Susanne White Private Client Solicitor
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm
Appointments outside of these hours are available on request
Phone
Will Writing Solicitor in Dedham Essex
Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and control what happens to your estate – yet many people put it off because the process feels daunting or the questions it raises feel difficult. With over 25 years’ experience and thousands of Wills prepared, I offer clear, practical guidance tailored to your circumstances, so you can make confident decisions and get your affairs in order.
Who This is For
I help clients with all kinds of circumstances, including:
✔️Writing a Will for the first time.
✔️Unmarried couples who want to protect each other.
✔️Blended families and children from previous relationships.
✔️Business owners planning for succession.
✔️Those wanting to appoint guardians for young children.
✔️Updating an existing Will after a life change such as a marriage, divorce or financial circumstances.
What happens if I don’t make a Will?
If you die without making a Will the law sets out who will deal with the distribution of your property, personal belongings and money (your estate). These rules known as the intestacy rules will also dictate who will inherit your estate.
The intestacy rules can be complex particularly if you are not married or entered a civil partnership. In a worst-case scenario, your estate could pass to beneficiaries who you would not ordinarily wish to inherit. I have dealt with estates in the past where beneficiaries have received funds from a relative, they never knew existed.
The Importance of making a Will
A professionally drafted Will means that you can get on with living your life in the knowledge your affairs are in order. I have over two decades worth of technical knowledge and experience creating comprehensive Wills which reflect the wishes of my clients. I have prepared thousands of Wills over the course of my career and there are very few situations I have not seen before.
I understand the process may seem daunting; however, I will be able to answer any questions you may have and offer sensible solutions to a range of different scenarios. Crucially with my assistance you will be able to control who your assets are passed down to after death.
Process of making a Will
If you are instructing me to prepare your Will then, broadly speaking, the process will be divided into three stages:
1. Taking instructions
The process will usually start with a meeting at your home at a time that is convenient for you. This initial meeting is helpful as it gives you the opportunity to provide me with details of your family and financial circumstances and allows me to provide legal guidance based on your individual circumstances.
2. Drafting the Will
Once I have advised you on the options, I will prepare a draft Will for you to review. I aim to send this to you within 5 working days of our initial meeting.
It is possible that some further calls, meetings or discussions may need to be had during the Will drafting process. For example, it may be advisable for you to have discussions with potential beneficiaries or those who may not benefit to reduce the possibilities of disputes later. Another example is where you have foreign property and some local law advice may need to be obtained to ensure all your assets are dealt with appropriately, or where you need to speak with potential executors of your Will to ensure they would be happy to act.
3. Signature and storage
Once you are happy with the draft Will, a final version is prepared for signature.
I can also provide recommendations for storage of the original Will if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you die without a Will, legal rules known as the intestacy rules dictate who inherits. Unmarried partners, stepchildren and close friends receive nothing at all. Making a Will ensures your assets go to the people of your choice.
Whilst you do not have to use a solicitor, many people choose to do so. A Will is one of the most important legal documents you can make and is too important to get wrong! Appointing a solicitor ensures your wishes are legally valid, clearly expressed and protected from disputes. A solicitor will also be able to advise on any tax implications and suggest, where appropriate, the use of trusts.
You should review your Will every 3–5 years or after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, buying a property, having children or receiving an inheritance.
A well-drafted Will covers who you would like to appoint as your executors, guardians for young children, and any specific funeral wishes. Clear instructions should also cover who you would like to benefit from your assets. You can also include provision for pets, digital assets and the distribution of any business assets.
An executor is the person named in your Will who will be legally responsible for managing your affairs on death. This will include valuing the estate, applying for probate, paying any taxes due, settling any debts and ultimately distributing the assets in accordance with the terms of the Will.
Yes, it is common for an executor to also be a beneficiary, such as the surviving spouse or civil partner or adult children of the deceased.
Prices start from £500 plus VAT for a single Will and £800 plus VAT for couples.
Anyone can witness a Will provided they are over 18 and are not a beneficiary named in the Will or married or in a civil partnership to a beneficiary named in the Will.
Ready to protect what matters most?
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation conversation about your Will. I can visit you at home at a time that suits you, anywhere in Dedham and surrounding areas in Essex and Suffolk.