top of page
Wills & Probate photo.jpg

Wills & Probate Lawyers in London

​

Will Writing Services

At Evalen Law, we offer a comprehensive and competitively priced will writing service to help you safeguard your legacy. While death is an inevitable part of life, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

​

A legally valid will allows you to specify how your estate—including property, savings, investments, and personal belongings—should be distributed. Whether you wish to leave assets to your partner, children, relatives, friends, or charities, a properly drafted will ensures that your wishes are carried out and reduces the risk of disputes.

​

Given the complexities of family structures, seeking advice from an experienced will writing solicitor can help you navigate potential challenges and ensure your will reflects your precise intentions.

​

Why is Having a Will Important?

​

A will is a legally binding document that:

​

  • Ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes rather than being allocated based on intestacy rules.

  • Appoints executors who will manage your estate and ensure your instructions are carried out.

  • Provides for dependents (such as children or vulnerable family members) by designating guardians or making specific financial provisions.

  • Reduces potential disputes among family members and beneficiaries.

  • Allows you to support charities or causes that are important to you.

  • Helps mitigate inheritance tax liabilities, ensuring your beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from your estate.

 

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

​

If you pass away without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not align with your wishes. Under these rules:

​

  • Unmarried partners, stepchildren, and close friends are not automatically entitled to inherit.

  • The estate may be distributed in a way that does not reflect your personal relationships or financial dependents.

  • Family disputes and legal complications are more likely to arise.

  • If no eligible relatives are found, your entire estate could pass to the Crown.

 

By writing a will, you take control of your estate and ensure your loved ones are provided for in the way you intend.

 

The Will Writing Process

​

When you create a will with us, we will guide you through every step, including:

​

  1. Identifying Your Assets – We help you assess your estate, including property, savings, pensions, investments, and personal possessions.

  2. Choosing Beneficiaries – You decide who will inherit your estate and in what proportions.

  3. Appointing Executors – These are the people responsible for managing your estate and ensuring your wishes are carried out.

  4. Drafting Your Will – We ensure that your will is legally valid, clear, and tailored to your specific needs.

  5. Signing and Storing – We oversee the signing process to ensure legal validity and offer secure storage options for your will.

 

Reviewing and Updating an Existing Will

​

If you already have a will, it is crucial to review and update it regularly—especially after major life events, such as:

​

  • Marriage or divorce

  • The birth of a child or grandchild

  • Buying a new home or acquiring significant assets

  • Changes in tax laws

  • The passing of an executor or beneficiary

 

A failure to update your will could result in unintended consequences, such as assets being distributed to the wrong individuals or certain beneficiaries being left out.

​

Get Expert Guidance from Our Will Writing Solicitors

​

At Evalen Law, we understand that writing a will can be a sensitive matter. Our experienced solicitors provide practical, confidential, and personalised advice, ensuring that your wishes are properly documented and legally protected.

​

Call us today to arrange a consultation.

Email us or complete our online contact form to get started.

 

Take control of your future and give your loved ones the clarity and security they deserve.

​

​

​

Probate & Estate Administration​

The loss of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and dealing with legal formalities can add further stress. We understand that probate and estate administration can be complex and overwhelming, which is why we aim to simplify the process for you.

 

If you have been appointed as an executor of a will, it is your responsibility to manage and distribute the deceased’s estate in accordance with their wishes and legal requirements. Our specialist probate solicitors can provide expert guidance to ensure that you fulfill your duties correctly and efficiently.

​

Responsibilities of an Executor or Estate Administrator

​

An executor (appointed in a will) or an administrator (where no will exists) is responsible for handling the deceased’s estate. Key duties include:

​

1. Obtaining Legal Authority – Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration

​

Before managing the deceased’s assets, executors must apply for a Grant of Probate (if there is a will) or Letters of Administration (if there is no will). This document provides the legal authority to administer the estate. Our team can assist with the application process to ensure it is handled smoothly and efficiently.

​

2. Completing Inheritance Tax (IHT) Declarations

​

  • Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable on estates exceeding £325,000 (the nil-rate band), though additional reliefs and exemptions may apply.

  • Even if no tax is due, an Inheritance Tax Return must still be submitted to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

  • We can guide you through tax calculations, exemptions (such as the residence nil-rate band), and the timely submission of necessary tax forms.

 

3. Obtaining Tax Clearance

​

Once inheritance tax liabilities are settled, an IHT30 clearance certificate should be requested from HMRC, confirming all tax obligations have been met. This ensures a smooth transition to the next stages of estate distribution.

​

4. Identifying and Valuing the Deceased’s Assets

​

Executors must compile a detailed account of the deceased’s assets, which may include:

 

  • Bank accounts, investments, and pensions

  • Property and real estate

  • Business interests

  • Personal belongings and valuable items

  • Outstanding debts or monies owed to the deceased

 

Assessing asset values may require professional valuations. Executors must also ensure assets are safeguarded, insured, and properly managed until distribution.

​

5. Settling Debts and Liabilities

​

Executors are legally required to settle outstanding obligations before distributing the estate. This may include:

 

  • Funeral expenses

  • Outstanding loans and debts

  • Taxes owed to HMRC

  • Creditors and final utility bills

 

Failure to clear debts correctly can result in personal liability for the executor.

​

6. Distributing the Estate in Accordance with the Will

​

Once all liabilities have been settled, the executor must distribute the remaining estate in line with the testator’s will. This includes:

 

  • Ensuring specific gifts and legacies are given to named beneficiaries

  • Distributing the residual estate (remaining assets) according to the will’s instructions

 

If no will exists, assets are distributed under intestacy rules, which may not reflect the deceased’s intentions. Our solicitors can help navigate intestacy laws to ensure a legally compliant distribution.​​​​

​

​

Will, Trust and Estate Disputes

​

Disputes over wills, trusts, and estates can arise during emotionally difficult times, often leading to complex, distressing, and costly conflicts. Seeking expert legal advice at an early stage can help prevent disputes from escalating into litigation.

​

Common Disputes Include:

​

  • Challenges to the validity of a will (e.g., concerns about undue influence, lack of mental capacity, or fraud)

  • Claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (for dependents who have been unfairly excluded)

  • Disagreements over the interpretation of a will or trust

  • Allegations of executor misconduct or mismanagement of the estate

 

Our experienced contentious probate solicitors provide practical, compassionate, and strategic legal support to resolve disputes efficiently, minimising stress and financial costs for all parties involved.

bottom of page