Making a will is one of the most important steps in planning for the future, as it ensures your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are cared for after you pass away. It is important to account for all the assets that make up your estate and all the friends and family members you wish to benefit, which can make the process of writing your own will somewhat complicated.

As such, finding the right solicitor to guide you through this process can make all the difference, by helping you to avoid costly mistakes and providing peace of mind that you have created a legally valid will that covers the necessary considerations. 

At Percy Hughes & Roberts, we have spent over a century supporting individuals and families across the Wirral and beyond with expert, clear, and compassionate legal advice. In this guide, we will outline how to select a wills solicitor and why it matters, whether you are writing a new will or updating an old one.

If you have any questions we have not answered, our expert Wills, Trusts & Probate solicitors are happy to speak to you regarding your query and provide the legal services you need. You can contact us by completing the enquiry form below or by calling 0151 666 9090.

Why Choosing the Right Wills Solicitor Matters

Making a will is arguably one of the most important tasks in your lifetime, and finding the right solicitor to guide you through the process can prove invaluable. A skilled wills solicitor not only ensures that your will is legally sound and reflective of your wishes, but also helps you avoid potential conflicts among beneficiaries or other legal complications after you pass away. 

Choosing the best solicitor means gaining access to tailored, expert advice that can safeguard your estate, simplify Inheritance Tax considerations, and protect the interests of those you care about most. An experienced solicitor will take the time to understand your personal circumstances, providing the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions about your assets. 

Because wills are legal documents, they are subject to specific rules in how they are written - for example, they must be signed by two witnesses who can verify the authenticity of the document. If you work with professional willwriters, you can have certainty that your will fulfils all of the legal requirements. When you produce your own will, there is a risk that it will be deemed invalid and overturned, which could result in your estate being distributed according to the UK's intestacy rules rather than your own wishes.

Whether you need to setup trusts for minor beneficiaries, navigate complex estates, or minimise tax liabilities, working with a reputable solicitor ensures that every aspect of your estate planning is managed accurately and effectively.

What to Look for in a Wills Solicitor

Selecting the right solicitor to help with your will requires careful consideration of their qualifications, expertise, and approach. Here are some key qualities to look for when choosing a wills solicitor:

• Specialist expertise and qualifications: A solicitor who specialises in wills and probate will have the necessary legal knowledge and experience to handle your estate efficiently and with precision. Look for accreditations from organisations such as the Law Society, which signal a commitment to high-quality standards and best practices in estate planning.

• Experience with similar estates: Every estate is unique. Your estate encompasses your assets, including any bank accounts, property and your personal possessions, minus any debts. This means that an estate can quickly become complicated, so it is important to find a solicitor with experience handling estates of similar complexity to yours. Whether you have a straightforward will or a large, complex estate, a solicitor who is familiar with cases like yours will be better prepared to address specific challenges and provide guidance tailored to your needs. Our head of Wills, Trusts and Probate, Mark Cotson, deals with all types of wills, probate, lasting power of attorneys, and trusts.

• Commitment to quality: While opting for affordability over quality may be tempting, it is worth remembering that a solicitor’s level of service can make a significant difference in ensuring your will’s accuracy and robustness. Rather than focusing solely on low fees, look for a solicitor who prioritises quality, is thorough, and takes the time to understand your wishes. This can help you to avoid common mistakes and protect the inheritance of your beneficiaries.

• Approachability and communication: Discussing your estate is easier with a solicitor who is both professional and approachable. A solicitor with good communication skills will help you feel at ease throughout the process, explain each step in clear terms and ensure you understand all aspects of your will before you sign the document. This can be important in confirming that the will is valid later, and that you had the mental capacity to make it, which can prevent it from being overturned or nullified.

• Transparency and integrity: A reliable solicitor will be open and transparent about the process, outlining the steps they will take to secure your will. This includes helping you to choose executors, account for all of your money and assets, and make provisions for your chosen beneficiaries. It will also involve advising you on any additional considerations like trusts or Lasting Powers of Attorney that may be appropriate.

