Information About Wills and Will Writing

A Will is a legal document that specifies what should happen to your assets after your death. It makes it easier for your family or friends to sort out your affairs. Without a Will the process can be more stressful and time consuming.

Without a Will ("intestate") means everything you own will be shared out in a standard way as defined by the Law – which isn’t always the way you may have wanted.

The modern family is often very complex, with divorces, second or third marriages, step-children and step-grandchildren, same-sex partners and adopted children. The Law does not always keep up with modern society or consider the different structures of families. That can lead to lost inheritance and family tensions. Please see some of the questions that can arise about Wills and Will writing on our FAQ page.

Writing a Will is especially important if you have children or other family who depend on you financially, or if you wish to leave something specifically to someone who is not a close family member.

Your Will can also help reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that might be payable on the value of any property and money you leave behind.

Review of Your Existing Will

Your Will is a living document and should change as your life and circumstances change. A review of your Will is recommended every 3-5 years, or if any of the following events occur:

• You get married, engaged or form a civil partnership – a marriage or civil partnership revokes both parties existing Wills unless made in contemplation of that specific event
• You become separated or divorced
• You move house or move abroad
• You become a parent or grandparent
• Your children reach the age of 18
• Your children marry or divorce
• You inherit or win money or property
• You start a business, or sell a family business
• You retire
• Your spouse or partner or another family member dies
• There are significant changes to your health

Why Use South Hams Wills and Probate Services?

We hold the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation and are STEP qualified Trust & Estate Practitioners and can advise you on all aspects of the various types of Wills you can have drawn up. In addition, we are Chartered Tax Advisors and Chartered Accountants so are well qualified to give you specialist advice on any Inheritance Tax implications.

We can quickly assess your needs and offer a fixed price, agreed in advance.

Local Wills Service Based in Kingsbridge

We are a small friendly business. Please call us now on 01548 858806 to arrange a consultation to discuss how we can help you. We are happy to visit you in your own home, or you are welcome to come to a meeting at our office in Kingsbridge. We are just out of the main town with easy parking.

More Information About Wills

You can also look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wills page if you would like more general information at this stage. However, in our experience all cases are different, so feel free to ask a specific question via our Contact page.

Helping you secure your wishes for the future