Yes, but it must be done carefully. You can choose who benefits from your estate, but if you exclude close family (like a spouse or children), they may still have a right to make a claim. It’s wise to seek legal advice in these cases.

You should review your Will every few years, or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or acquiring significant assets. Keeping it up to date ensures it still reflects your wishes.

Avoid emotional or defamatory statements, illegal conditions, or complex instructions that are hard to enforce. A Will should be clear, practical, and legally sound.

Having a valid Will usually makes probate more straightforward, as it clearly sets out who should administer the estate and how assets should be distributed. Without a Will, the estate is dealt with under intestacy rules, which can complicate and delay the probate process.

Having a Trust can reduce or even eliminate the need for probate, as assets held in the Trust do not usually form part of the probate estate. This can make the administration of an estate quicker, more private, and potentially less costly.

Many of our solicitors have either achieved or are working towards the STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) qualification. STEP members must adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and a commitment to ongoing professional development, ensuring clients receive the highest standard of advice.