Wills and Trusts
Wills and Trusts Solicitors
A will decides who inherits your estate and who deals with it. Marriage, divorce, children and buying property can all change what yours should say. This guide also covers trusts and lasting powers of attorney, and when a wills solicitor is worth using in England and Wales.
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Overview
What this area covers
This area is about planning ahead: deciding who inherits your estate, who looks after young children, and who can make decisions for you if you lose capacity. It also covers trusts, where property is held by trustees for the benefit of others.
A will must meet formal requirements to be valid. Among other things, it must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses. Marriage or civil partnership normally revokes an existing will, and divorce changes how it operates, which is one reason wills should be reviewed after life events.
Common situations
When you may need a wills and trusts solicitor
- You have never made a will, or yours is several years old.
- You have married, divorced, had children or bought a home.
- You have children from a previous relationship, or live with an unmarried partner.
- You own a business, property abroad or significant assets.
- You want someone to be able to handle your affairs if illness affects your capacity.
The solicitor’s role
How a wills and trusts solicitor can help
A solicitor takes detailed instructions, advises on how your wishes interact with tax and family circumstances, drafts the documents and oversees signing so they are valid. They can also store the original will and act as a professional executor or trustee if you wish.
Getting ready
What to prepare before contacting a solicitor
- A list of your main assets and debts, including pensions and life insurance
- Names and addresses of the people you want to benefit
- Who you would like as executors and, if relevant, guardians
- Any existing will or trust documents
- Details of property or assets outside England and Wales
Choosing a solicitor
Choosing a solicitor
For straightforward wills many firms are suitable; for trusts, tax planning or international assets look for specific private client experience. Membership of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) is one sign of specialism.
Every firm listed on Verified Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. You can compare firms’ profiles, locations and reviews before getting in touch.
Find wills and trusts solicitors
Search Verified Solicitors for SRA-regulated firms that handle wills and trusts matters, then compare their profiles.
- Verified solicitors
- Regulated firms
- Free to use
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I die without a will?
The intestacy rules decide who inherits. An unmarried partner receives nothing automatically, and the result may not match your wishes.
How often should I review my will?
Look at it again after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a house move or a death in the family. Otherwise, a review every few years is sensible.
Related legal services
The information on this page is general information, not legal advice. The law and procedures can change and how they apply will depend on your circumstances.