Choosing a solicitor who demonstrates these qualities will ensure that your will is not only legally sound but also thoughtfully constructed, providing you and your family with the security and clarity you need for the future.

Checking Reviews and Testimonials

One of the best ways to assess a solicitor’s reputation is by exploring client reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback about a probate service from previous clients provides valuable insights into a solicitor’s level of service, expertise, and reliability.

At Percy Hughes & Roberts, we’re proud to have earned a 4.7-star rating on Google from 142 reviewers, which reflects our commitment to quality and client satisfaction. Our website also features a wide range of client testimonials, showcasing personal stories from those we have supported through the will-writing process and other legal matters.

Seek Specialist Knowledge in Complex Estate Planning and Trusts

If your estate involves considerable assets, Inheritance Tax concerns, or specific provisions for family members, finding a solicitor with expertise in complex estate planning is essential. A skilled wills solicitor with knowledge in this area can provide strategic advice on establishing trusts, managing assets in a way that will minimise Inheritance Tax liability, and planning for future generations.

Trusts are a particularly valuable tool for those with larger estates or specific legacy intentions. By setting up a trust within your will, you can protect assets until beneficiaries - such as children or grandchildren - reach a particular age or meet certain conditions. Additionally, a discretionary trust allows appointed trustees to manage your assets with flexibility, supporting your beneficiaries’ needs while protecting the estate’s value.

At Percy Hughes & Roberts, our experienced team specialises in tailored estate planning, helping clients to reduce Inheritance Tax liabilities and secure their family’s financial future. Our services include advising on will trusts, discretionary trusts, and power of attorney, with a focus on creating plans that address each client’s unique situation. With our guidance, you can navigate even the most complex estate matters confidently.

Questions to Ask Your Potential Wills Solicitors

When choosing a wills solicitor, asking the right questions can help you gain confidence in their expertise and approach. Here are some key questions to consider:

What experience do you have with estates similar to mine?

Understanding a solicitor’s experience with cases like yours can give you confidence that they are equipped to handle any specific complexities your estate might present, from Inheritance Tax planning to trust arrangements.

How will you ensure my will reflects my wishes accurately?

A good solicitor will explain their process for confirming your instructions and aligning every detail with your intentions. This is vital for helping to avoid misunderstandings or disputes among beneficiaries.

What additional guidance can you provide on estate planning, trusts, or tax considerations?

This question can help you understand the solicitor’s depth of knowledge in estate planning and whether they can offer valuable advice on structuring your will to be tax-efficient and effective.

How often should I review or update my will?

Life changes such as marriage or a civil partnership, the birth of a child, moving house or the purchase of property can affect your will. A reputable solicitor will advise on when updates may be necessary to keep your will current.

How do you support executors and beneficiaries after my passing?

Knowing how your solicitor will work with executors and beneficiaries provides reassurance that your loved ones will have support in managing your estate effectively, reducing their burden during a difficult time.

What is your approach to handling sensitive or a complex family dynamic?

Family dynamics can sometimes affect how an estate is managed. A skilled solicitor will handle sensitive situations thoughtfully, ensuring that all parties’ interests are considered respectfully.

These questions can help you to determine whether a solicitor is the right fit and provide clarity on how they will manage your estate with professionalism and empathy. At Percy Hughes & Roberts, we welcome questions from clients and are dedicated to providing answers that inspire confidence and peace of mind in your estate planning journey.

How Can Percy Hughes & Roberts Help? 

Creating a will is a vital step in protecting your legacy and ensuring your loved ones are provided for according to your wishes. By choosing an experienced, trustworthy solicitor, you can feel confident that your estate is in capable hands, and free from unnecessary complications or disputes.

At Percy Hughes & Roberts, our expert wills and probate solicitors are here to guide you through every stage of the will writing process, ensuring that all legal requirements and your wishes are carried out after you die. 
If you require legal advice in relation to the above or need help with anything else to do with wills, trusts and probate, Percy Hughes & Roberts can help. If you would like to contact one of our expert wills, trusts and probate solicitors you can do so by calling 0151 666 9090 or by completing the “Get in touch” form on this site.