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Wills

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out. At HM & Co. Solicitors, we have extensive experience in helping individuals and families create bespoke Wills that provide security and peace of mind.

We do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach—every Will we draft is tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of our clients. Whether you require a simple Will or need a more complex estate planning strategy, our team is here to guide you through the process.

Why Choose HM & Co. Solicitors for Your Will?

Our Personalised Approach

We take a pragmatic and plain-speaking approach, ensuring that legal jargon is minimised so you can fully understand your Will. Our solicitors work to keep the process as simple and stress-free as possible, while making sure all legal risks—such as potential claims against your estate or inheritance tax concerns—are properly addressed.

Specialist Expertise

Our Will writing solicitors are full members of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and have years of experience in estate planning. You will be assigned your own solicitor, who will guide you from start to finish and be available for future legal needs.

Flexible Meeting Options

We offer meetings at:

  • Our offices in London
  • Your home or office
  • Online video meetings via Zoom, Teams, or Skype
  • Telephone consultations

Our Specialist Will Writing Services

1. Wills for Business Owners

Business owners need to consider how their estate planning aligns with their business affairs. We offer specialist advice on structuring Wills to:

  • Maximise Inheritance Tax reliefs such as Business Property Relief.
  • Ensure smooth business succession.
  • Review cross-option agreements and other protection measures.

2. Cross-Border Wills

If you have international links, we provide expert advice on managing foreign assets, including:

  • Drafting Wills that comply with UK inheritance laws.
  • Working alongside foreign legal experts to ensure global estate planning.
  • Managing tax implications for overseas properties.

3. Wills for Vulnerable People

We offer a sensitive and personalised service for:

  • Adults with learning disabilities.
  • Individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
  • Clients who require capacity assessments before making a Will.

Our solicitors assess testamentary capacity and arrange professional medical assessments where necessary.

4. Wills for High Net Worth Individuals

For clients with assets between £2 million and £4 million, we offer bespoke estate planning, including:

  • Inheritance Tax planning using asset protection trusts.
  • Strategies to minimise challenges to your Will.
  • Collaboration with your financial advisors to ensure a comprehensive estate plan.

The Will Writing Process

We follow a structured five-step process to ensure your Will is tailored to your needs and legally sound.

Step 1: Initial Meeting (No Charge)

  • Discuss your wishes, personal circumstances, and financial position.
  • Review Inheritance Tax implications and structuring options.
  • Advise on how to protect your assets and reduce legal risks.

Step 2: Confirming Your Instructions

  • We provide a summary of your instructions in plain English.
  • You receive a breakdown of costs and estimated timeframes.
  • Documents are shared via post or secure online portal.

Step 3: Drafting the Will

  • You receive a draft Will along with a plain English summary.
  • We can review the documents in person or via online portal.

Step 4: Signing the Will

  • We prepare the final version for signing.
  • Two independent witnesses are required—we can provide them if needed.
  • If you prefer to sign at home, we send detailed signing instructions.

Step 5: Finalisation & Storage

  • Once signed, we discuss storage options:
    • You may store your Will with us at no cost.
    • We provide certified copies for your records.

For couples and cross-border Wills, please see our price list or contact us for a quote.

How Long Does It Take to Make a Will?

  • Standard Wills: 2 to 4 weeks
  • Urgent Wills: Same-day service available
  • Wills with Registration & Inheritance Tax Planning: Up to 6 weeks

Why Should You Make a Will?

Many people assume that their estate will automatically pass to their loved ones, but without a legally valid Will, this is not always the case. A Will ensures that:
✔ Your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
✔ Your loved ones are financially protected.
✔ Your assets are passed on efficiently and tax-effectively.
✔ Your children’s guardianship is formally documented.
✔ Your business interests are secured.

 

Contact HM & Co. Solicitors Today

If you are considering making a Will, we are here to help you protect your future and your loved ones.

Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
Call us: 0207 112 8180
Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com

Let HM & Co. Solicitors help you secure your legacy with expert Will writing services. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Your Questions, Answered

FAQs

FAQs About Wills

1. Why do I need a Will?

A Will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes when you pass away. Without a Will, the law decides how your estate is divided, which may not align with your intentions. A Will also allows you to:

✔ Appoint guardians for your children.
✔ Protect your assets from unnecessary tax burdens.
✔ Ensure your loved ones are financially secure.
✔ Specify funeral wishes.

2. What happens if I die without a Will?

If you die without a Will, your estate will be distributed under the intestacy rules, which may mean:

  • Your spouse or civil partner may not inherit everything.
  • Unmarried partners and stepchildren will receive nothing.
  • The government may take your estate if no eligible relatives exist.
  • Family disputes may arise over inheritance.

Making a Will ensures your wishes are legally protected.

3. How long does it take to make a Will?

  • Standard Wills: 2 to 4 weeks
  • Urgent Wills: Same-day service available
  • Complex Wills (including tax planning or cross-border assets): Up to 6 weeks

4. What is included in a Will?

A Will typically includes:


✔ Who will inherit your assets (money, property, personal belongings).
✔ Who will manage your estate (Executors).
✔ Guardianship provisions for children under 18.
✔ Funeral preferences (if specified).
✔ Trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries (if applicable).

We tailor every Will to your personal circumstances.

5. Can I update my Will?

Yes, you should review your Will every 3 to 5 years or when major life events occur, such as:

  • Marriage or divorce (marriage invalidates an existing Will).
  • Birth of children or grandchildren.
  • Significant changes in financial circumstances.
  • Changes in tax laws.

You can update your Will using a Codicil (a formal amendment) or by creating a new Will.

