Writing a Will for the first time can feel daunting, not because the process is complicated, but because it forces you to think about questions you’d rather put off. If you’re based in Exeter or Mid Devon and wondering what actually happens when you get in touch, here’s a straightforward walkthrough of every stage.
Step 1: A free, no-obligation conversation
Everything starts with a chat, by phone, video call, or in person at your home, whichever suits you. There’s no charge and no pressure. This is where I get a feel for your situation: your family circumstances, your assets, and what matters most to you. Many people find this stage is far less intimidating than they expected, most of my clients come away saying they wished they’d done it sooner.
Step 2: Understanding your wishes
We’ll talk through the practical questions a Will needs to answer:
- Who do you want to inherit, and in what proportions?
- Who should act as your executor, the person responsible for carrying out your wishes?
- If you have children under 18, who would you want as their guardian?
- Are there any specific gifts you want to leave to particular people, or to charities?
- Do you want to set up a trust, for example, to protect assets for children from a previous relationship, or to manage an inheritance until children reach a certain age?
- Are there any funeral wishes you’d like recorded?
None of this requires legal knowledge on your part. My job is to ask the right questions and translate your answers into a legally sound document. You don’t need to arrive with anything prepared beyond a general sense of your family and what you own.
Step 3: A clear, fixed-fee quote
Once I understand your circumstances, you’ll get a transparent fixed fee before any work begins: no hourly billing, no surprise invoices. Straightforward single Wills cost less than mirror Wills for couples, and those in turn cost less than Wills involving trusts or more complex family arrangements. Whatever your situation, you’ll know exactly where you stand before committing to anything.
Step 4: Drafting and review
I draft your Will and talk you through it in plain English: no legal jargon left unexplained. This is your chance to ask questions and make sure it genuinely reflects what you want, and to make any adjustments before it’s finalised.
Step 5: Signing and witnessing
For a Will to be legally valid in England and Wales, it must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses, who also sign it themselves. Both witnesses need to be present at the same time, and, importantly, they can’t be beneficiaries of the Will, or married to one, or the gift to them becomes void. I guide clients through this carefully, since an incorrectly witnessed signature is a surprisingly common way DIY Wills end up legally invalid without the person ever realising.
Step 6: Safe storage
Once signed, your Will needs to be kept somewhere safe and findable. This sounds obvious, but a Will that can’t be located when needed is almost as much of a problem as not having one at all. I can advise on storage options, including registration with the National Wills Register, so your executor knows exactly where to look.
How long does the whole process take?
For a straightforward Will, most clients complete the process, from first conversation to signed document, within one to two weeks, though this depends entirely on your own pace.
There’s no rush; some people prefer to take longer to think things through, and that’s entirely normal.
Why work with a local practitioner rather than an online service?
Online Wills can sometimes work for very simple situations, but they can’t ask follow-up questions, probe your thinking, spot when something in your circumstances needs special handling, or visit you at home if getting to an office is difficult. With nearly 20 years in private client law, including a decade practising as a solicitor at Top 100 and Legal 500 firms, I bring that experience to a personal, one-to-one service across Exeter, Cullompton, Tiverton and Exmouth, without the fees or formality of a large firm.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring any documents to the first meeting?
No, a general understanding of your family situation and what you own is enough. I’ll guide you through the details as we go. It’s helpful if you have a copy of any existing Will to hand.
Can my partner and I have our first meeting together?
Yes, many couples choose to have a joint (or “mirror”) Will consultation, which can also work out more cost-effective than two separate Wills.
What if I’m not sure who to choose as guardian or executor?
That’s completely normal, and something we can talk through together. I’ll help you think through the practical considerations rather than expecting you to have already decided.
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