Our wills and estate planning solicitors can help ensure your wishes are followed after your death. If you die without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the law—potentially leading to outcomes you would not have intended. A will also allows you to appoint guardians for minor children and make specific gifts or charitable donations.
It’s equally important to keep your will under regular review so that it reflects any changes in your family circumstances, finances, or intentions.
Our experienced team can assist in drafting wills of all complexities—from straightforward instructions to those involving business assets or blended families. We can also advise on how to use wills for tax planning purposes, including the use of trusts where appropriate.
Example of our experience – Trust Taxation and Administration
We were instructed by trustees struggling with several years of unfiled tax documentation. They brought us a large bundle of papers and were clearly overwhelmed. We registered with HMRC as their agent, filed multiple amended trust and estate tax returns, and reclaimed overpaid tax for minor beneficiaries who had received income distributions. We now manage all aspects of the trust’s administration on their behalf.
Our wills and estate planning solicitors offer a comprehensive range of services to help you plan for the future and protect your loved ones. Whether you need a straightforward will or complex estate planning advice, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Many people delay making a will, but it is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. Without a will, the rules of intestacy will determine who inherits your estate, which may not reflect your wishes. A professionally drafted will gives you control over what happens to your assets, your home, and who cares for your children.
Good estate planning goes beyond simply making a will. Our team can advise on inheritance tax planning, the use of trusts to protect assets, lifetime gifting strategies, and how to structure your estate to minimise tax liabilities. We work closely with our tax and estate planning specialists to provide joined-up advice.
Estate planning also involves preparing for the possibility that you may lose capacity to manage your affairs. A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Learn more about our Lasting Powers of Attorney service.
When a loved one passes away, dealing with their estate can be complex and emotionally challenging. Our team can assist with the whole process, from obtaining a Grant of Probate to collecting and distributing assets. Find out more about our probate and estate administration services.
The government's GOV.UK guidance on making a will provides useful information about why having a will is important and what happens if you die without one. Our wills and estate planning solicitors can help you take the right steps to protect your family's future.
If you would like to make a will or discuss your estate planning options, please get in touch with our team. We offer a free initial consultation and our wills and estate planning solicitors are based in Cirencester, serving clients across The Cotswolds and the surrounding area. Contact us today to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you. We look forward to helping you plan for the future with confidence.
Without a will, your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. A will lets you decide who inherits your assets, who looks after any children, and who manages your estate after you die.
A straightforward single will typically costs between £150 and £300 plus VAT. Mirror wills for couples cost more but are cheaper than two separate wills. Complex estates involving trusts or business assets will carry higher fees.
You can, but handwritten or DIY wills are a common source of disputes and can be ruled invalid if they are not correctly witnessed and signed. A solicitor makes sure your will is legally sound and clearly reflects your intentions.
You should review your will after any major life change, including marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in assets. Marriage automatically revokes a previous will in England and Wales.
Tel: 01285 650 000
Fax: 01285 649 898
DX: 39400 Cirencester
Email: info@sml-law.co.uk
