Making a Will (Leaflet)

Why Make A Will?

By making a Will, you can control what happens to your property and assets after you die. If you don’t have a Will, the law will determine how your assets are distributed, regardless of what your wishes might have been.

If you are not married to your partner, or in a civil partnership with them, it is particularly important that you make a Will, as the law does not automatically give your partner the same right to inherit as a spouse or civil partner. Without a Will, they may be left with nothing.

If you have children or other dependants, we recommend that you make a Will to ensure that they are provided for after your death. This can also help to protect your Estate from a large Inheritance Tax bill, so there will be more to pass on to your loved ones.

Do I Need A Solicitor?

It is possible to draw up your own Will, but it is not advisable. There are strict formalities which need to be followed for a Will to be valid, and a solicitor can ensure that these are complied with.

The more complicated your circumstances, the more complicated your Will may need to be to reflect this, so it is important you get proper legal advice from a trustworthy firm. Homemade Wills are also more at risk of being challenged – having your Will drawn up by a solicitor means that someone independent has ensured that it is drafted correctly, and that there has been no undue influence placed on you. Our files provide a record of the background to the will that may help guard against a claim being made by a disappointed beneficiary after your death.

Keeping Your Will Up To Date

You should review your Will every five years, or after any major life change – such as getting married or divorced, entering into or dissolving a civil partnership, having a child, or moving house. It is best to have a new Will drawn up in these instances. If a change is less significant, it is possible to make minor alterations to your existing Will with a separate document (called ‘a Codicil’).

If your life has changed, your Will should change too – we can help ensure that your Will is kept up to date.

Keeping Your Will Safe

Once your Will is finalised, it is essential that it is kept safe and that you tell your chosen executor(s) or a close friend or family member where it is. We offer a free and secure Will Storage Service to our clients. We will keep the original Will safe for you, and send you a copy for your records.

Costs and fees

We charge a fixed fee for a straightforward Will, so you know in advance exactly how much the cost will be. If the work is going to be more complicated, we will give you an estimate of the cost when taking your instructions, and will keep you updated as to any changes. There are no hidden costs.

Why Choose Fraser Dawbarns

We are one of the largest and most well established firms in the region. We can provide you with clear advice on what to include in your Will, setting up Trusts, and how Inheritance Tax may affect your Estate. We can draft a Will for you that will reflect your circumstances and your wishes – no matter how complex, or straight forward, these may be.

We have offices in Wisbech, King’s Lynn, Downham Market, March and Ely which means we will always be close by should an urgent issue arise, or when you need to sign something at short notice. If you can’t come to one of our offices, let us know, and we will be happy to come and see you at home.

At Fraser Dawbarns We Promise

• Direct access to your own dedicated lawyer
• Fixed fee initial consultation
• Full range of legal services
• Clear pricing options and no hidden costs