We spend our lives working to provide for ourselves and our loved ones. By putting your plans in place now, you can ensure that your wishes are followed, avoiding more distress for your family and friends at what is already a difficult time.

Free initial telephone options appointment

Our expert Wills team are here to take the worry off your hands. We provide a free initial telephone consultation to see how we can assist in your circumstances. Please call 0330 333 2613 for a no obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call you back.

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that expresses an individual’s wishes as to how their property and finances are to be distributed after their death, and which individual will manage the estate until its final distribution. Wills can also set out any arrangements for any children should you pass away when they are under the age of 18.

Why should you write a Will?

There are a number of reasons that having a Will in place is recommended, for example:

• You can name your children’s guardian – When you write a Will, this doesn’t just specify how your estate is divided, you can also state who will look after your dependents should you die before they reach the age of 18.
• Ensure your children and step-children are provided for – As well as deciding who you would wish to care for your children, you can also make plans for your children to be provided for financially in the future. We appreciate that step-children may be an important part of your life, however, the law states that only spouses and blood relatives can automatically inherit if there is no Will. Having a Will in place allows you to ensure that your step-children are financially provided for, should you wish to do this.
• Protection for your partner, if you are unmarried – If you die without a Will in place and you are unmarried, your partner won’t be entitled to inherit your estate. This could mean that they could lose their home. Writing a Will that includes your partner ensures that they will receive a fair share of your estate.

What happens if you don’t write a Will?

When a person dies without leaving a valid Will in place, their property (their estate) must be shared out according to particular rules – these are known as the Rules of Intestacy. The individual who hasn’t left a Will would be known as an intestate person.

The Rules of Intestacy state that only married or civil partners and some other close relatives are able to inherit the deceased estate.

• Married partners and civil partners.
• Children
• Parents
• Grandchildren or great-grandchildren
• Brothers and sisters
• Nieces and nephews

It is recommended that you have a Will in place that is regularly updated to ensure that your wishes are clearly outlined to your loved ones. Our expert team will be able to guide you through the process of writing a Will.

How we can help 

At Elliot Mather we appreciate that making a Will can appear to be a daunting task, but our aim is to provide you with clear, straightforward advice and to leave you with the peace of mind that your Will will put your wishes in hand.

Location 

Our Solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield, and Derby.

How to get in contact 

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us on 0330 333 2613 for a no-obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call or email you back.

• Probate