UK Will writing services and advice
A valid, up-to-date Will helps to ensure your assets pass on to your loved ones as you wish. It can also ensure that your loved ones won’t face unnecessary tax charges or a lengthy probate process, which can be the case on intestacy.
Writing a Will is a good step in any financial plan.
Will writing allows you to detail exactly what you want to happen with your estate when you die, safe in the knowledge that your wishes will be followed.
It can be difficult to know where to start when planning your Will, but ultimately you need to take time to decide who you want to inherit your wealth and personal effects. These decisions then need to be translated into a legally binding document.
An up-to-date Will is a very important document. Sadly, failing to write a Will could leave your family facing uncertainty, difficult decisions and even significant tax and financial issues.
With offices worldwide, we offer face-to-face services globally. Our extensive network of experts ensures that we are accessible and available to your needs wherever you are.
Progeny Law & Tax are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority, meaning we are dedicated to upholding professional standards within the industry.
With over 40 years of experience we offer unparalleled expertise and trusted guidance to help you achieve your financial goals confidently and effectively.
Combining guidance and support from Progeny’s Corporate Legal team, Private Legal team and Wealth Management team, we are able to provide truly holistic support.
Getting started on your Will
01
Writing a Will
Choosing how to write your Will is important. A professional will provide you with advice and will be well informed about the latest tax and estate planning legislation. If you choose to write a Will yourself there could be significant legal issues left for your executors to deal with. Do remember that it’s very important to keep your Will regularly reviewed, especially if you divorce or in the event of the arrival of children and grandchildren. It’s also worth noting that if you marry, you’ll generally automatically revoke any Will you have in place.
02
Storing your Will
Once you’ve taken the time to create your Will it’s important to store it appropriately, and ensure your family and executors know where it is and how to access it. We offer a free storage facility to all our clients. .
03
Wills for international clients
If you have assets in more than one country you may need a Will for each jurisdiction in which they are located. Laws governing your property and estate overseas are likely to be different to the laws of the country in which they are legally domiciled. It is advisable that you seek professional guidance when compiling your Will or Wills to understand which country takes precedence and how taxation on your legacy works.
We can draft your UK Will for you and liaise with local lawyers to ensure that both your UK and overseas Wills work together. Our tax advisers can also assist with the tax implications of owning assets in multiple countries.
04
Wills in Scotland
Scottish laws are different to the rest of the UK in respect of wills and succession matters. We are able to provide advice on the correct process if you live in Scotland or are resident elsewhere but own property in Scotland and work closely with a Scottish partner law firm to ensure you can obtain regulated legal advice in Scotland.
Articles & Guides
A Guide to Will Writing
the importance of leaving a Will and provides a quick guide to writing one. The topic of wills and estate planning is one that many people avoid for a…
the importance of leaving a Will and provides a quick guide to writing one. The topic of wills and estate planning is one that many people avoid for a…
Read more
5 reasons why you should have a Will in place
Making a will is often something that people avoid for as long as they can, particularly the young. However, recent research has shown that the pandem…
11th March 2021
Making a will is often something that people avoid for as long as they can, particularly the young. However, recent research has shown that the pandem…
Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone aged 18 or over and of sound mind can make a Will. You should prepare a Will once you have acquired substantial assets, chosen to marry, divorce or become a parent/responsible for dependants. It’s important to regularly review and update as necessary throughout your life as it will dictate how you wish to distribute your assets at the time of your death.
If you pass away without a Will, you are considered to have died intestate. In this case, a set of statutory rules (the laws of intestacy) will determine how your assets are distributed among your family members in a predetermined order. If no family members are found, your assets will go to the Crown.
The risk of dying intestate is that you lose control over who inherits your assets. Relatives you may not intend to benefit could inherit, while those who are not blood relatives, such as unmarried partners, might receive nothing. To avoid this, it’s essential to create a Will.
A Deed of Variation is a recognised legal document which changes the terms of an existing Will or Trust. To be valid it must be set up within two years of the date of death.
It works to change a beneficiary’s share of inheritance by redistributing the assets. One of its key benefits is that it can help reduce Inheritance Tax – perhaps by adding in a gift to charity or setting up a Trust.
When it comes to the law, no two countries are the same, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Wills. In the case of English and Welsh domiciled expats, the law that governs movable assets (such as cash, jewellery and personal items) is the law of England and Wales. However, immovable assets such as homes, land and property owned outside England and Wales usually falls under the jurisdiction of the country in which it is located.
In most cases – if you have relocated to or left the UK – more than one will may be required, but it’s not that simple. Having several wills means they must be carefully worded to complement each other. Normally if a new Will is written, it revokes all previous Wills. It is important that having more than one will covering two or more different countries, must not revoke the others.
Executors are the individuals you appoint in your Will to fulfil your wishes after your passing. They are responsible for handling all aspects of your affairs, such as notifying people of your death, arranging your funeral, managing any tax obligations, settling debts, gathering details of your assets and liabilities, and ultimately distributing your estate to the beneficiaries you have designated.
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