Making a Will

Why make a Will?

Everyone should make a Will and lots of different life events may trigger the need to consider making a Will, at any age, for example:-

• Buying a home.
• Moving in with a partner.
• Getting married.
• Losing a loved one.
• Becoming a parent.
• Getting divorced or changing your marital status.

You can find a number of blogs on our news page which provide further information on the Will writing process, why everyone should have one and also why Wills are not just for the elderly.

How we can help with expert advice and transparent fees

Here at Thatcher + Hallam we ensure making your Will is affordable, with our prices starting at just £340 + VAT for a single, simple/straightforward Will*.

What happens if you do not have a Will, or your Will is outdated?

If you do not have a Will, or, a Will which is out of date and does not reflect your current situation, the consequences can be disastrous. Some examples are:

• Children and loved ones could be left in a vulnerable position.
• Property and valuables can go to the wrong person; or
• your estate could end up paying more tax than, with some careful planning, it needs to.

How making or updating a Will works; A short guide to the process.

We start by meeting with you face-to-face, whether this is at our office or at your home. We will provide advice during our meeting regarding Inheritance Tax  and will support and guide you through the decisions you need to make.

This is a personalised service, reflecting the importance of the document.

Once we have drafted your Will we provide you with a copy to approve.  We then arrange to oversee the Will signing to save you needing to organise this yourself, or if you prefer, we can provide you with very clear Will signature execution instructions to sign at home if that is more convenient to you.

We also provide free and secure storage for your completed Will, for as long as is required.

George Persson and Laura Ablett are full members of  STEP, which means our Wills are prepared in accordance with the STEP  Will Writing Code which guarantees a high quality of drafting and service for our clients.

You may also be interested in Lasting Power of Attorney service.

Further information: 

There are many blogs on our website which cover the various aspects of our Private Client service, you can find them here.

We also offer a free initial no obligation appointment to discuss any of your needs in relation to Wills, Estate Administration, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Tax Planning.

Our teams offer home visits to those who are not able to travel to our office. Simply get in touch through our website, via email or by telephone to arrange an appointment.

Why ‘bother to plan’ webinar

Our Wills, Probate and Tax Planning team recently took part in a webinar to help people understand the benefits of planning early for later life. The webinar was organised in partnership with Hart Greaves, independent financial advisers, and Richardson Swift, accountants with inheritance tax expertise.

The webinar discussed the benefits of planning for later life, how a will can protect those you leave behind, measures that can be implemented regarding inheritance tax and how your money can work smarter now to help care for your loved ones later. You can watch a recording of the webinar here:

*Including all disbursements.

For Will files, our policy is to scan and obtain a digital copy which will be kept indefinitely. A charge of £7.50 + VAT will be charged to you as part of the overall cost of the transaction.

Thatcher + Hallam LLP reserve the right to charge an administrative fee in respect of the safe transfer/removal of original Wills and/ or Deeds by the client or third parties such as to other Solicitors, presently £25 + VAT and postage.

If we are required to verify your identity through AML/Thirdfort a £25 + VAT fee will be applicable.