Making A Will Solicitors in Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff

Everybody needs a Will, but it is estimated that one in three people die without making a Will. You may have put off making a Will for a variety reasons. Some find the process too daunting, some think they don’t need a Will until they’re older.

If you don’t make a Will, the intestacy rules decide who inherits what, and your loved ones could miss out. Not making your wishes clear can cause arguments, stress and financial difficulties for your family. Without a professional Will in place, part of your estate could end up going to the taxman!

Thankfully, with Devonalds making a Will is quick, stress free and simple, so there’s no need to put it off any longer!

Over the last 35 years, thousands of people across South Wales have trusted Devonalds Solicitors with making their Will. Our client’s estates, family situations, and personal wishes may vary, but our service remains the same.

One of our friendly South Wales solicitors will chat with you about your situation and personal wishes before giving you expert advice about your Will. At Devonalds, we’ll ask the right questions and offer the right solutions, whatever your circumstances. We will then quickly draft a professional Will that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones. Once signed, we can safely store the Will for you free of charge, and provide you with a copy.

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Speak to one of our Wills and Inheritance team about making a Will now by calling 01443 755189 or use the contact form in the right to ask a question.

How we help you with making a Will

We offer a comprehensive legal service for anyone planning on making a Will or updating an existing Will.

Our expertise includes:

• Drafting Wills
• Amending Wills
• Acting as professional Executors
• Creating and managing trusts
• Inheritance tax
• Lasting Powers of Attorney

Common questions about making a Will

What does it take for a Will to be valid?

For your Will to be considered legally valid, there are several key conditions that must apply.

The Will must be:

• Made by a person aged 18 or over
• Made voluntarily
• Made by a person of ‘sound mind’
• In writing
• Signed in the presence of 2 witnesses (who must both be over 18)
• Signed by the two witnesses in your presence

How much does it cost to make a Will in the UK?

The cost of making a Will varies depending on the complexity of the issues involved. For straightforward Wills, we can usually offer a fixed-fee agreed at the outset. However, if there are more complicated issues to consider, we will agree a flexible fee structure allowing you to get all of the support you need while still offering complete transparency over the costs involved at all times.

What happens if you die without a Will?

If you die without leaving a valid Will, your estate will generally be divided according to the standard rules of intestacy. Exactly who inherits will depend on a number of factors, including:

• If you have a surviving spouse or civil partner
• If you have children
• What other relatives you have
• The value of your estate

For example, if you have a surviving spouse or civil partner, they will normally be entitled to the first £250,000 of your estate and all of your personal possessions. They will then be entitled to half of the remainder of your estate, with the other half split between any children you have (or grandchildren if have a child who predeceased you but who had children of their own).

If you do not have a surviving spouse or civil partner, your estate will usually be divided between your children (whose share can pass to their children if one of your children predeceases you).

If you do not have a surviving spouse, civil partner, children or grandchildren, other relatives, such as your parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents or aunts and uncles.

If you have no such relatives, then your entire estate may pass to the Crown.

What happens if you die and you have debt?

Any debts you owe at the time of your death, such as your mortgage or other loans, will need to be paid out of your estate during the probate process. Ensuring these debts are paid will usually be the responsibility of your Executor or Executors.

The debts will normally need to be paid off in a strict order, with secured debts, such as a mortgage coming first, then funeral and estate administration costs and finally unsecured debts, such as a credit card and utility bills.

If there are more debts than can be covered by the value of the estate, this is referred to as an ‘insolvent estate’. In such situations, it is essential to seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

Why choose Devonalds solicitors when making a Will?

At Devonalds we offer a friendly, approachable Wills and inheritance service for people throughout the Rhondda Cynon Taff area and across South Wales. We provide a passionate local service combined with the highest levels of legal expertise and training. Many of our team were born and bred in the local area, giving us a strong connection to our local communities.

We are accredited by the Law Society for Wills & Inheritance Quality, reflecting the high standards of our legal practice in this area. We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) providing assurance that we continually meet the most rigorous legal and professional standards.

Get in touch with our Wills solicitors in Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff and the surrounding area

Our South Wales lawyers can meet you at one of offices across Rhondda Cynon Taff, at Bridgend, Caerphilly, Church Village, Pontypridd, Talbot Green, Tonypandy, Treorchy and Tylorstown. If you’re unable to attend our office, we can even come out to your home.

So, don’t put it off any longer, call us on 01443 755189 or email lifeplanning@devonalds.co.uk to make an appointment.