Single Will
Professionally drafted single wills for London individuals and families. Legally valid, properly witnessed documents that ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected.
Get matched free
Free · No obligation · 24hr response
Paid by our network, never by you
Get matched free
Free · No obligation · 24hr response
Paid by our network, never by you
Single Will: what you need to know
A single will is the foundation of any estate plan — the legal document that determines who receives your assets, who manages your estate as executor, and who cares for any minor children as guardian. Without one, the Intestacy Rules decide these matters, and they rarely reflect what you would actually want.
London residents face additional complexity: high property values mean even modest estates can exceed the inheritance tax threshold; complex family arrangements require careful drafting; and the pace of London life means important documents are often deferred until circumstances make them urgent. A professionally drafted will removes all of this uncertainty.
Our matched will writers produce documents that are legally robust, clearly expressed, and tailored to your specific circumstances. They take time to understand your wishes, explain the implications of different provisions, and ensure the final document truly reflects your intentions.
Why it matters for your estate
Legal Certainty for Your Loved Ones
A professionally drafted will removes ambiguity about your wishes and gives your executors clear authority to act. This prevents delays, reduces the risk of disputes, and ensures your estate is distributed as you intend — not as the Intestacy Rules dictate.
Guardianship for Minor Children
For parents of minor children, naming a guardian in your will is essential. Without this provision, a court decides who cares for your children if both parents die. Your will is the only legal mechanism for expressing this preference.
Tax-Efficient Structuring
A well-drafted will can make use of inheritance tax allowances, direct assets to exempt beneficiaries, and lay the groundwork for trust-based planning. Getting the structure right at will drafting stage avoids costly rectification later.
Executor Clarity
Naming the right executors — and providing appropriate guidance within the will — makes the estate administration process significantly smoother. Your will writer will advise on executor choice and what powers to include.
Common mistakes
Three mistakes that invalidate a will
1. Witnesses who are also beneficiaries
Under Section 15 of the Wills Act 1837, a beneficiary who witnesses a will (or whose spouse witnesses) loses their gift entirely. The will itself stays valid — but they get nothing. A specialist will writer brings independent witnesses or arranges them properly.
2. No proper revocation of earlier wills
Without an explicit revocation clause, an old will can survive alongside a new one — creating two competing documents at probate. The default revocation language used by template kits is often legally insufficient, especially where assets have moved jurisdictions.
3. Forgetting digital assets and pension nominations
Pensions, life insurance, and ISAs typically pass via separate nomination forms, not the will. A will that "leaves everything to my children" doesn't automatically include pension death benefits — those need to be nominated separately, and many people never do it.
Pairs well with
Lasting Power of Attorney
Most clients drafting their first will also need an LPA — both make decisions on your behalf, just at different points (one after death, one during life). Setting them up together at the same appointment saves time and reduces total fees.
See lasting power of attorneyIs single will right for you?
A single will is the right service for:
- Adults of any age who do not yet have a will — particularly those who own property, have children, or have significant savings or assets
- Those whose existing will no longer reflects their circumstances following marriage, divorce, births, or deaths
- Single individuals, unmarried partners, or those without the need for a second will at this stage
- Individuals with specific bequest wishes, charitable intentions, or excluded family members requiring careful drafting
- Those with digital assets, cryptocurrency, or intellectual property requiring specialist provisions
How the process works
Initial Consultation
Your will writer conducts a structured consultation to understand your family situation, assets, wishes, and any specific requirements. This shapes the provisions to be included and identifies any areas requiring specialist attention.
Will Drafting
Your will is drafted in clear, legally precise language. You receive a draft to review, with a full explanation of each provision and its implications. This is your opportunity to clarify, adjust, or add instructions.
Review and Amendment
Any amendments following your review are incorporated. A final draft is provided for your approval before the formal execution process.
Execution and Storage
Your will writer guides you through the formal signing and witnessing process to ensure legal validity. Advice on secure storage and notifying your executors of the will's location is provided as standard.
Single Will across London
Our network covers single will specialists across all major London areas. Select your area to find specialists who serve your neighbourhood specifically.