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Will Writing in Dorset & Surrounding Areas
Protect the People You Love and Make Your Wishes Clear
We'll Come to You - In the Comfort of Your Own Home
A professionally prepared Will gives you greater control over what happens to your home, savings and possessions and helps provide clarity for the people you leave behind.
Free home visits
In the comfort of your own home
Fixed fees
Explained before you proceed
Plain-English advice
Clear guidance, no jargon
Personal local service
Personal Advice. Professional Team Support.
WHY HAVING A WILL MATTERS
A Will Is About More Than Who Inherits Your Money
If you die without a Will, the law decides who inherits your estate. This is known as the rules of intestacy, and it may not reflect your wishes.
Your assets may not go to the people you care about, which can cause unnecessary stress, delays, and even family disputes.
A professionally written Will ensures the right people inherit, protects your loved ones and gives you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out.
A Will helps you…
- Choose who inherits your estate
- Appoint executors to manage your affairs
- Name guardians for your children
- Protect specific gifts and inheritances
- Record your personal wishes
- Plan for pets and support your favourite charities
WHAT HAPPENS WITHOUT A WILL?
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
If you die without a valid Will, you are said to have died “intestate.”
This means your estate is distributed according to the legal rules of intestacy rather than simply according to your personal wishes.
The people you would naturally choose to benefit are not necessarily the people who will inherit in the way you intended. This can be particularly important for unmarried couples, blended families and anyone with more complicated family circumstances.
Making a Will allows you to decide who should benefit from your estate and who you would like to be responsible for dealing with your affairs.
A Will isn’t only about money. It’s about providing clarity and making things easier for the people you leave behind.
Protecting an Inheritance for the People Who Matter
A Will Trust can provide greater control over how and when an inheritance is passed on, helping you make appropriate provision for a spouse, partner, children, grandchildren or a vulnerable beneficiary.
Will Trust planning may be worth considering where you want to:
- Provide for a surviving spouse or partner while protecting assets for children
- Protect an inheritance for children or grandchildren
- Make provision for a vulnerable beneficiary
- Plan for children from previous relationships
- Provide greater control over when and how beneficiaries receive their inheritance
- Consider additional protection where a beneficiary may face financial or personal difficulties
Trusts are not suitable for everyone. The right approach depends upon your individual circumstances.
WILLS WITH TRUSTS
Sometimes a Simple Will Isn’t Enough
For many people, a straightforward Will may be perfectly appropriate. For others, their family circumstances mean they would like greater control over how an inheritance is protected or passed to future generations.
A Will Trust can be incorporated into a Will and comes into effect following death. Rather than certain assets necessarily passing directly to a beneficiary, they can be held and managed by trustees in accordance with the terms of the Will.
Our core services
Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Trusts with Clear, Expert Guidance
Wills
Clearly record your wishes, appoint people you trust as Executors and decide who you would like to benefit from your estate.
Living Trusts
A Living Trust is established during your lifetime and may provide greater control over how certain assets are held and managed. Whether it is appropriate will depend upon your individual circumstances.
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Appoint people you trust to make important financial, property, health or welfare decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them yourself.
- Marriage or divorce
- A new relationship
- The birth of children or grandchildren
- Buying, selling or significantly changing your property
- A substantial change in your financial circumstances
- The death of an Executor or beneficiary
- Changes within your family
- Concerns about a beneficiary’s divorce, bankruptcy or financial circumstances
- A change in who you would like to inherit
Reviewing an Existing Will
Already Have a Will? It May Still Be Worth Reviewing
Having a Will is important—but having a Will that still reflects your current circumstances is equally important.
Life rarely stands still. Families change, relationships change, property values change, and what you wanted ten or fifteen years ago may be very different from what you want today.
Will writing without the formal office appointment
Your Dedicated Personal Adviser
“I will personally visit you, discuss your wishes and remain your principal point of contact, supported by the Oakwood Wills team throughout the preparation of your documents.”
A SIMPLE, SUPPORTIVE PROCESS
How It Works
Clear guidance at every stage, from your first conversation through to signing your Will.
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We Come to You
We meet in the comfort and privacy of your own home.
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We Discuss Your Wishes
We take time to understand your family, estate and what you want to achieve.
04
Your Will Is Prepared
Your documents are professionally prepared based upon your instructions.
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Signing & Completion
We explain the documents and ensure you understand the signing requirements.
Trusted by Families Across Dorset & Surrounding Areas
From your first inquiry to the completion of your documents, Oakwood Wills is here to support you every step of the way with professional, friendly advice you can trust.
Margaret H
Clear, concise, and compassionate. Oakwood Wills made everything simple.
James T
Excellent experience from start to finish. Highly recommend to anyone needing a will.
Sheila D
They explained everything in plain English and took away all the stress.
Alan R
Very knowledgeable and efficient. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Barbara S
The whole process was handled with care and respect. Thank you!
Peter L
Affordable, straightforward, and trustworthy. A first-class service.
Brenda W
I finally feel secure about the future. Oakwood Wills made that possible.
Frank E
Will writing FAQs
Questions About Making a Will?
Clear answers to common questions. If you would prefer to talk things through, call us on 07832 331594.
How much does it cost to make a Will?
The cost will depend upon your circumstances and whether you require a straightforward Will or additional estate-planning provisions such as a Will Trust.
We believe in clear, fixed pricing with no unexpected costs. We will discuss your requirements and explain the appropriate options and costs before you decide to proceed.
Can you visit me at home to make my Will?
Yes. Home visits are a central part of the Oakwood Wills service. We meet in the comfort and privacy of your own home and provide appointments throughout Dorset and surrounding areas.
How often should I review my Will?
It is sensible to review your Will periodically and whenever there is a significant change in your personal, family or financial circumstances. A review does not necessarily mean your Will needs changing.
What happens if I die without a Will?
The law determines how your estate is distributed under the rules of intestacy. This may not produce the outcome you would have chosen, particularly for unmarried partners, blended families or complicated circumstances.
Can I change my Will later?
Yes. Your Will can be changed during your lifetime provided you have the required mental capacity. Changes must be made correctly; you should never simply write amendments onto your signed Will.
Can my Will include a trust?
Yes. A Will can create a trust that takes effect following your death. Whether a Will Trust is appropriate depends upon your individual circumstances.
Can I leave my home to my children?
Yes, subject to your ownership and relevant rights, mortgage or other arrangements. Where a spouse, partner or children from previous relationships are involved, more careful planning may be appropriate.
What is the difference between a Will Trust and a Living Trust?
A Will Trust is created through your Will and takes effect following your death. A Living Trust is established during your lifetime. They serve different purposes and can have different legal and tax consequences.
Planning Ahead Starts with a Conversation
Arrange Your FREE Home Protection Review
We'll Come to You – In the Comfort of Your Own Home
Oakwood Wills
29 Mereside, Portland, Dorset DT5 1PY
[email protected]
A truly professional and friendly service. I feel peace of mind knowing my affairs are in order.