Wills

If you do not have a valid Will the law determines who gets your money, your property and all of your personal effects.  You would have no say over what happens to your assets when you die and this can cause difficulties for those you care about most. This is particularly important if you own property, are married or have entered into a civil partnership, are getting divorced, have a long-term partner, children or other dependants, or if you wish to benefit someone who is not a close family member. Making a Will makes sense for your own, and your family’s, peace of mind.

If you die without a Will it is called dying “intestate”.  Dying intestate can make the process of sorting your affairs more complicated and costly for your family.  It may also mean that your estate may not be disposed of as you would have wished. In some cases it could mean that all of your estate passes to the Government.

Therefore, having a correctly written and legally valid Will helps safeguard your Estate and endeavours to ensure that it is distributed as you wish. It can also reduce the burden of Inheritance Tax, provide significant protection for your home from long term care costs, and ensure that suitable guardianships and care arrangements are made for children, other dependants and pets. You should ensure your Will is up to date as both the law and your circumstances change. You can only make a Will whilst you have the ability to understand what is involved.  It is possible, however, for the Court of Protection to make what is known as a statutory Will, if required, depending upon the circumstances.  We can offer specific advice on these issues as necessary.

If you have a Will it is equally important to make sure it is up-to-date.  Wills should be reviewed whenever there is a change in your personal circumstances, for example, a new member of the family, be it a new daughter-in-law or son-in-law, or a new born child.  Your Will, unless up-to-date, may exclude loved ones or include family members who you would not wish to benefit.

If you do not have a Will or think yours is out of date, make an appointment with one of our Private Client solicitors.


Our Team

  • Amber O’Connor

    Amber O’Connor

    Partner

    Tel: +44 (0) 1306 502290

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Amber O’Connor

  • Mehboob Dharamsi

    Mehboob Dharamsi

    Partner

    Tel: +44 (0) 1932 588579

    Office: Cobham Office

    Email: Mehboob Dharamsi

  • Diane Sumpter

    Diane Sumpter

    Senior Associate and Chartered Legal Executive

    Tel: +44 (0)1306 502235

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Diane Sumpter

  • Victoria Evans

    Victoria Evans

    Senior Associate Solicitor

    Tel: +44 (0) 1483 411512

    Office: Godalming Office

    Email: Victoria Evans

  • Jenna Hopkins

    Jenna Hopkins

    Partner

    Tel: +44 (0) 1483 411525

    Office: Godalming Office

    Email: Jenna Hopkins

  • Elizabeth Muston

    Elizabeth Muston

    Associate Solicitor

    Tel: +44 (0)1306 502203

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Elizabeth Muston

  • Joanna Pashley

    Joanna Pashley

    Associate Solicitor

    Tel: +44 (0)1306 502959

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Joanna Pashley

  • Megan Lawless

    Megan Lawless

    Associate Solicitor

    Tel: +44 (0)1306 502326

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Megan Lawless

  • Lucy Whittam

    Lucy Whittam

    Associate Solicitor

    Tel: +44 (0) 1306 502962

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Lucy Whittam

  • Liz Dalgetty

    Liz Dalgetty

    Consultant Solicitor & Notary Public

    Tel: +44 (0) 1306 502251

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Liz Dalgetty

  • Tim Hughes

    Tim Hughes

    Consultant Solicitor

    Tel: +44 (0) 1306 502212

    Office: Dorking Office

    Email: Tim Hughes

  • Sarah Noake

    Sarah Noake

    Consultant Solicitor

    Tel: +44 (0) 1932 588568

    Office: Cobham Office

    Email: Sarah Noake