Making a will is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your wishes are followed after your death. At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in providing reliable, compassionate, and legally sound will planning services for individuals and families in Winslow. Whether you are just beginning to consider writing a will or looking to update an existing one, our experienced solicitors can help you every step of the way.
Our local knowledge, legal expertise, and commitment to client care mean you will receive a personal service that addresses your unique needs and circumstances.
Why will planning is essential
Having a properly written and legally valid will ensures that your estate – including money, property, possessions, and other assets – is distributed in line with your wishes. Without a will, your estate will be subject to the rules of intestacy. These rules are rigid and may not reflect your personal intentions. This can lead to:
- Unmarried partners and stepchildren receiving nothing
- Family disagreements and prolonged probate processes
- Assets being passed to distant relatives rather than close friends or charities
- Greater inheritance tax liability due to missed planning opportunities
With a will in place, you are in control. You can choose your executors, name guardians for minor children, make specific gifts, and reduce the chances of disputes after you are gone.
Understanding the components of a will
When you create a will, it can include a number of important provisions, such as:
- Executors: Individuals you trust to carry out your wishes
- Guardians: Appointed carers for children under 18
- Specific bequests: Gifts of property, money, or personal items
- Residuary estate: How the remaining estate should be divided
- Funeral wishes: Your preferences for burial, cremation, or ceremony
- Charitable donations: Contributions to organisations close to your heart
At Marley Solicitors, we take time to understand your personal situation and recommend the best structure for your will. If you have overseas assets, own a business, or are part of a blended family, we can address those complexities with bespoke legal guidance.
What will our planning solicitors offer?
We provide a full suite of services related to will planning in Winslow, including:
- Free initial consultation to understand your requirements
- Tailored advice from qualified will and probate solicitors
- Professionally drafted will documents
- Legally compliant witnessing and signing processes
- Secure storage of your will
- Scheduled reviews and updates to reflect life changes
We also provide guidance on inheritance tax, helping you make the most of exemptions and thresholds, particularly when leaving assets to your spouse, civil partner, or charity.
Local knowledge makes a difference
As a firm operating in Winslow, we are proud to support the local community. We work with families from surrounding areas including Great Horwood, Swanbourne, Granborough, and Steeple Claydon. Our knowledge of local services and institutions ensures we can offer practical advice in your specific context.
For example, we are familiar with local healthcare providers like Winslow Health Centre, North Bucks Primary Care Network, and Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust. If your will includes medical care preferences or powers of attorney, we ensure they align with local medical and social care protocols.
We also accommodate home visits in and around Winslow for those unable to travel, and virtual appointments for your convenience.
When should you update your will?
Even if you already have a will in place, it’s important to review and update it regularly. We recommend updating your will when:
- You get married, divorced, or enter a civil partnership
- You have children or grandchildren
- You move home or purchase property
- Your financial situation changes
- A named executor, beneficiary, or guardian passes away
- You wish to include or exclude someone from your estate
Outdated wills can lead to legal disputes or unintended outcomes. We make the update process quick, affordable, and stress-free.
Supporting documents and estate planning
Will planning is most effective when combined with other estate planning tools. We offer comprehensive support including:
Lasting powers of attorney (LPA)
An LPA allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. We help you set up two types of LPAs:
- Health and welfare LPA: Covers decisions about medical treatment, living arrangements, and daily care
- Property and financial affairs LPA: Grants authority to manage your bank accounts, pay bills, and handle property
Trusts and asset protection
In certain circumstances, it is advisable to use a trust to protect your assets, reduce inheritance tax, or ensure long-term provision for vulnerable beneficiaries. Common types of trusts include:
- Discretionary trusts
- Life interest trusts
- Bare trusts
Our solicitors can advise on whether a trust is appropriate and help you set one up within your will or as a standalone document.
Funeral plans and personal wishes
Although not legally binding, including your funeral wishes in your will helps family members honour your preferences more clearly. You can outline choices about burial or cremation, type of service, and preferred location.
We also recommend letting close family know about your wishes in advance so they are aware of your instructions and where your will is stored.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many people who attempt to draft their own wills or use online templates fall into common traps that can cause significant issues. These include:
- Failing to sign the will or witness it correctly
- Using vague or ambiguous language
- Omitting assets or forgetting to update for new property
- Not appointing guardians for young children
- Overlooking digital assets such as online accounts and cryptocurrencies
Our solicitors help you avoid these errors and ensure your will meets all legal requirements.
FAQs
Can I contest a will in Winslow?
Yes, under certain circumstances, you can challenge a will in Winslow or any part of England and Wales. This usually applies if you believe the will was made under duress, the person lacked mental capacity, or it fails to provide for a dependent. We can advise you on your rights if you believe a will is invalid or unfair.
How much does it cost to have a will professionally written?
The cost of writing a will varies depending on complexity. At Marley Solicitors, we offer competitive fixed fees for simple wills and transparent pricing for more complex estate planning. You will receive a full breakdown after your free consultation.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
- Deep roots in the Winslow community
- Decades of combined legal experience
- Clear communication with no legal jargon
- Fixed-fee pricing for peace of mind
- Convenient home or virtual appointments
- Secure will storage available
From first-time wills to detailed estate planning, we handle each case with sensitivity and expertise.
Contact Marley Solicitors in Winslow today
Preparing your will is an essential part of securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones. At Marley Solicitors, we make the process straightforward, affordable, and legally robust. If you live in Winslow or nearby villages and want to speak with experienced will planning solicitors, we are here to help.
Contact us today to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the first step towards clarity, confidence, and control over your future.
