Time and Tide Service
Wills & Probate
As a family firm we have been giving service to the community in Staffordshire for over 40 years. We can help you to make a Will and make sure nothing is left to chance.
What could happen if You don't leave a Will?
If you have no family and have no Will, all your belongings go to the Crown. Your friends - even lifelong friends - have no automatic claim by law and may well receive nothing. Most important though is that without a valid Will your estate may not be distributed as you would have wished.
Some people think, quite wrongly, that everything goes to their wife or husband or partner if no Will exists. In fact, if you have children or other relatives only a proportion of your estate may pass to your surviving spouse. The rest is shared with your children or relatives. In some cases, a husband or wife may be forced to sell the family home to pay relatives the money that they are entitled by law. If you are not married, your partner is not regarded as a relative and may well receive nothing.
Making a Will is simple: not making one can place an unnecessary burden on those you leave behind.
Independent Legal Advice
You will undoubtedly save money with a 'home-made' Will but can you be sure that it is legally binding, validly signed and covers every eventuality? By going to a solicitor you can be sure that your Will is legal and correct.
What will it Cost?
At Nowell Meller our standard costs for preparing a straightforward Will are £100 plus VAT for a single Will and £150 plus VAT for a double Will (e.g. for Husband and Wife). This includes a personal consultation. If your Will is unusually complicated or detailed, a costs estimate will be provided before any obligation is imposed. Home visits are available at a small additional charge.
Free Storage
Once signed, we are happy to store your Will in our safe storage system FREE OF CHARGE and will of course supply you with a copy for your own records.
Inheritance Tax
Your estate may be liable to Inheritance Tax (formerly Capital Transfer Tax). Inheritance Tax thresholds and allowances are subject to variation as are those for other taxes. Currently the threshold is £275,000. Any amount over that figure will be taxed at 40%.
Everything left to your husband or wife (but not an unmarried partner) is exempt from tax. All gifts to charity are free of tax. Expert advice when drafting your Will may help you to minimise your eventual tax liability. You should also see our Inheritance Tax Fact Sheet.
What if I leave a Will and want to make an Amendment?
If the amendment is only slight, it may be possible to make the change by preparing a codicil to your Will. If, however, you wish to make a number of alterations, it is usually best to make a completely new Will to avoid any confusion.
It is important to Review your Will regularly
We recommend that you review your Will at least once every five years. You should also do so following any change in your circumstances. Don't forget that marriage will usually revoke any prior Will and that if you divorce any gifts to your former spouse would be invalid.
