When to Write a Will

People often delay writing their Will - and it’s understandable why. It’s uncomfortable to consider your own death, can be seen as complicated, and often, people believe their assets aren’t substantive enough to warrant one.

But most people would benefit from getting a Will and it’s better to make a Will (or mirror Wills) sooner than later, to bring peace of mind to yourself and your family.

Crombie Wilkinson’s expert Will solicitors take you through the benefits of making a will early, with guidance on the cost of writing a will with a solicitor.

Contact us for help writing your Will, and get the process sorted and your mind at rest as soon as possible.

When should you get a Will? The earlier the better

It’s best to write your Will early on for several reasons:

Wills are not always as simple as you think, and there may be issues that you have not considered. Handling it early provides the time and consideration required to deal with this and to consult a solicitor in cases of worry or overt complexity.

It’s better to handle your Will while you are physically and mentally able to do so, so you have an intimate understanding of its intricacies and a clear knowledge of what will happen to your estate and assets after you pass away.

Wills need to be reviewed when life events – such as marriage, divorce, having children, or buying and selling property - occur. Getting the ball rolling early provides time to deal with these events. Significant life events might require you to seek advice from a solicitor, to affirm whether they will affect any Will currently in place or if you need to amend.

What a Will solicitor looks at

A solicitor will have different focus areas depending on the Will in question, but we generally look out for:

You may think that your estate will not be subject to IHT, but this may not always be the case once all assets are considered. A thorough discussion with a solicitor can highlight any issues to ensure you are fully informed, rather than leaving a surprise IHT liability for your family to deal with after you have died.

A solicitor will talk to you through the tax implications of your Will and explain any potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability.

Having a solicitor ensure your Will is properly executed, witnessed, and safely stored. You will also be provided with a ‘Next of Kin’ so your Will is easily passed to your family after your death.

Other diligent measures include a ‘My Documents’ booklet to help you consolidate all asset information into a single document, granting your executors easy access to the necessary information when required.

Cost of making a Will with a solicitor

The cost of creating a Will using a solicitor varies from case to case and depends on:

It’s advisable to check with a few solicitors to determine approximate pricing.

Creating a Will with Crombie Wilkinson

Making a Will might be daunting, but getting it done early will lift the burden so you can enjoy life knowing it’s sorted. Plus, with Crombie Wilkinson’s expertise, it can be made as simple and hassle-free as possible.

Our experts will guide you through each step of the process in a friendly and approachable manner and answer your Will questions.

Talk to our Private Client team to discuss your Will, or alternatively you can write a will online.

FAQs

Can I change my will without a solicitor?

Yes, you technically can. It involves making a ‘codicil’ – a separate document detailing the changes you wish to make to the current Will. But it’s exceptionally advisable to seek a solicitor, especially if your Will is complex or has the capacity to lead to legal disputes.