Making a will is not just about legal documentation – it is a critical step to ensure that your assets, family and final wishes are protected and clearly communicated. At Marley Solicitors, we offer comprehensive will drafting services tailored to the needs of individuals and families in Princes Risborough. Whether you are thinking about your first will or revisiting one due to life changes, we are here to guide you with trusted advice and professional care.
Why creating a will is more important than ever
A will gives you control over what happens after your death. Without one, the UK’s rules of intestacy apply, often leading to outcomes that might not reflect your personal wishes. This can be particularly problematic in modern family structures such as blended families or unmarried partnerships.
In Princes Risborough, we have supported numerous clients who assumed their spouse or children would automatically inherit everything. Unfortunately, the law does not always work that way. Without a valid will in place, your estate might go to distant relatives or even to the Crown, bypassing loved ones entirely.
Who should make a will?
Many people believe that wills are only necessary later in life, but that is a risky misconception. Anyone who owns property, has children, or wants to ensure a specific person or organisation benefits from their estate should make a will.
Here are common situations in which having a will is essential:
- Owning a home or other property in Princes Risborough or surrounding areas
- Having children, especially ones under the age of 18
- Being in an unmarried partnership
- Owning a business or holding shares
- Wanting to donate to charities
- Having specific items or sums of money to leave to loved ones
If you fall into any of these categories, it is important to take legal advice sooner rather than later.
What a will should include
A well-drafted will should be comprehensive, clear and legally valid. Our solicitors will help you consider the following key components:
Executors
Individuals who will manage your estate and carry out your wishes.
Beneficiaries
The people or organisations who will receive your assets.
Guardianship
Who will care for any dependent children.
Funeral wishes
Any specific requests regarding your funeral or burial.
Legacies and gifts
Specific items or sums of money to be left to individuals or causes.
We also help you avoid common pitfalls, such as unclear language, failure to update details after marriage or divorce, and omitting digital assets or online accounts.
Local insights: will drafting in Princes Risborough
At Marley Solicitors, we bring local knowledge to our services. We understand that many clients in Princes Risborough are homeowners or retirees looking to make plans for their children or grandchildren. We also see growing demand from younger couples purchasing property or starting families.
We are familiar with local services that may impact estate planning, such as:
- Princes Risborough Surgery and Cross Keys Practice, where clients often consult about long-term health and care
- Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, relevant for those considering care planning or powers of attorney
- Local care homes and assisted living facilities for older residents
Our understanding of local needs helps us provide relevant, practical guidance.
The dangers of DIY wills
Online templates and DIY will kits might seem like a cost-effective solution, but they often result in more harm than good. Many are not tailored to UK law, and even small mistakes can render a will invalid. Issues often arise when:
- The will has not been properly signed or witnessed
- Ambiguous wording leads to disputes
- Updates are made incorrectly, creating multiple conflicting versions
- Key assets or people are accidentally left out
Our team ensures your will is legally sound and fully aligned with your intentions.
Updating your will over time
A will is not a once-in-a-lifetime task. It should be reviewed and updated whenever significant life events occur. You should consider revisiting your will if you:
- Marry, remarry or divorce
- Have children or grandchildren
- Move home or purchase new assets
- Start or close a business
- Experience the loss of a beneficiary or executor
- Decide to change funeral or donation wishes
We offer a will review service for clients in Princes Risborough to ensure their documents remain up to date.
Additional services we provide
Alongside will drafting, Marley Solicitors also offers related services that ensure complete protection of your personal and financial affairs:
Lasting powers of attorney (LPA)
Appoint someone to make financial or health decisions on your behalf if you become unable to.
Estate planning
Strategies to minimise inheritance tax and structure your assets effectively.
Trusts
Legal structures to protect assets for children, vulnerable relatives or charitable purposes.
Probate services
Guidance through the process of administering a deceased person’s estate.
Our holistic approach means you can manage your future with confidence, all under one roof.
The legal will drafting process explained
Here is what to expect when you work with Marley Solicitors on your will:
- Initial consultation (free of charge): We discuss your circumstances, answer your questions and assess your goals.
- Fact-finding meeting: We gather detailed information about your assets, family, and wishes.
- Drafting the will: Our legal team prepares a professionally written will for your review.
- Signing and witnessing: We ensure your will is properly executed and legally valid.
- Safe storage: We can hold your will securely and provide copies as needed.
We take care of everything from start to finish, so you do not need to worry about paperwork, legal jargon or making mistakes.
FAQs
Can I claim for a will dispute in Princes Risborough?
Yes, if you believe a will is invalid or unfair (for example, if undue influence was involved or it fails to make reasonable provision), you may be able to challenge it under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Speak to us for advice specific to your case.
How much does it cost to make a will in Princes Risborough?
Costs vary depending on complexity. A simple single will typically starts at a few hundred pounds, while mirror wills (for couples) and complex estate planning will cost more. We provide transparent, fixed-fee quotes so you know exactly what to expect.
Speak to Marley Solicitors in Princes Risborough
Your will is one of the most important legal documents you will ever create. It protects your family, expresses your wishes and ensures peace of mind. Do not wait until it is too late.
If you are based in Princes Risborough or nearby areas, contact Marley Solicitors today for a free consultation. Our friendly, experienced team is ready to help you take control of your future with confidence.
