Norwich Cathedral cloisters — wills and estate planning solicitors in Norfolk

Wills & Estate Planning

If you own a home, have children, run a business or simply want to make sure the people you care about are provided for, making a will is one of the most important things you can do.

It doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't have to wait until later in life.

How we can help with wills & estate planning.

The right approach depends entirely on your situation. What works well for one family won't necessarily suit another, which is why we always start by listening.

Drafting & Updating Wills

New wills, mirror wills for couples, reviews and updates when your circumstances change.

Trusts & Complex Wills

Protecting assets for blended families, vulnerable beneficiaries and future generations.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Arranging your estate to reduce tax liabilities and maximise what passes to the people you care about.

Estate & Later Life Planning

Lifetime gifts, business succession, care costs and passing assets between generations tax-efficiently.

Get in touch Wills & Probate FAQ

If you own a home, have children, run a business or simply want to make sure the people you care about are provided for, making a will is one of the most important things you can do. It doesn't have to be complicated, and it doesn't have to wait until later in life.

A will sets out clearly who should benefit from your estate, who you'd like to manage your affairs, and how you want your possessions and assets to be distributed. Without one, the rules of intestacy decide all of that for you; and the outcome may not be what you would have chosen. Only a will allows you to leave assets to someone outside your immediate family, whether that's an unmarried partner, a close friend or a charity.

A will can also name guardians and trustees for your children, which for many parents is reason enough to get one in place sooner rather than later.

Your circumstances change. Your will should too.

A will shouldn't be something you write once and forget about. Marriage, divorce, the arrival of children or grandchildren, a change in your financial situation; any of these can affect whether your existing will still reflects your wishes. It's worth reviewing it whenever your life changes significantly. We can advise you on whether an update is needed or whether a new will makes more sense.

When a simple will isn't enough

For some people, a straightforward will is exactly the right solution. For others, the picture is more complex. If you've remarried and want to provide for both your current spouse and children from a previous relationship, a trust within your will can help protect the interests of everyone involved. If you have a disabled or vulnerable beneficiary, the structure of your will matters enormously.

We also advise on inheritance tax planning as part of a longer-term strategy; looking at how your estate can be arranged to reduce tax liabilities and maximise what passes to the people you care about.

Planning your estate for the future

Estate planning goes hand in hand with making a will, but it tends to look at the bigger picture. This might involve thinking about lifetime gifts, setting up trusts for children or grandchildren, or considering how assets pass between generations in a tax-efficient way. If you're a business owner, it may also mean looking at succession planning and how your business interests are protected.

For those thinking about later life, we can advise on what is and isn't possible when it comes to care costs, and help you understand your options clearly and realistically.

The right approach depends entirely on your situation. What works well for one family won't necessarily suit another, which is why we always start by listening.

Talking it through

Some of the most important conversations happen away from an office. We regularly visit clients at home, in care homes and in hospital, and we're happy to arrange whatever works best for you.

If you'd like to talk about making or updating a will, or want advice on how to plan your estate, get in touch. We'll take the time to understand your situation properly and give you advice you can trust.

Transparent about fees.

Putting a will in place shouldn't come with uncertainty about cost. Our fees for wills and estate planning are fixed wherever possible, so you'll know the price before you commit.

Before any work begins, we'll give you a clear written estimate setting out our fees and any disbursements, so you know exactly where you stand. If anything changes the likely cost, we'll talk it through with you before going any further.

View our private client fees