Wills - Bennett Oakley

Wills

Plan for the future
with confidence

Over half of the UK’s adult population do not have a valid Will in place. While it may be difficult to think about passing away, having a legally binding Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are followed.

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At Bennett Oakley Solicitors, our experienced team can help you plan ahead, giving you peace of mind and helping reduce the emotional and administrative burden on your family during an already challenging time.

What Does a Will Include?

Your Will sets out how you want your assets to be distributed after your death. It can also include your personal wishes and instructions to help guide your family, such as:

Whether you wish to be buried, cremated, or donate your body to medical research
Requests relating to cultural or religious practices at your funeral
Whether you wish to donate your organs
Any other funeral preferences or instructions

Appointing Guardians for Your Children

If you have children under the age of 18, your Will should name legal guardians who would care for them in the event of your death. This is one of the most vital elements of a Will for parents, as it allows you, not the courts to decide who will take responsibility for your children’s upbringing.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Due to rising property values, more people are now affected by Inheritance Tax (IHT) than ever before. As of the 2020/21 tax year, the nil-rate band stands at £325,000. Estates over this amount may be subject to IHT at 40% on the excess.

In some cases, an additional allowance known as the Residence Nil Rate Band (currently £175,000) may apply, but only under specific conditions. Our team can provide tailored advice to help minimise your estate’s tax liability through effective estate planning.

Example: A single person with no children who leaves an estate worth £425,000 would have £325,000 exempt from tax. The remaining £100,000 would be taxed at 40%, resulting in an IHT bill of £40,000.

How We Can Help

At Bennett Oakley, we offer:

A fixed fee Wills service with no hidden charges
Secure storage of your Will in our strongroom
A free home copy of your Will for your records
Straightforward, cost-effective advice from experienced legal professionals

Don’t leave your estate unprotected. Contact our team today on 01444 235232 to book an appointment. You can also email us or complete our online contact form, and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

Speak with a Bennett Oakley expert today

Looking for legal support? Get in touch with our solicitors, and we’ll connect you with the right expertise to meet your specific needs through our trusted legal team and professional partners.

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FAQ Topics

Why do I need a Will if I’m not wealthy?

Even if you don’t consider yourself wealthy, a Will ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. It also allows you to appoint guardians for your children, make funeral requests, and potentially reduce your Inheritance Tax bill.

What happens if I die without a Will?

If you die without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed under the Rules of Intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes. For example, unmarried partners and stepchildren are not automatically entitled to anything.

Can I update my Will later?

Yes, your Will should be reviewed and updated whenever your circumstances change — such as getting married, having children, or acquiring significant assets. We can advise you on how best to update your Will safely and legally.

Is your Will writing service regulated and secure?

Yes. As regulated solicitors, we ensure your Will is legally valid and securely stored. You’ll also benefit from professional advice tailored to your personal and financial circumstances.