fbpx
Oakwood Solicitors
  • « Back
  • « Back
  • « Back

News

Staff Spotlight – Christina Taylor

11:54, 23/10/2024

Home » News & Knowledge » Staff Spotlight – Christina Taylor

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.

 

Christina Taylor

 

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.

 

Further reading

Military compensation claims – Oakwood Solicitors

Stall Spotlight – Liam Hill

 

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.

7 reasons why you should be cautious of unregulated Will-writing services

Writing a Will can be a daunting and emotional task, and we know it can be tempting to go for a cheap or online service to get the job done.   However, in many cases, these low-cost …

View

5 Ways Your Will Could Be Challenged

A Will which has been prepared by legal professionals is designed to ensure that who you have decided to benefit from your estate is clear.   In cases where a pe…

View

News categories

Why Oakwood?

Here at Oakwood Solicitors, we’re not your average law firm – our team delivers a service which caters to you. From assessing your case through to completion, our staff have not only the knowledge and expertise, but also the compassion and understanding to put you at ease throughout the process.

Get in touch

    *Required fields

    You are leaving Oakwood Solicitors' website.

    Please click here to continue to the Oakwood Property Solicitors' website.

    Continue
    Property Transfer house graphic
    Loading

    Cookies

    This website uses cookies. You can read more information about why we do this, and what they are used for here.

    Accept Decline