Will Writing Services

+ Simple Will

A Simple Will is often the best place to start if your wishes are straightforward. It allows you to name the people or charities you want to inherit your estate, appoint guardians for any children under 18, and specify your funeral preferences. You can also name one or more executors, the people you trust to carry out your wishes when the time comes.

Our Will Solicitors regularly support individuals who simply want to ensure their estate is passed on smoothly and without confusion. A Simple Will is legally valid, easy to update and can be adapted later if your circumstances change.

Without a Will in place, your estate would be divided according to the laws of intestacy, which may not reflect your personal wishes or family situation. Our Will Writing Services are designed to help you make a Will that is clear, legally sound, and tailored to what matters most to you.

We’ll talk through your goals, explain the legal process in plain English, and ensure that your Simple Will gives you full peace of mind.

+ Mirror Wills

Mirror Wills are commonly used by couples, typically spouses or civil partners, who have similar wishes about how their estate should be passed on. These Wills are almost identical in content, with each person leaving everything to the other, and then to the same beneficiaries (usually their children) after both have passed away.

Mirror Wills offer a practical and cost-effective way for couples to plan together while still having two separate legal documents. They are ideal when your intentions are aligned and you want to make sure your estate is handled consistently.

Although Mirror Wills are similar, they are not legally binding on each other. This means that after one partner passes away, the survivor can still make changes to their own Will if they choose. If you would prefer something more restrictive, we can also explain the difference between Mirror Wills and Mutual Wills.

Our experienced Will Writers will take the time to understand your joint wishes and guide you through every step of the process. We’ll help you write a Will that reflects your shared values, safeguards your estate, and protects the people you care about most.

+ Trust Wills

A Trust Will includes instructions to set up a trust when you pass away. It’s a powerful way to control how certain assets are managed and who benefits from them, particularly useful if your circumstances are more complex, or if you want to protect your estate for future generations.

There are several types of trusts you can include in your Will. Some are used to protect assets for children or vulnerable beneficiaries. Others can help ringfence part of your estate from care fees or minimise inheritance tax liabilities. You might also use a trust to delay when someone receives their inheritance, or to ensure funds are used in a particular way, such as for education or care needs.

Trust Wills are especially helpful for blended families, those with children from previous relationships, or anyone who wants to make more detailed arrangements about how their estate is passed on. They can also be used to ensure a surviving spouse or partner can remain in the family home, without passing full ownership straight away.

Because Trust Wills involve more technical considerations, it’s essential to get advice from an experienced Will Writing Specialist. At Farnworth Rose, our Will Solicitors will explain how trusts work, whether they’re suitable for your goals, and how they can be structured to give you the control and protection you need.

We’ll make sure your Will Writing Services are not only legally sound, but carefully tailored to your personal situation and long-term plans.

+ Living Wills / Advance Decisions

A Living Will, also known as an Advance Decision, allows you to set out your wishes about medical treatment and care in the event that you lose mental capacity. Unlike a traditional Will, which deals with what happens after you die — a Living Will focuses on the kind of medical decisions you would or would not want during your lifetime.

For example, you can specify whether you wish to refuse certain types of life-sustaining treatment, under what circumstances you would like that decision to apply, and how you would like to be cared for if you're unable to communicate your preferences.

Living Wills can be a vital part of later life planning, especially if you have strong views about medical treatment or wish to relieve your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions on your behalf. They can also complement a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney, by providing clear guidance to those acting in your best interests.

Our Will Solicitors will explain how a Living Will fits into your wider estate planning and whether it’s the right option for your circumstances. If so, we’ll help you document your wishes clearly and lawfully, so your voice is heard even if you’re no longer able to speak for yourself.

As part of our wider Will Writing Services, we’ll guide you with care, sensitivity and straightforward advice, giving you confidence that your values and preferences will be respected, whatever the future holds.

+ Mutual Wills

Mutual Wills are made by two people, often a couple, who agree not to change their Will after the other person has died. Unlike Mirror Wills, which can be updated at any time, Mutual Wills are legally binding. Once one person passes away, the survivor cannot change their Will, even if their circumstances later change.

