Wills, Trusts and Probate

At Emerald Law we understand that planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honoured. Our dedicated team of solicitors offer expert advice and practical support in the preparation of wills, setting up trusts, and administering estates. Whether you are looking to make a new will or need assistance with updating an existing one, we are here to help every step of the way.

What is a Will?

A will is a legally binding document that sets out your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets, care for any dependants, and other important matters after your death. Without a will in place, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect your personal wishes.

The Benefits of Putting a Will in Place

Creating a will provides peace of mind and offers several key benefits:

• Control over asset distribution: A will allows you to specify exactly who should inherit your assets, including personal belongings, property, and financial investments.
• Provision for loved ones: You can ensure that family members, friends, and even charities are provided for according to your wishes.
• Appointing guardians for dependants: If you have children or vulnerable family members, your will can name guardians to care for them.
• Reducing inheritance disputes: By clearly stating your intentions, a well-drafted will can minimise the risk of disputes among family members.

• Wealth Preservation: The creation of trusts can prove to be useful for preserving wealth and also to ensure that it passes to whomever you would like it to. 

   

The Risks of Failing to Prepare a Will

Failing to prepare a will leaves the distribution of your estate to be determined in accordance with the Intestacy Rules which can lead to unintended consequences. These may include:

• Assets not going to your preferred beneficiaries: Without a will, close friends, cohabiting partners, or extended family members may not inherit anything.
• Family disputes: When a will is not in place, disagreements among family members can lead to lengthy legal battles.
• No provision for minor children: Intestacy laws do not allow for the appointment of guardians, leaving this critical decision out of your hands. 
• Higher tax liability: Without proper planning, your estate may be subject to avoidable inheritance taxes, reducing the amounts to be inherited by your loved ones. 

At Emerald Law, we help clients avoid these risks by guiding them through the process of creating a clear, legally sound will.

Updating your Will

Life circumstances change, and it’s important that your will reflects those changes. We recommend reviewing your will every few years or after significant life events such as marriage or separation, the birth of children, purchasing property, or changes in financial circumstances. We can assist in amending your will to ensure it remains up-to-date and accurately reflects your current wishes.

If you already have a will and are unsure if it needs updating, our team would be happy to review it with you.

How Can We Assist

At Emerald Law, we provide a comprehensive service tailored to your individual needs. Our experienced team of solicitors can:

• Advise you on all aspects of will preparation, ensuring your wishes are clear and legally sound
• Assist with the creation of trusts to manage your assets or care for loved ones
• Provide ongoing advice and support for updating your will as your circumstances change
• Help with probate matters, including the administration of estates after a loved one’s passing

We are committed to making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, ensuring that your family and assets are protected for the future.

Instructing Us

Preparing your will is one of the most important steps you can take to secure your family’s future. Whether you are looking to create a new will, update an existing one, or need advice on estate planning or probate matters, Emerald Law is here to help. Please call us on 0151 229 1170 or complete this short form and a member of the team will be in touch with you shortly to arrange a consultation and take the first step towards peace of mind.