Frequently asked questions

An initial consultation is free. Each will is created specific to that person’s circumstances, so it is difficult to give an exact price. As an indication, a simple will for one person starts from £310 plus VAT and two mirror wills would be £495 plus VAT. All our wills include guardianship provisions and the standard trusts for children if required. At our initial appointment we will give you the various options that are suitable for your situation along with costs.

The process begins with an initial meeting at your home or office where we will discuss your requirements in more detail.  We then request a payment on account of 50%.  Once the initial payment is made, we aim to send you a draft copy of your will within 20 working days. Of course, if you need your will prepared quickly for any reason we can expedite the process for you.  You can take the time you need to check that you are happy with it, we can then schedule an appointment for the signing of the final version.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to plan for your future and be proactive in deciding who you would trust to look after you and your affairs if you are unable to look after yourself. Sadly, as we become older it often becomes more difficult to manage without some support. Putting an LPA in place allows you to decide who provides that support, rather than leaving it to the courts or placing difficult decision making on your loved ones.

The rules regarding Inheritance Tax are complicated. The starting point is that every individual can leave £325,000 without paying any inheritance tax, anything over that is taxed at 40%. There are reliefs available if you are married, own a business or a farm or leave money to charity. The Residential Allowance is currently £175,000 if you leave a residential property directly to your children or grandchildren. It is important to make sure that your will is drafted in a way that maximises the benefits available utilising these reliefs and allowances.

There are many reasons why people have chosen Westcott Wills over other providers. We take a personal approach to writing wills and take the time to understand your requirements and your individual situation. Using our in-depth knowledge gained through many years of experience we advise you on the best way to proceed. Throughout the whole process, you will deal with either myself or my fellow will writer and assistant, Melody. If you have any concerns or queries throughout the process, we will be happy to help you. We have no automated phone lines (apart from normal voicemail) so our service is much more personal than most.  You will see either myself or Melody at your initial appointment, we will draft your documents personally and then meet with you again to go through the documents. Once you are happy with the final version, we will meet with you again to witness your signatures.

Westcott Wills is regulated by the Society of Will Writers and we have to follow their Code of Conduct. We also follow the Will Writing Code laid down by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and we are fully insured.

We have helped many people with their wills, you can read testimonials from some of our clients here.

An Advance Decision is a non-legally binding document which allows you to express your wishes for future treatments in case you aren’t able to communicate them yourself. The effect of an Advance Decision is to indicate whether you would wish your attorneys to refuse consent for future treatment, but it can also be used to communicate your wishes in relation to other medical matters and will provide guidance for your family and medical staff. 

Both types of power of attorney will expire when you pass away, they are only valid during the donor’s lifetime. Once the donor has passed away then the will (if any) comes into effect.

To be valid a will has to be in writing and has to be signed by the Testator in the presence of two independent adult witnesses.  The only exception is a privileged will which is available to members of the armed forces on active service.