Protect your most precious assets
Protect your most precious assets with a Will
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Why make a Will?
Your Will is your unique expression of wishes for your friends and family. Think of it as your legal letter of love. Your Will lets you decide what happens to your money, property, and possessions after you pass on and ensure your estate does not pay avoidable Inheritance Tax.
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What happens if you don't make a Will?
Without a Will, the law known as the intestacy rules will decide who receives your property when you pass on. This could mean the people you love are excluded, especially if you are not married or in a civil partnership.
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Protect your most precious assets
Your family is your most precious asset. Choose an expert in Wills, trusts and estate planning to help you make your Will. You’ll know your legal documents will be drafted carefully, covering everything you feel is important to you and your family.
Why choose Mitchell Hames Estate Planning?
You’ll notice a difference immediately. When your call is answered, there’s no stuffiness or arrogance.
We’ll be on first name terms (unless you prefer to be more formal). I promise a professional approach that’s never intimidating. I respect your views, religion, wishes and personal situation without judgment.
If I’m busy and can’t take your call, I respond to all messages promptly, often within an hour or two.
I'll let you know about progress at every stage.
This may not be what you expect from a legal practice - and that’s my intention. I aim to delight you with a first-class service.
Your initial telephone consultation is free and without obligation.
Signing and witnessing
I always offer to supervise the final and most crucial stage of the process - signing your Will.
An unsigned Will is the same as no Will.
By supervising, I mean a face-to-face meeting at your home or workplace or over a video call. All you have to do is ask two neighbours or friends to join you.
I’ll make sure your Will is legally valid and complies with the strict requirements set out in section 9 of the Wills Act 1837.
Safe, secure storage
Your careful planning will be wasted if your Will can’t be found when you die.
A lost Will is the same as no Will.
I can arrange for secure, insured storage of your Will. Storage includes registration on the National Wills database for extra peace of mind.
There’s an annual storage fee, payable by direct debit. Storing away from home is a sensible choice as even something insignificant like a paperclip mark can invalidate a Will.
Never store your Will in a safety deposit box. Your executors will need the Will to access the box's contents. If the Will is inside, it can’t be accessed. Your executors will go around and around in a frustrating circle of legal bureaucracy.
A selection of my clients’ reviews