Should I update my Will when going through a divorce?

Yes, your Will should be reviewed and updated when a person goes through a divorce or separating to ensure your assets are left to the people you intend and can be administered as per your wishes when you pass away. Updating your Will should give you the peace of mind that your loved ones (i.e. a family member) are provided for and the process of dealing with your estate when you pass away is as straightforward as it can be.

When Should I Start Considering A Will?

It’s never too early to start thinking about creating a will. As soon as you have assets or dependents, it’s a good time to plan your estate and ensure your loved ones are protected.

What Happens If I Die Without A Will?

If you pass away without a will, your estate will be subject to the laws of intestacy. This means your assets will be distributed according to a predetermined legal formula, which may not align with your preferences, and can result in increased taxes, delays, and potential conflicts among your loved ones.

Can I Change My Will After It Has Been Written?

Yes, you can change your will after it has been written. It’s important to update your will when significant life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or acquiring new assets. To make changes, you can either create a codicil (an amendment to your existing will) or draft a new will altogether.

How Often Should I Review My Will?

It’s recommended to review your will every three to five years, or whenever you experience a significant life event. Regularly reviewing your will ensures it remains up-to-date and accurately reflects your current wishes and circumstances.

Will Writing Solicitors, Scotland

Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family, your assets and your wishes. At Jones Whyte, our experienced Will solicitors provide clear, practical advice to ensure your estate is handled exactly as you intend.

Fully Regulated & Experienced Will Solicitors

Have you discussed with your loved ones how to handle your assets, property, and finances in case of unforeseen circumstances? If you haven’t made a Will, you’re not alone.

At Jones Whyte, our team of legal experts can help you create or update your Will, ensuring that your wishes are respected after you’re gone. Whether you want to leave your assets to your family members, friends, or charitable organisations, we can help you draft a legally binding document that reflects your wishes.

While it is possible to draft a Will yourself, mistakes or unclear wording can lead to disputes, delays and unnecessary tax liabilities. Using a solicitor to write your Will ensures:

Your Will is legally valid and properly executed
Your estate is distributed according to your wishes
Inheritance tax considerations are addressed
Provision is made for young children or vulnerable beneficiaries
The risk of disputes or challenges is minimised
Your executor(s) clearly understand their responsibilities

Our Will Writing Services

In most cases, the main goal of a writing a Will is to protect your family’s future; however, the type of Will you create varies depending on your individual circumstances.

If you are unsure what type of Will is right for you, our dedicated Estate Planning team have years of experience in drafting Wills and can recommend the most appropriate solution.

Write a New Will

Whether you are creating a new Will for yourself, or need a mirror Will for you and you partner, our Estate Planning solicitors can help you draft a document that respects your final wishes.

Update an Existing Will

Life changes such as marriage, divorce, children or significant changes in your assets often mean your Will needs to be reviewed and updated. We recommend updating your Will every 5 years.

Trust Wills

If you have a more complex estate such business interests or international property, a simple Will may not suffice. We also provide expert advice on setting up Trust structures through your Will.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Alongside Wills and Trusts, our team can provide a comprehensive inheritance tax report to help you structure your estate efficiently and reduce any IHT liability you may face.

Prefer to Write Your Will Online?

Our online Will writing service lets you write a legally sound Will, using a simple questionnaire designed to guide you through every stage with clarity.

Why Choose Jones Whyte to Write Your Will?

If you’re looking for a solicitor to help you create a Will, Jones Whyte is the perfect choice.

Estate Planning Expertise:

Led by one of Scotland’s leading figures in the field of Estate Planning and Trust Management, Ross Anderson, our Estate Planning department has years of experience in helping clients plan for later life.

Comprehensive Services:

The firm provides a wide range of Estate Planning services, including Wills, Power of Attorney, Trust Planning and Inheritance Tax advice.

Dual-Qualified:

Our Private Client department, made up of Estate Planning, Trust Management and Bereavement, is dual-qualified meaning we are able to assist clients across Scotland, England and Wales. In addition, we offer both in-person and virtual appointments, making it easy for you to access our services, regardless of your location or schedule.