This type of Will is rare and should only be used in specific situations, usually where both people want a firm commitment that their agreed wishes will be honoured exactly as set out. However, they can limit flexibility for the surviving partner and have been known to lead to disputes if not drafted with absolute clarity.

If you're considering a Mutual Will, it’s essential to seek advice from experienced Will Solicitors who can explain the legal consequences and explore whether it’s the right option for you.

At Farnworth Rose, our Last Will and Testament Solicitors will help you understand how Mutual Wills work, when they might be suitable, and what alternatives may offer greater security without restricting future choices. We’ll make sure you fully understand the long-term impact of your decisions before you make a Will of this nature.

+ What Happens If I Die Without Making a Will?

If you die without a valid will, your estate is dealt with under the rules of intestacy. That means the law decides who inherits your money, property and possessions and it won’t always be the people you would have chosen. Unmarried partners, stepchildren and close friends are often left with nothing.

Without a will, you also lose the opportunity to name trusted people to look after your children or manage your estate. If no living relatives can be found, your estate could even pass to the Crown.

Our Will Writing Solicitors can help you make a legally valid will that protects your loved ones and ensures your wishes are followed.

+ Do I Really Need a Will If I Don’t Own Much?

It’s a common misconception that you only need a will if you own a home or have significant assets. But writing a will is about far more than that. It’s your opportunity to make clear decisions about who manages your affairs and who should benefit from your estate, no matter its size.

Even if you only have personal possessions, savings or sentimental items, a properly drafted will ensure they go to the right people. And as your circumstances change, your will can be updated to reflect that.

Our Will Writing Services give you peace of mind that everything is covered, and that your wishes will be legally protected.

+ How Do I Go About Making a Will?

Making a will is often easier than people think, especially when you have the right legal support. At Farnworth Rose, our Will Solicitors take the time to understand your circumstances and guide you through the process step by step.

You’ll need to consider who you want to inherit from you, who will act as executors, and what arrangements you’d like in place for your children or dependants. If you’re unsure about any of this, we’ll explain your options clearly and help you make confident decisions.

Every will we draft is personal, legally robust and designed to reflect your wishes exactly.

+ Can My Partner Inherit If We’re Not Married?

Under current inheritance laws, unmarried partners are not automatically entitled to inherit from your estate, no matter how long you’ve been together. That means without a valid will in place, your partner could be left with nothing, even if you share a home or have children together.

Our Will Writing Solicitors can help you create a will that clearly sets out your wishes, so your partner is protected and legally recognised.

+ What Is the Role of a Guardian in a Will?

If you have children under 18, you can use your will to name a legal guardian, someone you trust to care for them if you die before they reach adulthood. Without this, the decision could fall to the courts.

Our Will Solicitors can explain what to consider when choosing a guardian and ensure your will provides clear legal authority for them to step in if needed.

+ Can I Name Guardians for My Children in My Will?

Yes, your will is the best place to name guardians who would take care of your children if something were to happen to you. This gives you peace of mind that the people you trust most will be there to support your children and make decisions about their upbringing.

As part of our professional Will Writing Service, we’ll guide you through this important step and make sure the guardianship clause is properly worded and legally binding.

+ Can My Will Help Reduce Inheritance Tax?

A carefully drafted will can help reduce your estate’s exposure to Inheritance Tax by making use of available allowances and planning opportunities, including gifts, trusts and charitable donations.

Our experienced Will Solicitors can work with you to structure your will in a way that’s tax-efficient while still reflecting your personal wishes and priorities. We’ll give you clear advice so you can make informed decisions about your estate and its future.

+ Do I Need a Will If I Don’t Own a House?

Yes, your estate is more than just your home. Even if you don’t own property, you may have savings, personal possessions, pensions, or digital assets that need to be passed on according to your wishes.

Our Will Writing Services are here to ensure everything you value is protected, no matter the size of your estate.

+ Can I Update an Existing Will?

