Wills

Life really can change in an instant, and although it can feel daunting, regardless of your age or stage in life writing a Will should be a leading priority. Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to protecting your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes.

More About Wills

At Howard & Over, we offer expert legal support for creating a Will that accurately reflects your intentions, protecting your estate from unnecessary complications. We guide you through every detail, from asset distribution and appointing an executor to making provisions for your children or special bequests.

Our experts will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your Will is legally sound, giving you the peace of mind that your estate will be managed as you desire. We’re here to help every step of the way.

What to Include When Writing a Will

Creating a Will involves much more than just listing beneficiaries. It's about ensuring your wishes are clearly stated and legally binding, from the distribution of your assets to appointing guardians for your children. The following steps are vital for safeguarding your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are cared for in accordance with your wishes:

Distribution of Assets

Clearly identify the names of your beneficiaries and which assets or how much of your estate is to be distributed amongst them. The Will should also show what would happen in the event of one of your beneficiaries dying in your lifetime.

Appointing Executors

Appoint executors who will be responsible for administering your estate according to your wishes. These people will be responsible for ensuring that your assets are distributed as per your instructions.

Children and Guardianship

Appoint guardians and choose who will care for your children in the event of your passing.

Special Bequests

Clearly state any specific gifts or legacies you wish to leave to particular individuals or organisations.

Residuary Estates (Residue)

Outline how you want the remainder of your estate (the residual estate) to be distributed after tax, specific gifts and debts have been paid.

Revocation

An important clause that ensures any previous Will you have made has been superseded.

Provisions for Changes of Circumstances

Consider including provisions for changes in circumstances, such as births, deaths, or marriages, to ensure your Will remains relevant over time.

Foreign Property

If you own property in another country, you may need a separate Will for that jurisdiction, as the laws governing Wills can differ.

There is no time like the present to prioritise your future and protect your legacy. Speak to our expert Wills team today for advice and support on how to get started.

Agriculture & Wills

Succession Planning for farming families is crucial. Often for agricultural clients, the value of the land and estate is considerable and therefore tax planning is imperative. The process becomes even more complex when multiple children are involved, requiring careful estate planning to ensure fairness while preserving the farm’s operations for future generations.

Our team can assist you with:

Estate Planning

We'll work closely with you to develop a comprehensive plan that reflects your wishes and protects your assets. This can include the preparation of Wills, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney to ensure that your affairs are in order and your legacy is protected.

Tax Planning

We'll help you take advantage of tax exemptions and reliefs available to farming families, such as Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief. By structuring your estate appropriately, we can minimise tax liabilities and maximise the value of your assets for future generations.

Fair Division of Assets

We'll work with you to plan how your assets can be divided fairly among your family members while considering factors such as each individual's contributions to the business and their future needs.

At Howard & Over, we have extensive experience in dealing with agricultural clients and an understanding for what can be a complex and sensitive situation. We take the time to understand your individual circumstances, helping you create a Will that safeguards your farm, protects your family’s interests, and ensures your legacy continues for generations to come. Speak to our experts today.

Contesting a Will

There are times when a Will may not reflect the true intentions of the person who made it, particularly when a Will has been made without the assistance of a solicitor. This may be due to undue pressure, lack of mental capacity, or procedural errors. If you believe that a Will does not accurately represent the wishes of the deceased, or you have doubts regarding its validity, you may have the right to contest it.

At Howard & Over, we offer expert advice and guidance to help you navigate these sensitive and often complex disputes. Whether you feel you've been unfairly left out or suspect that the Will was created under questionable circumstances, our experienced solicitors will help assess your situation and outline the best course of action.

Contesting a Will can involve emotional and legal challenges, but with the right support, it is possible to achieve a fair outcome. We aim to resolve disputes with care and efficiency, through negotiation or court proceedings if required.

If you are concerned about the validity of a Will or believe your rights have been overlooked, contact our expert team today for clear, practical advice and compassionate support.

Estate Planning

Estate planning is about more than simply writing a Will, it’s about putting the right structures in place to protect your wealth, support your family, and ensure your wishes are followed both during your lifetime and after. By planning carefully, you can preserve your assets, reduce tax liabilities, and make sure your estate is passed on efficiently and without unnecessary stress for your loved ones.

At Howard & Over, our experienced solicitors work closely with clients to create estate plans tailored to individual circumstances. This includes advice on Inheritance Tax, gifting, trusts, lifetime planning, and succession strategies. We can also help you review and update existing arrangements to reflect any changes in personal circumstances or legislation.

With clear, expert guidance, we help you secure your legacy, protect your loved ones, and give you peace of mind that everything is in place for the future.

Speak to our estate planning experts today to begin protecting what matters most.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Inheritance Tax (IHT) can significantly reduce the value of the estate you leave behind, but with the right planning, its impact can be minimised. The rules surrounding Inheritance Tax are complex and frequently change, making professional advice essential.

Our expert team will help you understand your estate’s potential tax liabilities, identify available reliefs and exemptions, and develop effective, personalised strategies to protect your wealth. From lifetime gifting and trust planning to utilising allowances and reviewing your Will, we will ensure your estate is structured to pass on as much as possible to the next generation.

Careful Inheritance Tax planning not only preserves family assets but also gives you confidence that your legacy will be handled exactly as you intend. Speak to our team today for clear, jargon-free advice tailored to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Will?

A Will is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the care of their dependents after their death. It is a way for individuals to express how they want their property, money, and possessions to be divided among their loved ones.

Why do I need a Will?

A Will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, protects your loved ones, and avoids uncertainty or disputes after your death. Without one, intestacy laws decide who inherits, which may not reflect your wishes.

How do I make a Will?

Making a Will involves careful planning and clear legal drafting to ensure your wishes are fully protected. The process typically begins with gathering details of your assets, considering who you would like to benefit, and deciding on guardians for any children. Our expert solicitors will guide you through these decisions, explain any tax implications, and ensure your Will is correctly structured and most importantly, legally valid. They will also help you consider future changes and advise on securely storing your Will.

Can I write my own Will?

While you can write your own Will using DIY templates or online services, it carries significant risks and is not recommended. Wills must meet strict legal requirements to be valid, and any errors in wording, witnessing, or execution can result in the Will being challenged or rejected. Complex family structures, blended families, overseas property, or Inheritance Tax considerations make professional advice even more important. Our solicitors will ensure your Will is clear, legally robust, and tailored to your circumstances, offering long-term peace of mind. Contact us for expert guidance and a personalised quote today.

How often should I update my Will?

It is recommended to review your Will every three to five years, or sooner if there are significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or substantial shifts in your financial situation. Our experts can help review and make amendments to keep everything accurate and legally compliant as your life evolves.

How much does a Will cost?

The cost of writing a Will varies depending on its complexity and your needs. At Howard & Over, we offer clear pricing and will advise you on the most appropriate type of Will for your situation.

Get your quote today.

What happens if I die without a Will?

If you die without a Will, your estate is distributed according to intestacy rules. This process is often more complex, costly, and time-consuming for your family, causing additional stress during an already difficult period. Without clear instructions, disputes may also arise, making it even more important to have a professionally drafted Will in place.

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Wills