Wills
“It was really good to discuss all the awkward details of wills and powers of attorney with someone who not only had a firm grasp of the minutiae of the subject but also had the thoughtfulness and sensitivity to deal with the subject so eloquently.”
If you die without a Will, the law says who gets your money, property and possessions. However, most of us know who we want our assets to go to, be that family, friends or charity. A Will is vital for our wishes to be fulfilled. A Will can also reduce Inheritance Tax liability.
You could write your Will yourself or use a Will writing service but, for the many reasons we set out in our article Why use a solicitor to prepare your Will?, we strongly recommend using a solicitor. At Carreg Law, Wills are currently prepared by Carys or Wendy, who both have particular expertise in this practice area. Carys is fluent in Welsh.
Wendy Macarthur - STEP Will Writing Code
Wendy Macarthur is a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and is bound to adhere to its Code for Will Preparation in England and Wales.
The Code is a set of ethical principles that demonstrate openly the standard of transparency and service you can expect from a STEP member preparing your Will.
The five-stage Will preparation process with Carreg Law
Contact us to book an appointment at either our Llandeilo or Llandovery office
If you’re unable to travel to an office, we may be able to arrange an alternative way of meeting you.
Attend the appointment
We will ask you about your assets and your wishes after your death. Based on this information, we can provide you with either a fixed fee quotation or an estimate based on an hourly rate (depending on your type of Will - please see ‘How much will it cost?’). There is no charge for the stage two appointment but if you wish to progress to stage three then our fees will apply.
We prepare your Will and provide it to you (in draft form) by email or post
This is your opportunity to check that you’re happy with everything. If any amendments are required, we will carry out these before moving to stage four. We usually ask for payment at the end stage three or when you attend the office at stage four.
Come to an office to sign your Will
The signing will be formally witnessed, which makes your Will legally valid.
Choose where to store your Will
You can take your Will with you or leave it with Carreg Law for safe storage and at no extra charge.
How much will it cost?
Basic Will
Our fee for one basic Will is fixed at £229 plus VAT
Our fee for two basic Wills that mirror each other is fixed at £299 plus VAT
Standard Will
Our fee for one standard Will is fixed at £349 plus VAT
Our fee for two standard Wills that mirror each other is fixed at £459 plus VAT
Complex Will
Our fee for one complex Will is £272 per hour plus VAT, with a minimum fee of £499 plus VAT
Our fee for two complex Wills that mirror each other is £272 per hour plus VAT, with a minimum fee of £699 plus VAT
Note: Our fee for an urgent ‘deathbed’ Will, including a Will made in hospital, will be at the rate for a complex Will owing to the priority required in such a circumstance.
We will confirm your type of Will at the end of your first appointment (stage two). If you would like to get an indication of your type of Will before your first appointment, then you can either speak to Carys or Wendy over the phone or gauge it from our list of example features by Will type:
Basic Will
Basic funeral wishes
No conditions or restrictions
Gifts of up to four specific sums or assets
Standard Will
Detailed funeral wishes
Having complex bequests, or bequests which depend on certain things happening
Charitable bequests
Several gifts of lump sums or specific assets (between five and ten)
Discussion on basic Inheritance Tax liability
Complex Will
Discretionary trust
Disabled beneficiary’s trust
Trusts to protect vulnerable or irresponsible beneficiaries
Trusts linked to tax planning
A trust that allows a surviving partner or spouse to reside in the family home until they die, with provision for the family home to return to children
Option to purchase property
Gift of a business
Research and advice in relation to complex Inheritance Tax
Lasting power of attorney discount when combined with a Will
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is as vital as a Will. If you would like Carreg Law to prepare your Will and LPA at the same time, we offer a 10% discount on our fees for your LPA. Find out more about Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Book your appointment with Carys or Wendy
Call us on 01558 678 009
Email us at hello@carreglaw.co.uk
Find out more
Read our article Why use a solicitor to write your Will?
Find out more about Carys and Wendy on the meet the team page.