Wills Lawyers Manchester
Wills Lawyers in Manchester
At Isaacson & Partners, our experienced wills lawyers in Manchester are here to help you plan for the future with confidence. Writing a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are cared for after your passing. Our team offers expert guidance in all aspects of wills and estate planning, from drafting and updating Wills to resolving disputes and addressing issues of intestacy.
Why Writing a Will Is Essential
A Will is a legal document that provides clear instructions on how your estate—property, savings, investments, and personal belongings—should be distributed after your death. Without a valid Will, the Rules of Intestacy will apply. These are standard legal rules that dictate how your assets are divided, often without regard for your unique family circumstances or personal wishes.
Dying without a Will (known as intestacy) can lead to:
- Assets being distributed in ways you may not have intended
- Family members being excluded from inheritance
- Delays in administering the estate
- Additional stress for grieving loved ones
By writing a clear and legally sound Will, you can protect your family from unnecessary complications and ensure your wishes are respected.
How We Can Help with Writing a Will
At Isaacson & Partners, we make the process of writing a Will straightforward and stress-free. Our wills solicitors ensure that:
- Your Will meets all legal requirements to be valid and enforceable
- Your entire estate is accounted for, including property, savings, investments, and personal belongings
- Your wishes are clearly outlined to minimise the risk of disputes after your passing
We take the time to understand your personal circumstances and provide tailored advice that reflects your needs. Whether you’re writing your first Will or updating an existing one, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Updating a Will
Life changes—so should your Will. It’s important to review and update your Will whenever significant life events occur, such as:
- Marriage or divorce
- The birth of children or grandchildren
- Buying or selling property
- Changes in financial circumstances
Rather than drafting an entirely new Will, changes can often be made using a codicil—a legal document that amends specific parts of your existing Will. Our wills lawyers can advise on whether a codicil is appropriate or if creating a new Will would be more effective. Keeping your Will up to date ensures it remains aligned with your current wishes and protects against potential challenges in the future.
Disputing a Will
Disputes over Wills can arise for various reasons, including perceived unfair exclusions or concerns about the validity of the document. At Isaacson & Partners, our contentious probate solicitors provide sensitive yet practical advice to resolve disputes as quickly as possible. Common reasons for disputing a Will include:
- Claims of undue influence or coercion
- Questions about the mental capacity of the deceased when drafting the Will
- Clerical errors or misunderstandings by legal representatives
- Allegations that the Will was not properly signed or witnessed
Our team works diligently to achieve fair resolutions while minimising stress for all parties involved.
Mistakes and Invalid Wills
A Will may be deemed invalid if it fails to meet certain legal requirements, such as proper signing and witnessing procedures. Other issues include:
- The destruction or alteration of the document
- Errors caused by clerical mistakes or misinterpretation of instructions by legal representatives
- Claims that the deceased was not of sound mind when drafting the document
In cases where mistakes have been made, courts may interpret the Will in a way that reflects the deceased’s true intentions. Our experienced solicitors can help identify these issues early on and provide solutions to avoid lengthy disputes.
Dying Without a Will (Intestacy)
If someone dies without leaving a valid Will, their estate is subject to intestacy rules. These rules dictate how assets are divided among surviving relatives, often excluding unmarried partners or stepchildren. This can lead to unintended outcomes and financial difficulties for loved ones left behind.
At Isaacson & Partners, we help families navigate intestacy with compassion and expertise. We also encourage clients to draft Wills early to avoid these complications altogether and ensure their wishes are respected.
Why Choose Isaacson & Partners?
- Expertise: With over 40 years of experience serving Manchester, we provide comprehensive guidance on all aspects of wills and estate planning.
- Personalised Advice: We take time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor our services accordingly.
- Efficiency: Our team ensures every step is handled professionally and promptly.
- Compassionate Service: We understand these matters can be sensitive and approach every case with care.
FAQs About Wills
What happens if I die without a valid Will?
If you die without a valid Will, intestacy rules will determine how your assets are distributed. These rules follow a strict hierarchy of relatives but may exclude people you would have wanted to benefit, such as unmarried partners or close friends.
How often should I update my Will?
You should review your Will every few years or whenever significant life changes occur (e.g., marriage, divorce, having children). Regular updates ensure it remains accurate and reflects your current wishes.
Can I write my own Will without using a solicitor?
While it’s possible to write your own Will using templates or online services, mistakes can render it invalid or open it up to challenges after your death. Using an experienced solicitor ensures that all legal requirements are met.
What is a codicil?
A codicil is an additional document used to make minor amendments to an existing Will without needing to rewrite it entirely. It must meet the same legal requirements as the original document.
Contact Our Wills Lawyers in Manchester
At Isaacson & Partners, we’re here to help you plan for the future with confidence. Whether you need assistance writing a new Will, updating an existing one, or resolving disputes, our experienced wills lawyers in Manchester provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Call our Head Office on 0161 959 5000 today or use our online enquiry form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you protect what matters most—your loved ones and your legacy.