Everyone should make appropriate provision in relation to their estates by preparing a Will. This is likely to be one of the documents that will need to be prepared as part of the implementation of an agreed and planned strategy.

In addition to preparation of the Will we are able to deal with the administration of estates including those in which there are assets held overseas. The Veale Wasbrough Vizards Executor and Trustee Company can act as executors of your Will, in partnership with a family member. Post death tax planning may also be an important part of the identified plan.

Our Wills service offers you access to expert advice and the opportunity to discuss your particular requirements with one of our experienced practitioners, some of whom are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Submit your Will online

If it is difficult for you to come into the office for a discussion, your Will can be dealt with electronically - provided your instructions are straightforward.

If you would like us to prepare a Will for you, simply click on the red request button on this page to submit an online questionnaire.

You may want to consider some of questions posed in the questionnaire in which case you can also choose to download a Wills Questionnaire to complete in your own time.

We will telephone you to clarify your questionnaire instructions (where necessary), prepare a Will for your approval and give you full written advice about any related matters.

We will be happy to speak to you on the telephone at any time throughout the process if anything is not entirely clear.

Once completed, we store your Will free of charge and register it on our database. You are also welcome to come in to the office to sign your Will as we can provide witnesses for you at no extra charge.

If any of the following circumstances apply to you, we would recommend that you come into the office for a discussion rather than submitting your request online:

• If you are divorced, separated or have children from a previous relationship
• If you own a business
• If you have foreign property
• If you require Inheritance Tax planning advice
  i.e. if you and/or your partner have an estate worth more than £285,000.

Please e-mail Michelle Rose or Ruth Garland or call them on 0117 925 2020 providing basic contact details and one of the team will get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Cost of making a Will

The minimum charge is £200 + VAT for a single Will, and £300 + VAT for two similar Wills for a couple.

If however, you require detailed advice on tax, pensions or other aspects, the costs would be greater. The cost of preparing a Will is based on our normal hourly rates, which may vary depending on the level of expertise involved. These range from £105 an hour to £195 an hour + VAT.

We will be more than happy to give you an estimate of charges when we know how much work is likely to be involved.

Frequently asked questions

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Why should I make a Will?  

If you own any kind of property, whether it be a house, savings, or personal effects, it is natural for you to want to leave it to those you choose. If you do not leave a Will the law decides who will inherit your property and this may not be what you would want or what your family and friends expect.

Do I need to make a Will if everything is in joint names?  

Yes. Although it is normal for jointly held property to pass automatically to the surviving joint owner, you should consider what is to happen to it if you are the joint owner who survives. Also, you may have assets such as life assurance policies or pension fund death benefits which are not in joint names. Furthermore, assets held in joint names as tenants in common will not pass automatically by survivorship.

What happens if my spouse and I should die in the same accident?  

Unless the Wills are carefully prepared, this can result in complexity and expense and can even increase tax liabilities.

Who will make sure that my wishes or instructions are carried out?  

It is normal for a Will to appoint Executors who will be responsible for ensuring that the terms of your Will are observed. They may be relatives, friends, or professional advisers. They should, however, be chosen with care.

Can my Will be changed after my death?  

Only in certain circumstances and even then only with the agreement of those concerned. The ability to vary the terms of a Will may be limited in future legislation.

Can my Will be challenged or changed after my death in any other way?  

Again, only in certain circumstances. For example, an application can be made under the Inheritance Act 1975 by a person who is financially dependent on you, for reasonable financial provision to be made for them out of your estate. (Separate information sheet available).

Can I specify that individual items or sums of money should pass to particular individuals?  

Yes. If you have any belongings of particular value, sentimental or otherwise, or if you wish anyone to receive a specified sum of money after your death, this can be covered in your Will.

What happens if I die leaving young children?  

First of all you can usually nominate guardians for minor children in your Will. Secondly, you can appoint Trustees to look after their inheritance for them until they reach an age which you can specify. You should always check that the people you have in mind are prepared to accept the responsibility. (Separate information sheet available).

Should I be concerned about Inheritance Tax on my estate?  

If you own a house, have life assurance or any other assets exceeding the current limit of £255,000 in total, your family is likely to pay Inheritance Tax in the future, although anything you leave to your spouse will be exempt from tax. When making a Will it is essential to consider your financial affairs generally. Sometimes your Will can help save tax.

Is my membership of the company pension scheme relevant?  

Yes. The possibility of a death-in-service benefit should be borne in mind. Any nomination that you make should be planned to reflect your overall intention concerning your Estate.

Should I consider the use of trusts?  

With young children, Trusts are essential. They can also be useful for Inheritance Tax planning and asset protection. It very much depends on your circumstances.

Work experience/case studies:

• We have a huge range of expertise in administering complex Estates; dealing with charities, spouse tax exemptions, business property relief, agricultural property relief etc. These Estates vary in size from the very modest to those worth millions of pounds. They will commonly involve Deeds of Variation to make clients Estates as tax efficient as possible
• We deal with Estates comprising Stock Exchange investments, residential and commercial property, farms, family businesses and overseas assets.
• Will drafting is undertaken for a broad cross section of our clients, ranging from the very straightforward to much more complex arrangements involving discretionary 'flexible' trusts. Fee estimates can be given in advance for most types of work.