Will Writing & Estate Planning

Yes, you can write your own Will, but it’s important to ensure it complies with legal requirements to be valid. Mistakes in a DIY Will, can lead to disputes or your wishes not being carried out as intended. We'd always advise seeking professional advice to help avoid these risks.

The cost of writing your own Will can vary depending on the resources you use, such as templates or online services, but it is typically less expensive upfront. However, errors or omissions may lead to costly issues for your loved ones later.

It’s never too early to start planning your Will. Significant life events such as getting married, buying property, or having children are good times to begin or update your Will. Regular reviews ensure it reflects your current wishes. If you’re writing your Will for the first time, check out this helpful guide on what to include: What Are the Most Important Things to Include in a Will?.

Professional solicitors or Will Writers can assist with drafting your Will. Solicitors are highly trained in estate law and can offer comprehensive advice, particularly for complex estates.

In today's competitive market, it’s easy to focus on cost rather than quality when writing a Will. While options like DIY templates, online services, or Will Writers may seem convenient or inexpensive, they often come with significant risks. Mistakes or oversights in a Will can cause stress, financial loss, or disputes for your family. Solicitors, like those at Lamb Brooks, bring years of training, legal expertise, and regulation to ensure your Will is valid, bespoke to your circumstances, and properly safeguards your assets and wishes. To learn more about the risks of using a Will Writer versus a solicitor, read our detailed blog post.

As solicitors, we often encounter clients who use the terms "Will" and "estate planning" interchangeably. While they are closely related, they serve distinct purposes and involve different levels of complexity.

A Will is a legal document specifying how your assets are distributed after your death, including appointing executors, naming guardians for children, and making specific bequests.

On the other hand, estate plan planning is a broader process that includes your Will but also incorporates tools like setting up a trust, inheritance tax planning, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), business succession planning, and arrangements for non-probate assets (e.g., pensions or life insurance).

While a Will is essential, estate planning offers a comprehensive approach to managing and protecting your assets during your lifetime and ensuring an efficient distribution after your death. At Lamb Brooks, we can assist with both Wills and estate planning to suit your needs.

Yes, you can use your Will to ensure your pet is cared for after your death. While pets cannot inherit money directly, you can:

• Appoint a caregiver to look after them
• Leave money to the caregiver to cover expenses like food and vet bills
• Set up a pet trust to allocate funds specifically for their care
• Use charity rehoming schemes offered by organisations like the RSPCA or Dogs Trust

Speak with your solicitor to ensure your wishes are clearly outlined and legally binding.