Will preparation and estate planning

Peace of Mind for You and Those You Care About

Creating a will needn't be complicated. We guide you through each decision with care, ensuring your wishes are clearly recorded and legally sound.

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What This Brings to Your Life

When you've prepared a proper will, something shifts. The vague concern that's been sitting at the back of your mind dissolves, replaced by quiet confidence that you've taken care of things properly.

You'll know your wishes are clearly recorded, that your loved ones will be looked after as you intend, and that difficult decisions won't fall on them at an already challenging time. There's a particular relief in having sorted this out, knowing it's done right.

Beyond the practical protection, there's an emotional benefit people don't always anticipate. You've extended care and consideration to those who matter most, even in your absence. That's a meaningful thing to have accomplished.

Why This Matters Now

Perhaps you've been meaning to sort out a will for some time now. You know it's sensible, but the process feels daunting. Where do you even start? What decisions will you need to make? Will it be complicated and time-consuming?

Or maybe you're worried about getting it wrong. Legal documents feel intimidating, and you're concerned about missing something important or making choices that have implications you haven't considered. The uncertainty keeps you postponing what you know should be done.

Meanwhile, there's a nagging awareness that without a will, you're leaving difficult decisions and potential complications for the people you'd most want to protect. They'd have to navigate a confusing legal process at an already emotional time, possibly dealing with outcomes you never intended.

This isn't something you'd leave unresolved if it were straightforward to address. You just need someone to guide you through it properly, explaining things clearly without making it more complicated than it needs to be.

How We Approach This Together

We begin by sitting down together and talking through your circumstances. Not legal theory, but your actual situation: who matters to you, what you'd like to happen, any particular concerns you have. This conversation helps us understand what you're trying to accomplish.

Then we explain your options. Things like who might serve as executor, how to provide for children or dependents, whether you want to make any specific bequests, and how to handle the residue of your estate. We talk through the implications of different choices so you can make informed decisions rather than guessing.

Once you've decided how you'd like to proceed, we draft your will clearly and carefully. We make sure it meets all legal requirements, accurately reflects your wishes, and anticipates situations that commonly arise. Then we arrange a proper execution meeting where everything is witnessed correctly.

What makes this approach effective is that it removes the uncertainty and complexity while ensuring nothing important gets overlooked. You're not figuring this out alone or hoping you've done it right. You have guidance from someone who's done this hundreds of times and knows what to watch for.

What Working Together Looks Like

Initial Consultation

We meet at our Castle Street office for a relaxed conversation about your circumstances. You'll explain what you're hoping to accomplish, and we'll discuss your options in plain terms. This takes about 45 minutes, and there's no pressure to make immediate decisions.

Drafting Your Will

Based on our conversation, we prepare a draft of your will. We send this to you for review, giving you time to consider it carefully and suggest any changes. Most people find this reassuring—seeing their wishes set out clearly before anything is final.

Execution Meeting

When you're satisfied with the document, we arrange a brief meeting to execute the will properly. We ensure it's witnessed correctly and explain how to store it safely. The whole process typically takes two to three weeks from start to finish, though we can move more quickly if needed.

Ongoing Support

Life changes, and sometimes wills need updating. We provide guidance on when amendments might be appropriate and handle any future changes you need to make. You're not on your own once the initial work is complete.

The Investment in Your Peace of Mind

Single Will

£195

Comprehensive will preparation for one person, including all consultation, drafting, review, and execution.

  • Initial consultation at our office
  • Complete will drafting and review
  • Execution meeting with proper witnessing
  • Secure storage arrangements
  • Guidance on future amendments
RECOMMENDED FOR COUPLES

Mirror Wills

£320

Coordinated wills for couples with complementary provisions, ensuring your combined wishes are properly reflected.

  • Joint consultation for both partners
  • Two complementary wills drafted
  • Coordinated provisions reviewed together
  • Dual execution meeting
  • Both wills stored securely
  • Ongoing support for both parties

Why This Represents Proper Value

Consider what you're actually getting: professional guidance through decisions that affect everyone you care about, a legally valid document that accurately reflects your wishes, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you've handled this properly.

The alternative—leaving matters unresolved—could result in your estate being distributed according to intestacy rules that bear no relation to your wishes, substantial legal costs for your executors, and difficult situations for the very people you'd want to protect. This investment prevents all of that while providing clarity and certainty.

Why This Approach Works

Established Process

We've prepared over 840 wills using this approach. The process is refined through experience—we know what questions to ask, what situations commonly arise, and how to ensure nothing important gets overlooked. You benefit from that accumulated knowledge.

Legal Validity Assured

Every will we prepare meets all legal requirements for Scotland. We ensure proper execution with appropriate witnesses, correct formatting, and clear language that accurately captures your intentions. When circumstances require it, your will will be recognised and implemented as you intended.

Realistic Timeframe

Most wills are completed within two to three weeks from initial consultation to final execution. Complex estates might take a bit longer, but we keep you informed throughout. You'll have your will in place well before any particular deadline or concern that prompted you to act.

Measured Progress

You'll know exactly where things stand at each stage: after our initial meeting, you understand your options; when you receive the draft, you can review it carefully; at the execution meeting, everything is finalised properly. Each step builds toward the outcome you're seeking—peace of mind that this is handled correctly.

Your Comfort and Confidence Matter

We understand that engaging with legal matters can feel somewhat formal and intimidating. That's why we're committed to making this process as straightforward and reassuring as possible.

Your initial consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation. If we meet and you decide this isn't right for you, that's perfectly fine. If we're not the right fit or if we think another approach might serve you better, we'll say so honestly.

No Pressure

Take whatever time you need to consider whether to proceed. Legal decisions shouldn't be rushed, and we won't encourage you to commit before you're comfortable doing so.

Clear Communication

We explain everything in plain terms and make sure you understand your options before making decisions. If something isn't clear, we welcome questions.

Professional Standards

We're members of the Law Society of Scotland and maintain professional indemnity insurance. The work we do meets established professional standards.

How to Move Forward

Getting started is quite straightforward. You contact us through the form below or by phone, briefly explaining that you'd like to discuss preparing a will. We arrange a convenient time for you to visit our Castle Street office.

At that meeting, we talk through your circumstances and what you're hoping to accomplish. We explain your options and answer any questions you have. If you'd like to proceed, we agree on next steps. If you need time to think about it, that's perfectly fine.

Most people find that once they've taken that first step of arranging a conversation, the rest follows naturally. The uncertainty and procrastination that kept this unresolved dissolves once you're actually working with someone who can guide you through it.

What Happens Next

1

You Reach Out

Send us a message or call, mentioning you'd like to discuss will preparation. We typically respond within one working day.

2

We Arrange to Meet

We find a time that works for you to visit our office. The meeting lasts about 45 minutes and there's no charge.

3

We Talk It Through

At our meeting, we discuss your circumstances, explain your options, and answer your questions. You decide if you'd like to proceed.

4

We Handle the Work

If you choose to move forward, we prepare your will, send it for your review, and arrange an execution meeting. Everything is handled professionally and carefully.

Let's Have a Straightforward Conversation

There's no pressure and no cost for an initial discussion. We'll talk through your circumstances and help you understand your options clearly.

Arrange Your Consultation

Typical response time: Within one working day during December 2024 and January 2025

Other Ways We Can Help

Depending on your circumstances, one of our other services might also be relevant to your situation.

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