Making a Will is one of the simplest ways to make sure that your wishes are known and that the people you care about are provided for after your death.
Craig Gee Solicitors has been advising clients on Wills and estate planning since 1997. We provide clear, practical advice and will take the time to understand your circumstances, your family and what you want your Will to achieve.
Why Make a Will?
If you die without leaving a valid Will, you are said to have died intestate.
Your estate will then be distributed according to the legal Rules of Intestacy rather than according to your own wishes.
This can mean that people you would have wanted to benefit from your estate may receive nothing, while others may inherit in circumstances you had not intended.
A properly prepared Will allows you to decide:
- Who should inherit your money, property and possessions
- Who should act as the executors of your estate
- Whether you wish to leave gifts to particular family members, friends or charities
- Who you would wish to care for your children, where appropriate
- How particular assets or possessions should be dealt with
- How you would like your estate to be divided
Unmarried Couples and Cohabiting Partners
Making a Will can be particularly important if you live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership.
Under the current intestacy rules in England and Wales, an unmarried partner does not automatically inherit from their partner’s estate simply because they have lived together.
This can create serious difficulties, particularly where couples own a home, have children from previous relationships or have been together for many years.
Making a Will allows you to make clear provision for your partner and other people who are important to you.
Second Marriages and Blended Families
Family circumstances are not always straightforward.
You may have children from an earlier relationship, be separated but not yet divorced, have a new partner or want to balance the interests of different members of your family.
In these circumstances, relying on the Rules of Intestacy may produce a result very different from the one you intended.
We can discuss your circumstances with you and advise on how best to structure your Will so that your wishes are clearly recorded.
Peace of Mind
Nobody particularly enjoys thinking about what will happen after they die.
However, having a properly prepared Will can provide reassurance that your affairs are in order and make things considerably easier for your family at what will already be a difficult time.
We will explain your options in straightforward terms and help you prepare a Will that reflects your wishes.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Our fees for preparing a straightforward Will currently start from £100 plus VAT.
The exact cost will depend upon your circumstances and the complexity of the Will required. We will confirm the cost with you before beginning work.
Free Will Storage
Once your Will has been completed, we can store the original safely on your behalf free of charge.
You will be provided with details of where your Will is held so that your executors can locate it when required.
Contact Us
To discuss making or updating your Will, call Craig Gee Solicitors on 0161 666 9999 or email [email protected].
Where attending our office is difficult because of illness, disability or other circumstances, a home, hospital or care home visit may also be available where appropriate.