Fixed-Fee Will Writing:

We provide fixed-fees for Will writing, offering various options depending on individual circumstances. Our bronze, silver and gold tier Will options provide clients with the support they need, no matter the size of their estate.

Key Contacts

Our team of estate planning solicitors and senior consultants can assist you with drafting and registering a Will. We help assist clients across Scotland, England and Wales.

Find your solicitor

Ross Anderson

Partner

Janet Houston

Estate Planning Consultant

Lorna Mirmelli

Senior Solicitor

Roisin Eleanor Gunn

Senior Associate

Rebecca Devine

Senior Associate

Gregg McGeoch

Senior Estate Planning Consultant

TRANSPARENT PRICING

One fixed fee, agreed before we start any work

No hourly billing and no surprise invoices. Tell us a little about your estate assets & family circumstances and we’ll give you your exact fixed price on the call, agreed in writing before any work begins.

Fixed price, no hourly billing

Whether you need a single Will, mirror Wills or a more complex Trust Will, we always give one agreed price. We never bill by the hour.

Agreed before we start

You’ll know your exact cost in writing before any work begins. The price we quote includes any relevant outlays and VAT.

Everything included

We include everything in the price you pay – drafting, registration, signing and free of charge storage of your Will.

Get in Touch for a Fixed-Fee Quote Today

Whether your affairs are straightforward or more complex, our Estate Planning team will guide you through the process with expert and up-to-date legal advice.

Fill out our online enquiry form or call us on the number below to set up an initial consultation with our Estate Planning team.

0141 674 4366

info@joneswhyte.co.uk

Why Should You Make a Will?

Creating a Will is a vital aspect of planning for your future and the well-being of your loved ones. Here are some of the most compelling reasons why you should write a Will:

Control over asset distribution - a Will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a Will, the laws of intestacy will dictate who inherits your estate, which may not align with your desires.
Prevent family disputes - a clear, concise Will can help minimise the potential for conflicts among family members by explicitly stating your intentions for asset distribution and other important matters.
Reduce inheritance tax - with proper planning, a Will can help minimise the inheritance tax burden on your beneficiaries, enabling them to keep more of your hard-earned assets.
Simplify the probate process - a well-organised will can streamline the probate process, reducing the time and expense required to settle your estate.

Ultimately, making a Will provides you with peace of mind knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of, your assets will be distributed according to your wishes, and your legacy will live on.

What Happens if You Die Without a Will?

If you die without a valid Will, this is known as Intestacy meaning the law decides who inherits your estate. This may not reflect your personal wishes and can create uncertainty or financial difficulty for your family.

Without a Will:

Unmarried partners may receive nothing
The distribution of your estate follows strict legal rules, rather than your own wishes
The Confirmation (Probate in England & Wales) and Estate Administration process can take much longer and become more complex
The likelihood of family disputes increase as inheritance may not be distributed as you intended

Making a Will is an essential part of proper Estate Planning. Without one, you run the risk of creating unecessary financial and emotional stress for your family after you pass away.

ARE YOU AN EXECUTOR OF A WILL?

We Offer Bereavement Support to Anyone Who is a Nominated Executor of a Will

When someone dies, the legal responsibilities that fall to executors, administrators and family members can feel overwhelming.

At Jones Whyte, our dedicated probate specialists are here to carry that weight for you by providing expert legal guidance.

Our Private Client department is one of very few legal teams in the UK that is fully dual-qualified across both Scots law and English law. This matters more than it might seem. The legal process for winding up estate assets differs significantly depending on where the deceased lived and where their assets are held.

Estate Administration & Executry Solicitors

Arrange a free call with us to discuss the practical and legal requirements after the passing of a loved one.

Will Writing - Frequently Asked Questions

A Will is a legal document. The individual who has passed away will have their estate distributed to their designated beneficiaries, in accordance with their legal rights outlined in the deed.

Without a valid Will, the law decides who inherits. With a Will, you decide. Without a Will, it will usually take longer and cost more to wind up your estate.

The specifics outlined in the Will offer clear details regarding funeral arrangements and other desired requests.

Insights

Seeking legal advice and understanding your needs can feel overwhelming. Our insights offer clarity and guidance, showing how we can support you every step of the way.

View Insights

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