Step-by-step guide to making a will

It is essential that all adults have a professionally drafted, up-to-date will to ensure absolute clarity about what should happen to their assets when they pass away.

This is especially important where there are young children in the family to ensure guardianship is covered, should the worst happen.

A will can provide for inheritance tax planning, protect assets for future generations and appoint chosen guardians, executors and trustees.

With expert help, the process of making your will needn’t be time-consuming or daunting.

So that you know exactly what to expect, we have created a step-by-step guide to making a will.

Step one

When you contact Beswicks’ private wealth team, we will have an initial conversation to establish the type of will that you require. We will then set up a meeting with you which can take place either over the phone, via Microsoft Teams or at one of our offices.

Step two

At your meeting we will discuss in detail your circumstances and assets and provide advice about the best way to structure your will to ensure your wishes can be carried out when the time comes, taking into account your family situation, inheritance tax (IHT) and your priorities. You will also be given a cost estimate specific to the type of will you require.

Step three

Following the meeting we will send you terms of engagement, terms of business and a letter of advice. You will need to sign the terms document and make a payment on account. Once this payment is received, we can prepare your draft will in accordance with your instructions.

Step four

The prepared draft will be sent to you for review. If you have feedback or questions, you can raise these with your solicitor, so that alterations can be made before you give final approval. Once you approve your will, we will arrange a signing meeting.

Step five

Signing your will is an important legal step. This can take place in person with a member of our team supervising the signing or, if it is more convenient for you, we can send the will to you along with instructions on the special rules on how to sign a will and you can sign it and send it back to us.

Step six

Your will is now completed. We will store your document securely and record it on our case management system. We will also register your will with Certainty, which is the National Will Register, so that those dealing with your estate can easily locate it. Finally, we will send you a copy of your signed will along with your Certainty certificate.

Typically, the whole process takes 2-3 weeks.

Meet the team

Our specialist private wealth team helps families to put proper arrangements in place making sure loved ones are provided for and wishes carried out.

Planning for the future is essential and our experienced solicitors can guide you through the whole process, ensuring you have complete peace of mind that your affairs are in order and your family’s future protected.

If you’ve been putting off making your will, get in touch for a chat and we’ll help you get things started.

Why use a qualified solicitor?

By using an experienced solicitor to draft your will, rather than an unregulated will writer, you are guaranteed a high level of expertise in even the most complex of cases.

Our solicitors are all registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority and as such are subject to strict regulations, granting you complete protection and peace of mind when it comes to qualifications, experience and standards.

We are also always transparent about costs and offer a free of charge will storage service.