Wills Solicitors
Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out. Our experienced Wills Solicitors provide clear, practical advice, helping you plan for the future with confidence and giving you peace of mind that your family will be looked after.
Introduction
What Is a Will and Why Do I Need One?
Disbursements are payments made to third parties during a legal transaction. They are separate from your solicitor’s legal fees and may include Land Registry fees, search fees, official copies, Stamp Duty Land Tax and other charges required to complete your commercial property matter.
The disbursements applicable to your matter will depend on the nature of the transaction. Factors such as the type of property, lease terms, registration requirements and whether Stamp Duty Land Tax is payable can all affect the final cost. Common examples include Land Registry fees, official copy documents, Local Authority searches, Environmental searches, Drainage & Water searches and VAT on applicable disbursements.
Why Choose Prime Legal Solicitors?
Wills & Probate Specialists
Our experienced solicitors advise landlords and tenants on all aspects of commercial lease transactions.
Fixed Fee Will Writing
We provide realistic estimates of anticipated third-party costs before your transaction begins.
Clear, Jargon-Free Advice
Flexible Appointments
Complex Estate Experience
We regularly advise on estates involving property, businesses, inheritance tax and disputes between beneficiaries.
Secure Will Storage
From preparing your LPA to registration and future reviews, we’re here to support you.
Wills & Probate Specialists
Our experienced solicitors advise individuals and families on all aspects of will writing and estate planning.
Fixed Fee Will Writing
We offer transparent fixed-fee services with no hidden costs.
Clear, Jargon-Free Advice
We explain every stage of the process in straightforward language, making it easy to understand your options.
Flexible Appointments
Home visits and video consultations are available where appropriate for your convenience.
Complex Estate Experience
We regularly advise clients with blended families, business interests and inheritance tax planning requirements.
Secure Will Storage
We offer secure storage solutions to help protect your will and ensure it can be located when needed.
Ready to discuss your case?
We have successfully advised hundreds of individuals and families through divorce and related family law matters.
What Is a Will and Why Do You Need One?
Definition and Legal Meaning
A will is a legally binding document that records your wishes for the distribution of your estate after your death. To be valid, it must meet specific legal requirements regarding signing and witnessing.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If you die without a valid will, your estate will usually be distributed under the rules of intestacy. These rules may not reflect your personal wishes and can create unnecessary difficulties for your loved ones.
Who Should Have a Will?
Anyone with assets, property, savings, investments, dependants or particular wishes about their estate should consider making a will, regardless of age or wealth.
What a Will Can and Cannot Control
A will allows you to appoint executors, leave gifts to beneficiaries and appoint guardians for minor children. However, some jointly owned assets or certain pension benefits may pass outside your will.
Reviewing and Updating Your Will
A will should be reviewed regularly, particularly after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or acquiring substantial assets.
Definition and Legal Requirements
A will is a legally binding document that records your wishes for the distribution of your estate after your death. To be valid, it must meet specific legal requirements regarding signing and witnessing.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If you die without a valid will, your estate will usually be distributed under the rules of intestacy. These rules may not reflect your personal wishes and can create unnecessary difficulties for your loved ones.
Who Should Have a Will?
Anyone with assets, property, savings, investments, dependants or particular wishes about their estate should consider making a will, regardless of age or wealth.
What a Will Can and Cannot Control
A will allows you to appoint executors, leave gifts to beneficiaries and appoint guardians for minor children. However, some jointly owned assets or certain pension benefits may pass outside your will.
Reviewing and Updating Your Will
A will should be reviewed regularly, particularly after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children or acquiring substantial assets.
When Should You Contact a Solicitor?
You Do Not Have a Will
If you have never made a will, now is the right time to ensure your wishes are legally protected.
Your Circumstances Have Changed
Marriage, divorce, children, property purchases or other major life events may mean your existing will no longer reflects your wishes.
You Own a Business
Business owners often require specialist succession planning to ensure business interests are protected for future generations.
You Have a Blended Family
Professional legal advice can help ensure your estate is distributed fairly while protecting those most important to you.
You Want to Reduce Inheritance Tax
Careful estate planning may help minimise inheritance tax liabilities for your beneficiaries.
You Need to Appoint Guardians
If you have young children, a will allows you to appoint guardians to care for them should the unexpected happen.
You Do Not Have a Will
If you have never made a will, now is the right time to ensure your wishes are legally protected.
Your Circumstances Have Changed
Marriage, divorce, children, property purchases or other major life events may mean your existing will no longer reflects your wishes.
You Own a Business
Business owners often require specialist succession planning to ensure business interests are protected for future generations.
You Have a Blended Family
Professional legal advice can help ensure your estate is distributed fairly while protecting those most important to you.
You Want to Reduce Inheritance Tax
Careful estate planning may help minimise inheritance tax liabilities for your beneficiaries.
You Need to Appoint Guardians
If you have young children, a will allows you to appoint guardians to care for them should the unexpected happen.
Early legal advice can often prevent disputes from escalating and may help achieve a quicker resolution.
Our LPA Services
Single Wills
Preparing professionally drafted wills tailored to your personal circumstances and wishes.
Mirror Wills for Couples
Helping couples prepare complementary wills that provide mutual protection while reflecting individual preferences.
Wills for Business Owners
Advising business owners on succession planning and protecting business interests within their estate.
Wills Involving Trusts
Preparing wills that include trusts to protect assets and provide for beneficiaries effectively.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Providing advice on structuring your estate to minimise potential inheritance tax liabilities.
