Local Will Writing Solicitors in Dorset (Ferndown, Wimborne, Broadstone, Christchurch, Verwood)
Why making a Will is important
There are so many reasons why having a Will is so important but the main one is to allow you to decide who will receive your money, personal items, and property after you pass away. This is known as your ‘estate’. If you pass away without having a Will in place, then this would mean that your estate would pass under the intestacy rules and relatives who you may not want to benefit, could.
Who can make a Will?
Anyone who is over the age of 18 and has mental capacity can make a Will. A Will can only be based on your circumstances at the time and this is why it is recommended that you review your Will every five years.
What should be included in a Will?
You will need to decide who you want to administer your estate once you have passed away and these people are known as your ‘executors’. As long as they are over the age of 18 and have mental capacity than anyone can act as your executor. They can also be a beneficiary of your Will. It is recommended that you appoint at least two executors in case one of them dies before you.
If your estate is large or is likely to be complicated and you do not wish to burden family or friends with this role then you can appoint a professional executor. The fees that they charge for their work will be met from your estate.
You may also wish to consider leaving specific gifts to chosen beneficiaries such as jewellery or other personal items. These can all be specified in your Will. You can also choose to leave specific sums of money to beneficiaries and decide what age these beneficiaries are to receive this gift.
If you have children under the age of 18 you can also nominate a guardian or guardians to look after them once you have passed away.
You will also need to decide who you wish to receive your residuary estate. This is everything that is left once any specific and cash gifts have been distributed and all outstanding debts have been paid.
Funeral wishes can also be placed in your Will. They are not binding but assist your family if they are not aware of your wishes. Any items that you hold jointly with another person pass automatically to the surviving joint owner upon your death regardless of what instruction you have given in your Will. You do not therefore have to include these assets.
What happens if you die without a Will?
If you die without making a Will then you are said to have died ‘intestate’ and your estate will be divided according to the intestacy rules. If at the time of your death you are married without children then your spouse will inherit all of your estate. If however you have a spouse and children at the date of your death then at present your spouse will receive the first £322,000 together with all of your personal possessions and half of the remainder of your estate. Your children will receive the other half between them.
Types of Wills available
These are mainly for individuals who are not married, who are divorced or widowed
These are commonly used by couples who have been married twice and have children from previous relationships.
These are an option for married couples who want to make their Wills on similar terms. They can also be used by unmarried couples. A common misconception is that when Mirror Wills are made, they are in the form of a joint document. This is not the case. Each person has their own Will drawn up, but it reflects that of their spouse. These are quite commonly made when couples wish for their Wills to remain straightforward, passing everything to each other and then onto their children and grandchildren.
Other types of Will are available depending on your circumstances
HGW Solicitors provide specialist Will writing and estate planning services across Dorset, including:
- Wimborne Wills and Probate solicitor support
- Broadstone professional Will drafting services
- Christchurch estate planning and Will reviews
Our Wills and Probate team provides clear, practical legal advice tailored to your circumstances. We support individuals and families across Dorset with straightforward and complex estate planning needs.
How we can help
We provide advice on all aspects of Will writing, estate planning, inheritance planning, and future protection of assets. Whether you are creating your first Will or updating an existing one, our team will guide you through the process clearly and efficiently.
GOV UK guidance on making a Will
Frequently asked questions
Using a solicitor helps ensure your Will is legally valid, correctly drafted, and reflects your wishes accurately. It also reduces the risk of disputes or errors.
It is recommended to review your Will every five years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of children, or buying property.
Your Will can be updated at any time. It should always reflect your current personal and financial situation.
Yes. A Will can be updated or replaced at any time as long as you have mental capacity.
For expert Will writing services across Ferndown, Wimborne, Broadstone, Christchurch and Verwood, contact HGW Solicitors today to speak with our Wills and Probate team.