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Our will writing services 

Making a will is easy and necessary to give you peace of mind about your family’s future. It doesn’t matter how old you are; safeguarding your estate is crucial. Without a will, strict laws dictate what happens to your estate, potentially causing unnecessary heartache for your family. 

The fixed fee we quote is the fee you pay. There will be no nasty surprises. 

We make will writing easy and stress-free through our reliable telephone services. Our costs are fixed based on our quotes, so there are no hidden surprises.

At Affordable Legal Services, we stay true to our values of openness, honesty, social 

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Your 18 questions about wills answered 

1. What happens if I die without making a will? 

If you live in England or Wales and die without a legally valid will, the government will determine how your estate is distributed. Without a will, your partner might have to sell your home, or your assets could be allocated to distant relatives instead of those important to you. Creating a will allows you to specify your wishes and ensure your estate goes to your chosen beneficiaries. 

2. What exactly is a will? 

A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets (money, property, investments, and possessions) should be distributed after your death. It can also specify guardians for your young children. There are various types of wills, such as single wills for individuals and mirror wills for couples with similar wishes. Trust wills can offer additional protections, such as safeguarding your estate from care home fees. 

3. How do I make a will? 

Making a will can be straightforward with the right guidance. Consider the following before starting:

• The type of will you need
• Your beneficiaries
• Guardians for your children (if under 18)
• Charitable donations
• Executors for your estate

Gather relevant information, such as names and addresses of beneficiaries, and consult a will writing service to assist you through the process.

4. What types of gifts can I include in my will?  

You can include various types of gifts in your will:

• Pecuniary Bequest: A fixed sum of money (e.g., £5,000 to a nephew).
• Specific Bequest: A particular item (e.g., a family heirloom).
• Residuary Bequest: A percentage of your estate after other gifts are distributed. 

You can also create reversionary bequests, where a gift is passed to an alternative beneficiary if the primary one predeceases you. 

5. Can an executor of a will also be a beneficiary? 

Yes, an executor can also be a beneficiary. Any adult family member, friend, or individual benefiting from your will can serve as an executor, provided they are willing to take on the responsibility. 

6. Do I need a will if I don’t own a house? 

Yes, even if you don’t own a house, a will is essential. It addresses more than just property, including personal possessions, savings, and other assets. Everyone has something to leave behind, so a will ensures your wishes are known. 

7. What if I don’t have anything to leave?  

Most people have something to leave behind, even if it’s just personal possessions. Your financial situation can change over time, so writing a will ensures your wishes are respected regardless of your current assets.  

8. Tips for writing a will if you have young children  

Decide who will look after your children if you pass away. You can appoint a guardian in your will and determine the age at which your children can access their inheritance (e.g., 18, 21, or 25). Their inheritance will be held in trust and managed by trustees until then.  

9. Can I include funeral wishes in my will?  

Yes, you can include your funeral preferences in your will. While these wishes are not legally binding, they provide guidance to your executors and family about your desires. 

10. Can a will help protect my home against potential care home fees? 

Most people have something to leave behind, even if it’s just personal possessions. Your financial situation can change over time, so writing a will ensures your wishes are respected regardless of your current assets. 

11. I’m not married to my partner – should I make a will?  

Most people have something to leave behind, even if it’s just personal possessions. Your financial situation can change over time, so writing a will ensures your wishes are respected regardless of your current assets. 

12. How does getting married affect your will?   

Marriage or entering a civil partnership automatically voids any existing will unless it specifically references the upcoming event. Ensure your will reflects your current wishes by updating it after marriage or a civil partnership. 

13. Making a will and mental capacity   

To make a will, you must have mental capacity, which means understanding what you are doing and its implications. This includes knowing your estate and recognizing those with a moral claim on it. 

14. Can any of my beneficiaries be a witness when I am making my will?    

No, beneficiaries or their spouses/civil partners should not witness your will, as it could invalidate their gift. 

15. Can I nominate a professional executor for my will? 

Yes, you can nominate a professional executor, such as a solicitor or a will writing service, to manage your estate. This can ease the burden on your loved ones. 

16. Where should I store my will?   

Store your will in a safe place where your executors can find it. Many will writing services offer secure storage options.   

17. Can my will be challenged? 

Yes, but a professionally drafted will that includes all necessary parties and adheres to legal requirements is less likely to be successfully challenged. 

18. What does undue influence mean in will writing?

Undue influence involves someone coercing you to make decisions in your will that don’t reflect your true wishes. To prevent this, use a professional will writing service that conducts checks to ensure your decisions are voluntary.