Guardianship Provisions
Helping parents appoint trusted guardians to care for their children if required.
Will Reviews & Updates
Reviewing existing wills to ensure they remain appropriate following changes in your circumstances.
Secure Will Storage
Providing safe, secure storage to help ensure your will can be located whenever it is needed.
Single Wills
Preparing professionally drafted wills tailored to your personal circumstances and wishes.
Mirror Wills for Couples
Helping couples prepare complementary wills that provide mutual protection while reflecting individual preferences.
Wills for Business Owners
Advising business owners on succession planning and protecting business interests within their estate.
Wills Involving Trusts
Preparing wills that include trusts to protect assets and provide for beneficiaries effectively.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Providing advice on structuring your estate to minimise potential inheritance tax liabilities.
Guardianship Provisions
Helping parents appoint trusted guardians to care for their children if required.
Will Reviews & Updates
Reviewing existing wills to ensure they remain appropriate following changes in your circumstances.
Secure Will Storage
Providing safe, secure storage to help ensure your will can be located whenever it is needed.
Early legal advice can often prevent disputes from escalating and may help achieve a quicker resolution.
Our Legal Process
cStep 1 – Initial Consultation
We discuss your family circumstances, assets and wishes for the future.
Step 2 – Understanding Your Requirements
We provide advice on executors, beneficiaries, guardianship and estate planning options.
Step 3 – Drafting Your Will
We prepare a professionally drafted will that accurately reflects your instructions.
Step 4 – Review & Amendments
You review the draft and we make any necessary amendments before final approval.
Step 5 – Signing & Witnessing
We ensure your will is signed and witnessed correctly so it complies with legal requirements.
Step 6 – Secure Storage & Future Reviews
We can securely store your will and advise you when it may be appropriate to review or update it.
Once the court reaches a decision, we explain the order and provide ongoing advice if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do search fees differ between transactions?
Search fees vary because different properties require different searches, and charges differ between local authorities and search providers.
Are disbursements refundable if the transaction falls through?
Generally, third-party costs already incurred cannot be refunded, even if the transaction does not complete.
Can disbursement costs be estimated in advance?
Yes. We provide an estimate of anticipated disbursements before work begins, although some costs may vary depending on the specific transaction.
Do disbursement costs vary depending on the property?
Yes. Search fees and certain third-party charges may vary according to the property's location and the type of transaction.
Is VAT charged on disbursements?
Some disbursements attract VAT while others do not. We explain any applicable VAT in your written quotation.
Who pays search fees?
Responsibility for search fees depends on the type of transaction and the agreement between the parties.
Do I have to pay disbursements if the transaction does not complete?
Some disbursements, such as property searches already ordered, are usually payable even if the transaction does not proceed.
What is the difference between legal fees and disbursements?
Legal fees are the charges for your solicitor's professional services, while disbursements are payments made to third parties during your transaction.
Costs
Related Legal Services
Lasting Power of Attorney
Protecting your future by appointing trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
Probate Services
Helping executors and families administer estates efficiently following the death of a loved one.
Contentious Probate
Representing clients in disputes concerning wills, estates and inheritance where disagreements arise.
Trusts
Helping protect family assets and manage wealth for future generations through carefully structured trusts.
Estate Administration
Providing practical legal support with every aspect of administering an estate, from obtaining probate to distributing assets.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Helping individuals and families reduce potential inheritance tax liabilities through effective estate planning.
Lasting Power of Attorney
Protecting your future by appointing trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity.
Probate Services
Helping executors and families administer estates efficiently following the death of a loved one.
Contentious Probate
Representing clients in disputes concerning wills, estates and inheritance where disagreements arise.
Trusts
Helping protect family assets and manage wealth for future generations through carefully structured trusts.
Estate Administration
Providing practical legal support with every aspect of administering an estate, from obtaining probate to distributing assets.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Helping individuals and families reduce potential inheritance tax liabilities through effective estate planning.
Why This Matters
Making a will is one of the simplest ways to protect the people who matter most. It ensures your wishes are known, gives you control over who inherits your estate and can help avoid unnecessary stress, uncertainty and family disputes during an already emotional time.
A professionally prepared will also makes life easier for your executors and loved ones by providing clear legal instructions. Taking the time to put the right arrangements in place today can provide lasting peace of mind for both you and your family in the future.
Local Expertise
Prime Legal Solicitors advises individuals and families throughout Rochdale, Manchester, Greater Manchester, London and the surrounding areas on wills, estate planning and probate matters. Whether you are preparing your first will, reviewing an existing one or planning your family’s future, our experienced solicitors provide practical legal advice to clients across England and Wales.
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- Not making a will and assuming assets will automatically pass to the intended beneficiaries.
- Using a DIY will without obtaining legal advice, resulting in unclear or invalid provisions.
- Forgetting to update a will after marriage, divorce or other significant life events.
- Not appointing an alternative executor in case the original executor cannot act.
- Failing to consider inheritance tax planning when preparing a will.
- Overlooking business interests, digital assets or other valuable property when planning your estate.
Related Guides
- What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
- How to Choose an Executor
- Do Mirror Wills Make Sense for Couples?
- Can a Will Be Contested?
- Inheritance Tax Planning Explained
Speak to a Lasting Power of Attorney Solicitor
Making a Lasting Power of Attorney today can provide valuable peace of mind for you and your loved ones tomorrow. Our experienced solicitors are here to guide you through every stage of the process with clear advice, compassionate support and straightforward legal guidance.