24th September 2013
Handing over the reins if you can't cope
As life expectancy increases, governments and individuals face new realities that come with improved longevity. Some of the ... read more

19 May 2011
Important steps to consider when making a will
Step 1: Remember why making a Will is so important: If you die without one, there are rigid rules ... read more

7 April 2011
Will Ilott case mean anything to Wills in the future?
A case in the Court of Appeal will reportedly have a devastating impact on charitable giving (according to the ... read more

Planning for your death isn’t ever a pleasant experience but writing a Will is an important thing to consider at any time. However it needn’t be daunting or anything to get upset about. Speak to our team of friendly, experienced solicitors in Sheffield to make sure your wishes are carried out when you’re no longer around.

Our specialist solicitors are experienced at helping people through the Will writing process. In fact, we have a large team of lawyers with different areas of expertise and qualification to cater for estates of all sizes and complexity so you can be sure we have a specialist just right for you.

If you die without a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy. They provide that your estate is split between your family in a very rigid way which may not be appropriate or you may not want. In particular, your spouse will only receive a set amount, no matter how much your estate is worth, and your children will be entitled to their share of your estate at 18, which you might consider too young an age. Making a Will avoids these and other potential problems and ensures that your assets are dealt with as you want rather than as the Government dictates.

We can also offer you the opportunity to register your Will with Certainty, which is a National Wills Register. This helps your relatives to locate it when the time comes.

Unfortunately after a death, disputes can sometimes arise mainly between family members about such things as the will, how the estate is to be divided, decisions taken by Executors, the deceased’s assets etc. Those sort of disputes require experienced and specialist help and advice. Click here to find out how our specialist team can help.

*The Legal 500 is the largest and most in-depth survey of the UK legal market. Used by commercial and private clients, corporate counsel, CEOs, financial directors and professional advisers, as well as by other referrers of work both nationally and internationally, The Legal 500 is widely regarded as offering the definitive judgment of law firm capabilities.

Wake Smith's Probate department has 3 qualified Affiliates:

Michael Tumbridge, Andrew Vidler and Rachel Baseley.

Please click on the following link if you want to read the "STEP Code for Will Preparation in England & Wales"