Will: Guidance to help you plan for the future
Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the people (and causes) that matter most to you. Despite this, many people delay making a Will or assume it is something they only need to consider later in life.
This guidance is designed to explain what a Will is, why it matters, and how working with a fully qualified legal expert can give you certainty, protection and peace of mind.
A Will is a legal document that sets out what should happen to your money, property and possessions (your “estate”) when you die. It allows you to:
- Decide who inherits your assets
- Appoint guardians for children under 18
- Choose executors to carry out your wishes
- Make gifts to family, friends or charities
- Set out funeral wishes
- Put plans in place to minimise potential tax issues
- Place Property into trust to protect your assets
Without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed according to the law of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes and can cause confusion, delay and distress for your loved ones.
Having a professionally prepared Will helps to:
- Give clarity and certainty to your loved ones at a difficult time
- Reduce the risk of disputes between family members
- Ensure vulnerable beneficiaries are protected, including children or those unable to manage their own affairs
- Provide tax‑efficient planning, helping more of your estate pass to those you choose
Avoid costly delays when administering your estate
DIY wills and online templates can appear quick and inexpensive, but they often fail to account for personal circumstances and legal complexities. Errors, unclear wording or invalid execution can result in a Will being challenged or not applied as intended.
Using a qualified solicitor ensures that:
- Your Will is legally valid and correctly executed
- Your wishes are clearly drafted
- Complex family, financial or tax situations are properly addressed
- You receive professional advice
At Morecrofts, our experienced Private Client solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and provide tailored advice with clarity and care.
Frequently asked questions
No. A Will is relevant at any adult age. Life events such as buying a home, having children, getting married, living with a partner, running a business, or experiencing a change in family circumstances all make having a Will important. Making a Will early allows you to update it as life changes.
Yes. Even if you do not own property, you may still have savings, personal belongings, digital assets, or dependants. A Will also allows you to appoint guardians for children and ensure your possessions go to the right people.
If you die without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to intestacy rules. This may mean:
- Partners you are not married to receive nothing
- Children inherit automatically at 18
- Loved ones you wish to provide for are excluded
- The process is more complex and time‑consuming
Yes, provided you still have mental capacity. A Will should be reviewed regularly and updated when circumstances change, such as marriage, separation, divorce, having children or acquiring new assets.
Yes. Your Will remains a private document during your lifetime. Following your death, it is examined as part of the administration of your estate and will only become a public document once a Grant of Probate has been issued.
It’s generally recommended to review your Will:
- Every few years
- After major life events (marriage, divorce, children)
- If your financial circumstances change
- If tax laws or legislation change
It is essential to take legal advice in the event of Marriage as this can automatically invalidate your existing Will.
When making a Will, clients often benefit from discussing wider life‑planning services, including:
- Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions about your finances or health if you lose the ability to do so yourself.
- Trusts
Trusts can help protect assets, provide for beneficiaries over time, and support vulnerable family members.
- Estate and inheritance tax planning
Careful planning can help reduce inheritance tax liability and ensure assets are passed on as efficiently as possible.
- Probate and estate administration
When someone dies, legal authority is often required to deal with their estate. Our solicitors assist executors and families through the probate process with sensitivity and expertise.
Morecrofts is a nationally recognised, award-winning firm with a long-established Private Client team offering expert advice on wills, probate, trusts, powers of attorney and wider life planning. Our solicitors provide clear guidance, transparent advice and a supportive approach tailored to your individual needs.
If you’re considering making a Will, updating an existing one, or discussing your wider plans for the future, speaking with a qualified legal expert can make all the difference.