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Solicitor-Drafted Wills

Protect Your Estate With a Professionally Drafted Will

A professionally drafted will ensures your estate passes to the right people, in the right way. We explain every option before you commit — and confirm costs in writing before any work begins.

Your will is drafted by a qualified solicitor who understands your circumstances and can advise on the implications of every decision — not an online template service.

SRA Regulated
Sensitive & Confidential
Free Initial Consultation
Chester & England/Wales

No obligation — talk through your options first. Costs explained clearly.

Led by Laura Kirton — Private Client Solicitor
Plain-language advice, no legal jargon
All enquiries strictly confidential

Why a solicitor-drafted will matters

A will drafted by a qualified solicitor is less likely to be challenged, misinterpreted, or fail to achieve your intentions. Online will-writing services and DIY wills frequently contain errors that only become apparent after death — when it is too late to correct them.

Single wills

A single will setting out your wishes for your estate, guardianship of children, and funeral arrangements. Drafted to reflect your specific circumstances.

Mirror wills

Mirror wills for couples — each leaving their estate to the other, with provisions for what happens if you both die simultaneously or the survivor remarries.

Wills with testamentary trusts

A will that creates a trust on death — protecting assets for vulnerable beneficiaries, minor children, or where you want to control how and when assets are distributed.

Property and business wills

Wills dealing with property held as tenants in common, business interests, agricultural property, and assets requiring specialist structuring.

What your will should cover

01

Executors

Who you appoint to administer your estate. We advise on the responsibilities involved and whether professional executors are appropriate.

02

Beneficiaries

Who inherits your estate and in what proportions. We advise on the implications of different structures — including what happens if a beneficiary predeceases you.

03

Guardianship

If you have minor children, your will should appoint a guardian. We advise on the legal effect of this appointment and how to structure it.

04

Trusts and conditions

Whether any part of your estate should be held on trust — for example, for minor children, a vulnerable beneficiary, or to protect assets from a future relationship.

Thinking about inheritance tax?

Your will is one part of a wider estate planning picture. If your estate may be subject to inheritance tax, we can advise on structuring your will alongside a tax planning strategy.

Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney — done together

A will protects what happens after you die. A Lasting Power of Attorney protects you while you are alive if you lose mental capacity. Many clients put both in place at the same time to ensure consistent planning and fewer future disputes.

Find out more about Lasting Powers of Attorney →
Bundle Offer

Will + LPA — Complete Estate & Care Planning

Protect your estate after death and your choices during life — in a single, joined-up appointment.

Combined cost saving

Instructing us for both your Will and LPA at the same time is more cost-effective than two separate appointments. Ask us for a bundled fixed-fee quote.

One process, not two

We gather your instructions, circumstances, and wishes once — saving you time and reducing the back-and-forth of two separate engagements.

Consistent, joined-up planning

Your Will and LPA are drafted to work together — the same attorneys, executors, and wishes reflected consistently across both documents.

What the bundle covers

Solicitor-drafted Will (single or mirror)
Property & Financial Affairs LPA
Health & Welfare LPA
Executor and attorney advice
Guardianship provisions (if applicable)
Registration with the Office of the Public Guardian
Inheritance tax and estate planning overview
Secure document storage

Timeline saving

LPA registration with the Office of the Public Guardian currently takes around 20 weeks. Starting your Will and LPA together means both are in place sooner — and you only need to go through the instruction process once.

Ready to plan ahead?

Ask us for a bundled fixed-fee quote — no obligation, costs confirmed in writing before any work begins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills

Why do I need a solicitor to write my will?

You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but a poorly drafted will can be challenged, misinterpreted, or fail to achieve your intentions. Errors in DIY or online wills often only come to light after death — when it is too late to correct them. A solicitor ensures your will is valid, clearly worded, and properly executed.

What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will (intestate), your estate is distributed according to the rules of intestacy — which may not reflect your wishes. Unmarried partners receive nothing under intestacy rules, regardless of how long you have been together. Children from previous relationships may also be overlooked. A will puts you in control of who inherits your estate.

How much does it cost to make a will?

Costs vary depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of will required. At PDA Law we provide transparent, fixed-fee quotes so you know the full cost before any work begins. A straightforward single will typically costs from £295–£450. Contact us on 01244 757 352 for a no-obligation quote.

What is a mirror will?

Mirror wills are wills made by two people (usually a couple) that mirror each other — typically leaving everything to the other person, with the same provisions for what happens if both die simultaneously or the survivor remarries. They are a cost-effective option for couples with straightforward estates. Each person can change their will independently.

Can I update my will after it has been made?

Yes — you can update your will at any time by making a new will or adding a codicil (a formal amendment). We recommend reviewing your will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in your financial circumstances. A new will is often clearer than a codicil.

Does getting married or divorced affect my will?

Yes. Marriage automatically revokes any existing will in England and Wales, unless the will was made in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce does not revoke a will, but it does mean gifts to your former spouse and any appointment of them as executor will lapse. You should review your will after any change in relationship status.

What is a testamentary trust?

A testamentary trust is a trust created by your will that comes into effect on your death. It can be used to protect assets for vulnerable beneficiaries, minor children, or where you want to control how and when assets are distributed. For example, you might want assets held in trust until a child reaches a certain age or for a vulnerable beneficiary.

Should I make a will and an LPA at the same time?

Many clients choose to put both in place together. A will protects what happens after you die; a Lasting Power of Attorney protects you while you are alive if you lose mental capacity. Doing both at the same time ensures consistent planning and can be more cost-effective. We can advise on both services.

FAQ Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about making a will, updating an existing will, and what happens without one.

Related Private Client Services

Your Estate Planning Journey

What Else You May Need — Your Next Steps

1
Make Your WillYou are here

A professionally drafted will ensures your estate passes to the right people in the right way.

2

Protect your choices while you are alive — appoint trusted attorneys to act on your behalf if you lose capacity.

3

If your estate may be subject to IHT, we can advise on structuring your will alongside a tax planning strategy.

4

Support for executors and families administering an estate after death — applying for probate and distributing assets.

Ready to make your will?

Speak to a wills solicitor today. We explain every option before you commit — costs confirmed in writing.

No obligation — talk through your options first.

SRA Regulated
Sensitive & Confidential
Free Initial Consultation
Chester & England/Wales
Led by Laura Kirton — Private Client Solicitor
All enquiries strictly confidential