What a well-prepared will can do

A will records who should benefit from your estate and who should administer it after your death. It can also address guardianship appointments and other wishes, subject to their legal effect. The main benefit is clarity: the document gives executors a plan that reflects considered instructions rather than leaving every question to intestacy rules.

This guide concerns England and Wales. Our will writing solicitors can discuss a new will or review an existing document, including remotely where suitable.

Choose beneficiaries and executors

A will lets you give instructions about the assets it can lawfully cover. It also names executors who will take responsibility for administering the estate. Consider whether the people appointed are willing, able to cooperate and equipped to deal with property, tax and records.

Include substitutes and address what should happen if a person named in the will dies before you. Tell your solicitor about previous relationships, dependants and anyone with particular needs. Clear instructions help, but cannot eliminate every dispute or potential claim.

Plan for children and vulnerable relatives

A will can include a guardianship appointment, but its effect depends on parental responsibility and the family circumstances. It does not automatically override a surviving parent’s rights or settle every issue about a child’s care.

Where an intended beneficiary cannot manage an inheritance or has care needs, discuss the appropriate structure and trustee responsibilities. Trust arrangements require individual advice about their effect, costs and administration; they should not be selected merely because a standard form includes them.

A will does not automatically avoid probate

Having a will can identify the executors and clarify distribution, but it does not remove the need to check whether probate is required. That depends on the assets, ownership and the requirements of the institutions involved.

Executors still need to address liabilities, tax and administration before distributing the estate. MWG’s probate solicitors in Manchester can provide related advice when someone has died.

Consider the assets outside the will

The form of joint ownership, pension scheme terms, insurance arrangements and trusts can affect what passes under a will. Do not assume a general gift of your estate controls every asset connected with you.

Tell the solicitor about overseas property, business interests and other wills. Coordinated advice may be needed so a new document does not accidentally revoke or conflict with an existing arrangement.

Islamic wills: reflecting faith within a legal document

For Muslim clients, a will can express inheritance wishes intended to follow Islamic principles while meeting the legal requirements in England and Wales. Family details and the religious guidance followed matter; a single template or simplified fraction may not fit the circumstances.

Our Islamic wills service covers discussions about family, assets, executors and charitable wishes. Read our Islamic wills guide for practical questions to prepare. Qualified religious guidance may be needed alongside legal drafting where an interpretation needs clarification.

You can instruct MWG remotely by telephone or video, including from other major cities in England and Wales. Remote advice does not replace the separate requirements for signing and witnessing the final will.

Understand tax, fees and the limits of planning

A will does not itself guarantee a tax saving or immunity from a claim. Discuss the estate, family needs and any tax advice required within the agreed scope. Ask about fees, VAT, revisions and storage before work begins.

An advance decision about medical treatment is a different document from a will dealing with assets after death. Explain your goals so the appropriate advice and documents can be considered, rather than treating all future planning as the same service.

Keep the document useful

Review your will after significant family or asset changes and tell executors where the signed original is held. Do not alter the signed will informally; ask whether a properly executed codicil or replacement is needed.

Our team can explain the available options after understanding your circumstances. Contact MWG Solicitors to arrange an appointment and discuss the information to bring.

Further reading: GOV.UK: making a will and GOV.UK: probate. General information only; individual advice is needed.