Helen Starkie, Bath Solicitor for Wills and Probate Law

What does a solicitor do when helping to write a will?

A solicitor is a special person who helps you write a will. A will is a paper that says what you want to do with your things after you are gone.

Here are the ways a solicitor can help you:

• Talk and Plan: They talk to you to understand what you want.
• Write the Will: They help write down your wishes clearly.
• Make Sure It's Right: They check everything to make sure it’s correct.
• Give Advice: They give advice to make sure your choices are good.

If you need help, you can:

• Ask a trusted person to explain things.
• Use pictures or drawings to help understand.
• Take your time to think and ask questions.

Do I need a lawyer to help me write my will?

A will is a paper that says who gets your things when you die. You don't have to ask a lawyer to write your will. But, sometimes it's a good idea to get help from a lawyer.

Here is why a lawyer can help:

• They make sure everything is correct.
• They help if your wishes are complicated.
• They give advice if you have a big family.

If you don't want to use a lawyer, you can try these tools:

• Read simple guides or books on writing a will.
• Use an online will-making tool.

Getting help from someone you trust is always a good idea.

How much money do you need to pay a lawyer to write a will?

Can a lawyer help with my will when I pass away?

What happens if I die without a will?

If you die and you do not have a will, the law decides who gets your things. This is called "dying intestate."

The law has rules to say who can inherit your money and things. It might go to your family, like your children or husband or wife.

To help make sure your things go where you want, you can write a will. A will is a special letter that says who should get your things when you die.

You can ask a lawyer or use online tools to help write a will. It is good to get advice if you are not sure what to do.

How often should I look at my will?

It is a good idea to look at your will every few years. This way, you make sure it still says what you want.

If big things change in your life, like getting married, having a baby, or moving to a new home, it's important to check your will then too.

If you need help, you can ask someone who knows about wills, like a lawyer.

Can I change my will after I write it?

Yes, you can change your will after you write it. This is called changing or updating your will.

You might want to change your will if things in your life change. For example, if you get married or have a new child.

To change your will, you can:

• Write a new will.
• Add a note to your old will. This note is called a codicil.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Ask a lawyer for help. They know a lot about wills.
• Use clear words when you write your will.
• Tell someone you trust where your will is kept.

What is probate, and when is it needed?

"Probate" is a way to sort out a person's money and belongings after they die.

You need "probate" if:

• The person had a house or land.
• They had a lot of money.
• They had bank accounts with their name only.

To help understand better, you might use pictures or ask someone to explain it to you.

How long does probate usually take?

Probate is a process that happens after someone dies. It deals with their money and things, which are called their estate.

Probate can take a few months to a year. Sometimes, it takes even longer. It depends on how big and complicated the estate is.

To help you understand, you can:

• Ask someone you trust to explain it to you.
• Use pictures or diagrams to see the steps.
• Write down any questions you have and ask a person who knows about probate.

Can a lawyer help if someone doesn't agree with a will?

What is a living will, and how is it different from a regular will?

A living will is a paper that tells people what you want for your medical care if you are too sick to tell them yourself.

A regular will is a paper that says who you want to have your things, like money and toys, after you die.

To help understand, you can draw pictures or use apps that read text aloud.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for probate?

Probate means dealing with someone's money and things after they die.

You do not have to have a lawyer to do probate. You can do it yourself.

A lawyer can help if you find it hard or there are lots of things to sort out.

Some people use tools to help them understand legal words. You could try reading programs or apps that read out loud to you.

What should I think about when picking an executor?

Here are some things to think about when choosing an executor:

• Trustworthy: Pick someone you can trust. They will take care of important things for you.
• Responsible: Choose someone who can handle jobs like paying bills and giving out your things.
• Communication: Make sure they can talk to people well and keep everyone informed.
• Nearby: It's good if they live close to you. This makes it easier for them to do their job.

Tools that can help:

• Talk: Have a discussion with the person you choose to make sure they want to help.
• Write It Down: Keep a list of important tasks that the executor will need to do.
• Ask for Help: They can get help from a lawyer or accountant if needed.

What is inheritance tax, and how does it affect my things after I die?

Inheritance tax is money you pay to the government when someone dies and leaves behind money or things. This tax can change how much your family or friends get.

Here are some simple tips to understand it better:

• Inheritance tax is like a bill for some of the money or things you leave behind.
• Your family or friends might have to pay this money from what you give them.
• Sometimes, not all your things will have tax, like if they are worth less than a certain amount.

You can use tools like a calculator or ask someone to help you understand how much tax there might be. Talking to a helper or expert can make this easier.

How can I pay less inheritance tax on what I own?