Staff Spotlight Christina Taylor - Oakwood Solicitors Ltd

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In our Staff Spotlight series, we take a look at key members of our team and find out about their area of expertise.

Today we meet Christina Taylor, our Deputy Head of Wills and Probate.

Christina has taken the time to answer some questions regarding the importance of of having a Will, as well as how to safely store them and the possible outcomes if you don’t have one in place before you pass away.

Who can make a Will?

To make a valid Will, you must meet several conditions: you must be at least 18 years old, be of sound mind, and create the Will voluntarily, without any outside pressure. If someone lacks mental capacity, for example, due to dementia or another condition

affecting their cognitive abilities, they will be unable to make their own Will. This highlights the importance of creating a Will as soon as possible to avoid complications later on.

Without a valid Will, it can cause unnecessary complications, added expenses, and stress for your loved ones after your passing.

How much does it cost to write a Will?

At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we offer a 50% discount to Armed Forces personnel and veterans. Prior to the discount, our prices are £200 for a standard Single Will and £350 for standard Mirror Wills, excluding VAT.

Keep in mind, depending on the complexity of your situation, these costs may vary.

What should I include in my Will?

When preparing to write your Will, it’s important to consider what you’ll include. Here are key areas to address:

Who will inherit your assets, including properties, vehicles, savings, or valuable items
Naming a guardian for your children
Funeral instructions
Establishing trusts to financially support your family
Naming one or more executors who will manage your estate
Plans for the care of your pets

Where should my Will be kept?

It’s essential to store your Will in a secure but accessible location for your executors to retrieve after your death. Informing your executors of its location is crucial to avoid complications.

Here are some storage options:

With a Solicitor: Solicitors offer regulated services that keep your Will safe and
With the Probate Registry (England and Wales): For a small fee, the Probate Registry will securely store your Your executors can retrieve it after your passing, following the formal steps outlined by the registry.
At home in a fireproof safe: If you choose to store your Will at home, ensure it’s in a fireproof safe for protection.

What happens if I die without a will?

If you pass away without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to Intestacy rules. This means that your estate could automatically go to your spouse or civil partner, regardless of your actual intentions, potentially leaving your children without inheritance.

Without immediate family, your assets could go to distant relatives you may not even know.

Other services we offer

In addition to Will writing, Oakwood Solicitors Ltd offers services such as Lasting Power of Attorney, setting up trusts, inheritance tax planning, intestacy advice, and estate administration.

Why choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

We provide personalised, expert guidance through the Will writing process. As an SRA- regulated firm, our team at Oakwood Solicitors Ltd has earned a strong reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality service.

You can trust that we will handle your estate with the utmost professionalism, giving you and your loved ones peace of mind.

Staff Spotlight – Christina Taylor