6. What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?

  • A Will takes effect after you pass away, distributing your assets according to your instructions.
  • A Trust can take effect during your lifetime or after death, protecting assets for specific beneficiaries (e.g., children or vulnerable adults).

Trusts are often used for Inheritance Tax planning or safeguarding assets from potential claims.

7. Do I need a solicitor to write a Will?

While DIY Wills are available, mistakes can render them invalid or legally ineffective. A solicitor ensures that:

✔ Your Will is legally valid.
✔ All tax implications are considered.
✔ Your Will is correctly signed and witnessed.
✔ Your wishes are clearly expressed to avoid disputes.

8. Where should I store my Will?

You can store your Will:

  • With HM & Co. Solicitors (secure storage available at no cost).
  • With a professional Will storage service.
  • At home (though this risks damage or loss).

Your Executors should know where your original Will is stored.

9. Can I make a Will if I have a medical condition affecting my mental capacity?

Yes, but you must have the legal mental capacity to make a Will (testamentary capacity). If there are concerns, we may recommend an independent mental capacity assessment from a medical professional.

Our solicitors specialise in Wills for vulnerable individuals, including those with dementia or learning disabilities.

10. Can I leave money to charity in my Will?

Yes! Many people choose to leave a charitable gift in their Will, which can also reduce Inheritance Tax liability. You can specify:

✔ A fixed amount.
✔ A percentage of your estate.
✔ A specific asset (e.g., property or shares).

We can help you structure charitable gifts in a tax-efficient way.

11. Who should I appoint as my Executors?

Executors are responsible for managing your estate after your death. You can appoint:

  • Family members or close friends (ensure they are trustworthy and capable).
  • Solicitors or professional Executors (for complex estates or impartial administration).

You can appoint more than one Executor to share responsibilities.

12. Can I disinherit someone from my Will?

13. Can I disinherit someone from my Will?

Yes, but disinherited individuals may still be able to make a claim against your estate under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.

To reduce the risk of disputes, we recommend:
✔ Clearly stating your reasons in the Will.
✔ Writing a Letter of Wishes to explain your decision.
✔ Seeking legal advice for added protection.

13. How can I minimise Inheritance Tax (IHT) through my Will?

Inheritance Tax is charged at 40% on estates above the £325,000 threshold (or £500,000 if a family home is left to children/grandchildren).

Ways to reduce IHT include:
✔ Leaving assets to your spouse (tax-free transfer).
✔ Gifting money to charity.
✔ Setting up Trusts.
✔ Using Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief.

We provide specialist IHT planning to help protect your estate.

14. How do I get started with making a Will?

Getting started is easy—simply contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.

Visit us: 186 Lower Road, Surrey Quays, London SE16 2UN
Call us: 0207 112 8180
Email us: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com

Let HM & Co. Solicitors help you secure your legacy. Contact us today!

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Testimonials

What Our Clients Are Saying

I have been using HM & Co. Solicitors since Feb 2020 for my Non-Molestation order and Child Arrangements proceedings. Since using them I have had two amazing solicitors on my case, Felicia and Ayesha. This has been the first time I have ever been to court and had been quite nervous, especially due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. Felicia and Ayesha have been nothing but patient, professional and understanding. I have felt very supportive and reassured throughout the proceedings and they have made sure that I understand what is going on throughout all the hearings. If anyone is ever needing of legal help relating to Domestic Violence or Child Arrangements, I will always recommend HM & Co. Solicitor, Felicia and Ayesha. Thank you again for all your help and support!
Simone Simoes
Simone Simoes
Love to say a massive thank you to HM & Co.Solicitors for a job well done on my two cases, really excited with the way my case was handle by Miss Daisy was amazing with good communication with client, very supportive, professional. I will recommend them to anyone experiencing legal/family issues and need legal advice/support. Miss O Adesina.
O Adesina
O Adesina
HM & Co. Solicitors are so helpful from receptionists right to the solicitors. I've had a few applications made to the court, which includes a non molestation order, recovering my son's passport from his dad and also arranging visits and Felicia is such a professional, organised solicitor who knows her staff so well. She is a blessing and willing to help. She thinks outside the box, and finds solutions in the blink of an eye! Besides her expertise in this field, she will not hesitate to speak up and stand firm when necessary. I am very grateful for her and the company who are so supportive and helpful. Highly recommend!
Constanta Tincu
Constanta Tincu
HM & Co. Solicitors provided an excellent service when supporting us to purchase a flat (where we are first time buyers). Michael, our solicitor, explained the process clearly so it was not stressful, and acted efficiently to speed up the process. He also ensured we did not exchange immediately due to uncertainty over building works, which saved us a lot of money in the long-run. His judgement calls were excellent and ensured we came out with the best deal possible. I would not hesitate to work with HM &Co Solicitors again.
Sophia Dimitriadis
Sophia Dimitriadis
Shocked and surprised! I entered the HM & Co Solicitors on Lower Road in what can only be described as a highly agitated state. I had been told a variety of information from another company and had been told I needed services from a solicitor. After explaining my situation to the gentleman I now know as Mr Hakeem Ayantayo (solicitor) he advised me that I did not need his services and to offer them to me for monetary gain would be against good public practise. He offered me friendly advice and even briefly spoke on the phone to the other company who were trying to make things difficult for me. Ultimately the situation I was in was resolved due to Mr Ayantayo and his due diligence. Mr Ayantayo could have taken advantage of my ignorance and lack of lawful knowledge but instead showed me kindness and support all while not fleecing me! Which in this day and age is a rarity! My sincere thanks to Mr Ayantayo and his lovely secretary you have restored my faith in not only the local business community but people in general.
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Fareen Ali
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