Wills & Trusts
Protect Your Family & Estate
Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your estate. Nicola Cochran specialises in drafting clear, robust wills and advising on the best ways to structure your estate for the future.
How Nicola Can Help:
- Drafting single or mirror wills tailored to your circumstances
- Advising on inheritance tax planning to reduce liabilities
- Creating trusts to protect assets for children or vulnerable beneficiaries
- Updating existing wills to reflect life changes such as marriage, divorce, or new family members
- Declarations of Trust: Clear, tailored deeds to record beneficial ownership of property and protect individual contributions.
- Acting as a professional executor if required
A well-drafted will gives peace of mind that your estate will be handled as you intend and can significantly reduce stress for your loved ones.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t make a will?
- You die intestate and the law decides who inherits your money, your estate falls under the intestacy rules under the Administration of Estates Act 1925
- If you don’t make a will you have no say in who your guardians are, who inherits your estate, and you are making it harder and more complex for your beneficiaries without a will. If unmarried your partner does not inherit automatically.
- Other problems without a will are possible disputes, delays unintended outcomes (e.g. estrange family inheriting).
What documents do I need to get started?
- Photo ID and proof of address ID within 3 months
- Any current Will or trust deed
- Complete a will instruction form which lets you know the information needed
How often should I review my Will ?
Review after major life changes, such as:
- Marriage, separation, or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Buying or selling a property or business
- Significant changes in savings or investments
How long does it take to put a Will or will trust in place?
Timing depends on decisions and complexity. To keep things moving we:
- Map decisions early
- Provide clear drafts for quick review
- Agree a signing plan that works for you
Do I always need a trust in my Will?
No. A simple Will can be enough when:
- Beneficiaries are adults and financially independent
- You do not need to delay or control timing of gifts
- There are no vulnerability or second-family considerations
Do trusts need to be registered with HMRC?
Most trusts must be registered on the Trust Registration Service unless exempt. We confirm the position and assist with registration with an accountant.
Other Services
Probate & Estate Administration
Support for executors and families through probate, including applying for a Grant of Probate, collecting assets, preparing estate accounts, completing HMRC inheritance tax returns, and administering estates with or without a will.
Powers of Attorney
Preparation of Lasting Powers of Attorney for property and financial affairs and for health and welfare, plus General Powers of Attorney.