Yes and it’s important to keep your will up to date. Life changes like marriage, divorce, having children, or buying a property can all affect how your estate should be handled. Outdated wills can lead to confusion and disputes.

Our Will Writing Lawyers can review your current will and help you make any changes, either through a codicil or a new will, so it still reflects your wishes.

+ How Often Should I Update My Will?

Your will should reflect your current circumstances. We recommend reviewing it after any major life change, such as getting married, divorced, having children, or receiving an inheritance. An outdated will may no longer reflect your intentions and could cause complications later on.

Our Will Solicitors can quickly review and update your existing will, giving you confidence that it’s still right for you and your family.

+ Can I Include Funeral Wishes in My Will?

You can include funeral preferences in your will, and it’s a helpful way to guide your loved ones when the time comes. While not legally binding, your wishes are usually followed by those handling your estate.

When you write a will with our Will Writing Lawyers, we’ll help you record these wishes clearly and respectfully, whether it’s a specific type of service or something more personal.

+ Can My Will Be Challenged After I Die?

Any will can technically be challenged, but a professionally drafted will is far more likely to stand up to scrutiny. Common reasons for challenges include concerns over mental capacity, undue influence, or someone being unexpectedly left out.

Our Will Writing Solicitors take care to ensure your will is clear, valid and reflects your true intentions, giving you peace of mind and reducing the risk of disputes later on.

+ What’s the Best Way to Store My Will?

Your will should be stored safely and securely and your executors should know where to find it when needed. If a will is lost or damaged, it can complicate the probate process.

When you use our Will Writing Services, we offer secure storage for your original will, and we’ll make sure your executors know exactly what to do when the time comes.

+ Can I Appoint Someone Professional as My Executor?

Yes, you can appoint a solicitor or another trusted professional to act as your executor. This is often a good idea if your estate is complex, or if you don’t want to place the burden of responsibility on a loved one.

Our Will Solicitors can act as executors for your estate or support the people you choose to take on this role, ensuring everything is managed efficiently and in line with your wishes.

+ Should I Make a Will If I’m Young?

Making a will isn’t just for later life. If you have children, own property, or want to make sure your partner is protected, it’s never too early to plan ahead. A will also gives you the chance to appoint guardians for your children and decide who looks after your affairs if something unexpected happens.

Our professional Will Writing Service gives you the confidence to plan for the future — whatever stage of life you’re in.

+ Can My Will Help Protect Against Care Home Fees?

Yes. By including the right type of trust in your will, you can help protect part of your estate, particularly your home, from being used to cover care costs in later life. This is especially useful if you're concerned about future funding for residential care.

Our Will Writing Services can include tailored advice on using trusts as part of a long-term care plan.

+ Can My Executor Also Be a Beneficiary?

Yes, your executor can also inherit from your will. In fact, it's common for people to name a trusted family member or friend as both executor and beneficiary. However, they must be over 18 and willing to take on the role.

Our Will Writing Solicitors will explain the responsibilities of an executor and help you choose the right person to manage your estate.

+ Can I Leave Gifts to Charity in My Will?

Yes, you can choose to leave a specific gift, a set amount of money, or a percentage of your estate to a charity of your choice. This is called a charitable legacy and can also reduce your Inheritance Tax liability.

Our Will Writing Services include advice on charitable giving and how to structure your will in a way that benefits the causes you care about.

+ What Happens to My Will If I Get Married or Divorced?

In England and Wales, getting married will automatically revoke your existing will — unless it's been written in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce, on the other hand, does not cancel a will, but it does remove your former spouse as a beneficiary and executor, unless your will says otherwise.

Our Will Solicitors will explain how life events affect your will and help you keep it up to date as things change.

+ Can I Name a Solicitor as the Executor of My Will?

Yes, you can appoint a solicitor to act as your executor. This can be a helpful choice if you want a professional to manage the legal and financial responsibilities of your estate.

At Farnworth Rose, our Will Writing Solicitors can take on this role to ensure everything is handled properly and your wishes are followed to the letter.