DIY or homemade Will
- No legal advice on your specific circumstances
- Invalid if not signed and witnessed correctly
- No safe storage included
Wills & estate planning
What is a Will and why do I need one?
A Will is a legal document that sets out who inherits your money, property and possessions when you die, and who's responsible for carrying it out. Without one, the law decides for you, not your family, and that can mean delays, costs and disputes nobody wanted to leave behind.
What happens if I don't make a Will?
Without a Will, the law, not you, decides who inherits. This is called the rules of intestacy, and it doesn't always match what people assume. Unmarried couples and other dependants can be left with nothing, even if they lived together for years, and families are sometimes left with expensive legal costs contesting how an estate is shared out.
How long does it take to make a Will?
In most cases, it takes under an hour to talk through your circumstances, which we’ll then draft into your Will. We'll cover who you want to inherit, who should act as executor, and anything else specific to your situation. Once it’s created we’ll guide you through signing and witnessing it correctly.
Do I need a Will if I don't have much to leave?
Yes. Almost everyone owns something worth accounting for, whether that's jewellery, furniture, savings, a car, a house, or a business. A Will also covers digital assets, your online accounts and what happens to them, and sets out guardians for any children under 18. It's not just for people with large estates.
Is it cheaper to write my own Will or use an online service?
It can look that way upfront, but it isn't always the casein can also lead to complications. Here's how the options compare:
Online Will writer
- Often costs more than expected once extras are added
- No face-to-face personalised advice
- Variable qualifications behind the service
Clowes & Co Solicitors
- Face-to-face advice from a STEP member firm
- Signed and witnessed correctly first time
- Free secure storage in our vault
Can I get a free Will at Clowes & Co?
We take part in free Will writing schemes with different charity partners throughout the year, so you can get your Will sorted with no upfront cost while supporting a good cause. Call us on 01782 444204 to find out which scheme is currently running.
Why choose Clowes & Co to write your Will?
We know the pitfalls.
We ask the right questions to make sure every possibility has been considered
Experience you can rely on.
Our team writes your Will with your full personal and financial circumstances in mind.
Support beyond the paperwork.
We guide you through the whole process, so your loved ones are properly provided for.
No jargon.
Our friendly, approachable solicitors explain everything in plain terms.
Safe storage included.
We store your Will securely in our vault, free of charge.
A free option, too.
We take part in free Will writing schemes with different charity partners throughout the year, so cost is never a barrier.
Clowes & Co Solicitors is a STEP member firm, founded by Sarah Clowes TEP. STEP membership means our private client work meets recognised international standards for wills, trusts and estate planning.
Ready to create or update your Will?
Book a meeting
20-22 Leek Road, Stockton Brook, Stoke on Trent. ST9 9NN
Mon – Fri: 9.00 am – 5:00 pm