These are some of the most common options, but there are other types of Wills and planning tools to consider, including Living Wills, Joint Wills, Property Trust Wills and, where appropriate, a lasting power of attorney. Everyone’s situation is different, so it is sensible to seek legal advice before choosing whichever option is right for you and your family.
How To Make Your Will Legally Binding
While any Will writing process can have complications, the right advice can make it much easier. Before getting started on your Will, there are a few things you should think about beforehand. These can include:
The type of Will you want to make
Who you want to name as your beneficiary or beneficiaries
Who you want to name as your executor or executors
If you have children under 18, who you would want to look after them
Whether you want to leave anything to charity
Whether you need inheritance tax advice, trust planning or support with overseas property
To create a valid Will in England and Wales, the person making the Will must be over 18, make it voluntarily, be of sound mind, put it in writing and sign it in the presence of two independent witnesses who are also over 18. The witnesses must then sign the same legal document in your presence. Following these rules helps ensure the Will can operate as a legally binding document.
A beneficiary, or the spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary, should not act as one of the independent witnesses. If they do, the Will may still be valid, but the gift to that beneficiary can fail.
At your telephone or face-to-face appointment, MJR’s will writing solicitors can talk through your wishes, explain the signing process, and help avoid errors, ambiguity or common mistakes that could cause problems at a later date. To get started, you will need key details such as names, addresses, executors, beneficiaries and any specific gifts you want to include.
You may also want to discuss a lasting power of attorney at the same appointment. This is a separate legal document that lets you choose trusted people to help with decisions if you lose mental capacity. There are two main types: one for health and welfare, and one for property and financial affairs.
When you are ready to make your Will, our will writers will be available to answer your initial questions and guide you through the next steps.
What MJR Solicitors’ Will Writing Services Can Offer You
Experienced in all aspects of Will writing, MJR Solicitors is a trusted solicitor firm offering will writing services with personalised legal advice and the safeguards that come with using regulated professionals, rather than a purely document-led will writing firm or online writing service. Our writing team can help you prepare a secure, legally binding Will, explain your options in plain English and guide you through every stage. As solicitors, we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and clients have the protection of professional indemnity insurance and access to the legal ombudsman where appropriate.
Our service can include inheritance tax advice, estate planning, estate administration, probate, Will storage and retrieval, and support with more complex issues such as trusts, overseas property, vulnerable beneficiaries or a contested Will. Secure storage also means the original Will can be kept safely and made available to executors when required.
Using specialist will writers gives you confidence that your Will is legally valid, your wishes are clearly recorded, and your entire estate is structured as effectively as possible. This is especially important where DIY Wills, template documents or unclear instructions could create disputes, increase costs or cause part of the estate to pass in a way you did not intend.
Executors are responsible for identifying and collecting all the assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to the right beneficiaries. Choosing suitable executors matters. Many clients appoint at least two people, while more complex estates may benefit from appointing a professional, such as a solicitor or probate specialist.
We are committed to providing Will writing services that are clear, efficient and trustworthy from start to finish. Unclear instructions or mistakes can cause upset and distress to loved ones after your death and may affect the value of your estate. Our team can help you avoid that.
Why Choose MJR Solicitors For Will Writing?
Choosing the right will writer matters. MJR Solicitors provides clear legal advice from local solicitors who understand Wills, probate, inheritance tax, estate planning and lasting powers of attorney. We combine a personal one-to-one service with the reassurance of using regulated professionals, so you can make informed decisions about your estate, your beneficiaries and the people you trust to act for you.
Our will writing solicitors can help with simple Wills, mirror Wills, specialist Wills, trusts, estate administration, probate and more complex family circumstances. Whether you are planning for children, a civil partner, an ex partner, blood relatives, a second marriage or vulnerable beneficiaries, we can help you put clear, legally valid arrangements in place.
Summary
A Will is one of the most important legal documents you can make. It helps decide who receives your estate, who manages your affairs, and how your money, property and possessions should be dealt with after your death. Without a valid Will, strict intestacy rules may apply, and your estate may not pass in the way you would have chosen.
MJR Solicitors offers will writing services in Bognor Regis, West Sussex and across Sussex, giving clients clear advice, fixed fee options and practical support from an experienced legal team. Whether you need a new Will, an existing Will reviewed, inheritance tax advice, probate support or a lasting power of attorney, our team is here to help.
FAQ
Middleton Office:
4 Bankside,
128 Middleton Road, Middleton-on-Sea, PO22 6DB
Littlehampton Office:
Arcade Business Centre, 2a Arcade Road, Littlehampton, BN17 5AR
Call us on: 01243 945054
Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm