Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, honestly answered.
Based on English and Welsh law.
If you can’t find your answer here, we’re one message away.
Jump To Section
Wills
What makes a Will legally valid in England and Wales?
Under the Wills Act 1837, a Will is valid in England and Wales if: (1) it is in writing; (2) it is signed by the testator (or by someone else at their direction and in their presence); (3) the testator intends their signature to give effect to the Will; and (4) two independent witnesses are present at the time of signing and add their own signatures.
A witness or their spouse cannot be a beneficiary — if they are, the gift to them fails, though the rest of the Will remains valid.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Does getting married invalidate my existing Will?
Getting married usually revokes an existing Will under English law, because marriage changes your legal status and assumptions about who should inherit. A Will only survives marriage if it was clearly made “contemplation of marriage” to your specific partner. If it wasn’t, your Will becomes invalid and the intestacy rules decides who inherits. Reviewing
or updating your Will after marriage ensures your wishes are protected and your estate passes exactly as you intend.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Does divorce affect my Will?
Divorce does not revoke a Will under English law, but it changes how your former spouse is treated. Once the divorce is final, the law treats your ex-spouse as though they died on the date the marriage legally ended. This means any gifts to them fail, and they can no longer
act as executor or trustee. Your Will otherwise remains valid. Reviewing your Will after divorce ensures your updated wishes are properly reflected and clearly protected.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Can I leave my estate to whoever I want?
Yes — under English law you generally have the freedom to leave your estate to anyone you choose, but this freedom has its limits. Certain people, such as children, partners or others who depend on you financially can claim “reasonable financial provision” under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 if they’re left without support. Thoughtful planning and a well-drafted Will help ensure your wishes are followed and reduce the risk of disputes.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Can I appoint a Guardian for my children in my Will?
Yes — under English law you can appoint a guardian for your minor children in your Will, giving you control over who cares for them if you die. The appointment only takes effect if both parents with parental responsibility have died, ensuring stability for your children at a
difficult time. Without this, the court decides who should take on the role. Using clear wording helps ensure your guardian appointment is legally effective and reflects your wishes.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
What are the intestacy rules in England and Wales?
The intestacy rules in England and Wales set out who inherits when someone dies without a valid Will, following a strict legal order. A spouse or civil partner usually receives the largest share, with any children dividing the remainder. If there is no spouse or children, the estate passes to wider relatives such as parents or siblings. Importantly, unmarried partners and stepchildren receive nothing automatically under intestacy law making a Will essential to protect your wishes.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
What does my spouse inherit if I die intestate?
If you die intestate in England and Wales, your spouse or civil partner inherits all personal belongings and the first £322,000 of your estate. If you also have children, your spouse receives half of anything left, while the children share the other half equally. If there are no children, your spouse inherits the entire estate. The rules apply automatically, so making a Will ensures your wishes – not the intestacy rules – decide who benefits.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
My partner and I have lived together for 10 years. Do they inherit under intestacy?
No – under English intestacy law, unmarried partners do not inherit automatically, even if you have lived together for many years. Only spouses, civil partners and certain blood relatives benefit under the statutory order. This can leave a long-term partner financially vulnerable. They may need to bring a claim for reasonable financial provision, which can be stressful and uncertain. Making a Will is the best way to protect your partner’s position and ensure your wishes are honoured.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney and when was it introduced?
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you appoint trusted people to make decisions on your behalf if you lose mental capacity. You can create an LPA for health and welfare or property and financial affairs, giving clarity and control over future decision-making. LPAs were introduced by the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and replaced Enduring Powers of Attorney in 2007, offering a more modern and flexible framework for safeguarding your wishes.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
My parent had an Enduring Power of Attorney. Is it still valid?
Yes — an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) made before 1 October 2007 is still valid under English law. It can continue to be used for property and financial decisions, but it must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian once the donor starts to lose mental capacity. Until then, it can usually be used unregistered. EPAs cannot cover health and welfare matters, so many people also create a Health and Welfare LPA for fuller protection.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
How long does it take to register an LPA?
Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales usually takes around 8 to 12 weeks from the point the Office of the Public Guardian receives the application. This timeframe includes a mandatory four-week waiting period to allow for any objections. The process can take longer if there are mistakes, missing signatures or incorrect details, as the OPG must pause the application. Careful completion and checking of the forms help avoid delays and ensures smooth registration.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Can I appoint more than one attorney on my LPA?
Yes – you can appoint more than one attorney in a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in England and Wales. You can choose for them to act jointly (all decisions together), jointly and severally (together or independently), or use a mixed approach for different types of decisions. Thinking carefully about how your attorneys should work together helps ensure your LPA functions smoothly and reflects your preferences.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Our Process
How does a Zoom consultation work?
A Zoom consultation is a simple online meeting where you speak with a professional face-to-face using video. You’ll receive a secure link to join at the scheduled time, and once connected you can discuss your questions, share documents on screen and talk through any concerns in real time. The session works much like an in-person appointment but from the comfort of your home. A Zoom consultation helps you get clear advice quickly and conveniently.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
How long does the whole process take?
An initial Zoom consultation with Your Legal GP typically lasts around 45 to 60 minutes. This gives us enough time to discuss your situation, outline key issues, review any relevant documents and identify the next steps. The appointment is designed to be focused yet relaxed, allowing you to ask questions and understand your options clearly. A well-structured consultation helps ensure that your legal needs are properly assessed from the outset.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Fees & Pricing
Are there any hidden costs?
Our consultancy is committed to complete transparency, with no hidden costs at any stage. Every service is fully tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you receive advice that genuinely reflects your circumstances. Before any work begins, we provide a clear explanation of the expected fees and the scope of the service, so you know exactly what to expect. This upfront approach helps you make informed decisions and ensures your legal support is both personalised and predictable.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.
Is VAT included in your prices?
Our prices do not include VAT, because we are not VAT-registered and therefore do not charge VAT. This means all our fees are completely VAT-free, and the price you see is the price you pay. We believe in full transparency, so every cost is explained clearly from the outset, with no hidden extras. This helps ensure your fees remain simple, predictable and easy to understand.
Our Wills are drafted and supervised to ensure full compliance with the Wills Act 1837.