Louise's Practice Areas

A will ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. It allows you to appoint executors, provide for loved ones, and, if applicable, name guardians for your children. Without a will, the law decides who inherits your estate.

If you die without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. This means the law decides who inherits your assets, which may not reflect your wishes. It can also make the administration of your estate more complicated and stressful for your loved ones.

Simple single wills start from £375 plus VAT. If your circumstances are more complex and require estate planning advice, work will be charged at my hourly rate of £345 plus VAT. The cost will depend on your individual circumstances and the level of advice required. I will always discuss fees with you at the outset so that you have a clear understanding of the likely costs before any work begins.

You are not legally required to use a solicitor to prepare a will. However, professional advice can help ensure your will is valid, clearly reflects your wishes, and takes account of any tax, family, or estate planning considerations. A professionally drafted will can also help reduce the risk of disputes and costly mistakes in the future.

Yes. If you have dyslexia, a visual impairment, or any other difficulty with reading or writing, I can provide additional support to help you understand the documents and advice you receive. Information can be explained verbally, documents can be reviewed together, and reasonable adjustments can be made throughout the process to ensure you feel comfortable and fully informed.

When someone dies, the first step is to register the death and obtain the death certificate. You should then locate any will and identify the executors. Before taking further action, it is often helpful to seek legal advice to understand the next steps, including whether probate will be required and how the estate should be administered.