A Will is more than a document; it is a carefully considered plan, requiring expertise to ensure it captures your intentions and protects those you care about most.
Clients often say they need a “simple” Will due to their “straightforward” circumstances. DIY Will kits reinforce the misconception that Wills are easy to draft, but in reality, they are often complex and challenging to get right. In our client meetings, we frequently hear, “Oh, I’ll need to think about that and get back to you.” This simple statement reveals how much there is to reflect upon when planning for the future.
As modern family dynamics grow more diverse, with blended families and evolving relationships, the importance of having a Will becomes ever more evident. Relying on intestacy rules, the default laws that apply if you pass without a Will, may leave loved ones unprotected. For instance, unmarried partners have no automatic right to inherit.
We help ensure that all eventualities are accounted for, and where inheritance tax is a concern, we can structure your Will to be as tax efficient as possible.
Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend including a trust in your Will to provide additional flexibility and protection:
We work with individuals, couples, business owners, farmers, and landowners across the UK and internationally, offering guidance that reflects the diversity of our clients’ lives.
As a personable law firm, creating a Will isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about understanding your values, your priorities, and what truly matters to you. We aim to make the process approachable and meaningful, answering your questions and guiding you through choices you may not have previously considered. By the end, you’ll have more than just a document, you’ll have confidence and peace of mind, knowing your plans are secure, your loved ones are cared for, and your wishes will be honoured.
At Greenwoods, we are not just creating Wills, we’re helping you shape your legacy.
Bespoke Wills tailored to individual needs, from simple to complex.
Comprehensive reviews of existing Wills, assessing their relevance, tax implications, and legal updates.
Expert guidance on Advance Decisions, their interaction with LPAs, and practical considerations.
Support for those who pass without a valid Will, navigating the intestacy rules and next steps.
We prepared complex Wills for a married couple with evolving instructions to benefit their children (one with a disability) and several charities. The Wills included conditional gifts based on the estate’s value, a discretionary trust for the disabled child, and a hotchpot clause to account for a substantial lifetime gift. This case highlights our expertise in drafting bespoke solutions and advising on protection for vulnerable beneficiaries.
We advised a long-term client on updating their Will following the death of their spouse, including the addition of a discretionary trust, despite initial reluctance. Given the client’s business assets and the differing roles of their children, we carefully drafted a letter of wishes to address potential family dynamics and ensure a smooth estate administration. Our expertise in complex family and financial situations helped mitigate potential disputes, demonstrating the value of our longstanding client relationships and proactive approach to estate planning.
We advised a married couple on whether their Wills still required a trust structure, given their decision to place most of their assets into joint names, which would pass by survivorship rather than into the trust. Considering their blended family and disparate individual wealth, we provided guidance on the advantages and disadvantages of maintaining the trust. We also offered inheritance tax advice, specifically around gifting excess income and keeping accurate records using the IHT403 schedule, demonstrating our focus on proactive, personalised planning that reflects their unique circumstances.
Private Wealth / 29 September 2025
Private Wealth / 29 September 2025
Private Wealth / 29 September 2025
Corporate & Commercial, Private Wealth / 29 August 2025