Making a Will

Do you know who would inherit the things you own if you were to pass away? In many cases, the answer may not be who you would expect which is why making a Will is so important.

A Will allows you to make clear exactly who you want your estate to go to when you die. It can also make the process of dealing with your estate much easier on your loved ones at what will be an already difficult time.

To make sure your wishes are clear and reduce the risk of any disputes over your estate, it is vital to have a well-written Will. Our highly experienced Will writing solicitors offer a sensitive, pragmatic service that makes getting a proper Will in place as simple and stress-free as possible for you.

Whether you have never had a Will before or need to update your existing Will, we can quickly talk you through the steps involved, then work with you to create an effective Will that gives you total peace of mind.

We can advise on related issues, such as setting up trusts, Inheritance Tax planning and making Lasting Powers of Attorney. Our team can also act as professional executors for your Will, taking this important responsibility out of the hands of your loved ones where required.

Our Will solicitors work out of four local offices across South West Wales, in Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Narberth, so please contact your local Hains & Lewis team to arrange an initial appointment.

How we can help you with making a Will

Writing a Will

If you don’t have a Will, we can help you to clearly lay out your intentions for your estate, making sure that your loved ones’ needs will be met and minimising the risk of any disputes after you are gone.

Updating your Will

It is a good idea to review your Will at least once every five years, as well as if you undergo any major life events, such as getting married or divorced, or having children or buying a home. Marriage or divorce will revoke any Will you have in place.  Our Will solicitors can look over your Will with you, then make any amendments, either with a legally binding codicil or by creating a new Will where necessary.

Will storage

We can store your Will for you free of charge, ensuring that it is readily available to your executors when required. This helps to avoid the risk of your Will not being accessible when you pass away, which could lead to your wishes not being carried out and disputes between your loved ones.

Inheritance Tax planning

One of the key advantages of writing your Will is it allows you to consider how to take best advantage of the Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules. Understanding how these rules work and the steps you can take to minimise your estate’s tax liability can allow you to increase the amount your beneficiaries receive when you pass away.

Our team are highly experienced with IHT planning, so can help you to make your estate more tax-efficient, including through effective use of nil rate bands, gifts, trusts and other options.

Acting as professional executors

Where required, we can act as professional executors for your estate. This means our solicitors will take responsibility for carrying out probate on your estate, making sure every detail is taken care of and reducing the burden on your loved ones.

Will trusts

If you have children under 18 or vulnerable dependants, placing assets into a trust can help to ensure their needs will be met if you pass away. We can advise you on putting provision in your Will for a trust and can act as professional trustees where required.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

When making your Will, it is also a good idea to consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney. This sets out who will be responsible for making decisions about your affairs if you were to become incapacitated by an accident or illness. We can help you with creating a Lasting Power of Attorney and can act as professional attorneys if required.

Our Will writing fees

Fixed fee Wills

We offer straightforward Wills on a fixed fee basis, meaning you will know exactly how much it will cost to get your Will in place in advance.

Hourly rates for making a Will

For more complex estates and Will-related matters, we may work according to an agreed hourly rate. This allows us to give you exactly as much support as you need to get the right measures in place for you and your loved ones.

Common questions about making a Will

Do I need a Will?

Everyone should think about making a Will as this ensures your estate will be divided according to your wishes and makes life much easier for your loved ones when you pass away.

However, it is particularly important to make a Will if you own your own home, have savings, investments or other assets, have children or would not like your estate divided according to the rules of intestacy.

What should I include in my Will?

This will depend on your circumstances, but you should usually consider assets such as:

• Your home
• Any other property you own
• Savings
• Shares & investments
• Pensions
• Insurance policies
• Cars & any other assets of value that you own

You should also consider who you would like to appoint as guardian(s) to any minor children. 

How can I make sure my Will is valid?

There are formal requirements in relation to the drafting of a Will.  Whilst it is possible to prepare a Will yourself, we would recommend having a Will professionally made which will not only ensure its validity but will also mean that you get advice tailored to your circumstances. 

Speak to our Will solicitors in Carmarthen and Pembrokeshire

To arrange an initial consultation with our approachable, expert Will writing solicitors in South West Wales, please contact your local Hains & Lewis office in Carmarthen, Haverfordwest or Narberth by telephoning 0345 408 0125 or emailing law@hainsandlewis.co.uk.