Yes. Having a Will is important for several reasons: Asset disposition – a Will ensures your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes after your death. A professionally drafted Will takes your personal and financial circumstances into account and can help minimise the risk of disputes. Avoiding intestacy rules – without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed under the intestacy rules, which may not reflect your intentions. Care for loved ones – a Will allows you to make provision for those who depend on you, including young children or vulnerable family members.

Wills and Probate

Planning for the future matters. Whether you are making a Will, putting lasting powers of attorney in place, considering inheritance tax planning, or dealing with the estate of someone who has passed away, clear and practical legal advice can make a real difference.

Our team based in Elephant & Castle, London, is accredited under the Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme (WIQS) by the Law Society of England and Wales.

WIQS is a recognised quality standard for firms practising in wills and estate administration, and it reflects the commitment of Lisa’s Law Solicitors to excellence in practice, transparency, and high standards of client care.

We serve clients in Elephant and Castle, as well as across London and further afield.

Our Key Services

Will Drafting

A Will ensures your estate passes in line with your wishes. If you pass away without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed under the Rules of Intestacy, which may not reflect what you would have wanted.

We offer fixed-fee Will drafting and straightforward advice tailored to your circumstances.

How Lisa’s Law can assist

Single and mirror Wills
Reviewing and updating existing Wills
Appointment of executors and trustees
Secure storage of your Will

We will take time to understand your family and financial position so your Will is properly tailored to your needs.

Probate and Estate Administration

Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal and financial responsibilities that follow can feel daunting – particularly during a period of grief.

Our experienced and compassionate probate solicitors provide steady guidance, supporting executors and families throughout each stage of the estate administration process.

How Lisa’s Law can assist

Applying for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Resealing a foreign grant
Identifying and ascertaining estate assets
Preparing Inheritance Tax returns
Advising executors and administrators on their legal duties

We offer flexible service levels, from a full estate administration service to help with specific parts of the process. We provide clear explanations, regular updates, and dedicated support when you need it most.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Inheritance Tax can significantly reduce the value of an estate, but careful lifetime planning can help preserve wealth for future generations.

We can assist with strategies such as lifetime tax planning and gifting, making use of available exemptions, reliefs and the residence nil-rate band, establishing trusts, and undertaking post-death tax planning. Where appropriate, we work closely with tax advisers and accountants to ensure a coordinated approach.

Contested Wills and Inheritance Disputes

We advise on a wide range of estate-related disputes, including challenges to a Will’s validity, concerns about testamentary capacity, allegations of undue influence, fraud or forgery, claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, and disagreements between executors or beneficiaries.

Where possible, matters are resolved through negotiation or mediation. If court proceedings are required, we provide strong representation throughout.

Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)

A lasting power of attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf should you lose mental capacity. We can assist with preparing Property and Financial Affairs LPAs and Health and Welfare LPAs, appointing attorneys and replacement attorneys, and registering LPAs with the Office of the Public Guardian.

Putting an LPA in place early can help you avoid costly and time-consuming Court of Protection applications later.

Our Fees

We are committed to transparency on costs, and you will receive a clear written quotation at the outset of your matter.

Where appropriate, we offer fixed fees, including:

Simple Will (no minor beneficiaries or trusts): from £300 + VAT
Grant of Probate application only (small estate: UK domiciled, one property without a mortgage, fewer than three bank accounts, gross value not exceeding £325,000): from £2,400 + VAT

If there is no Will, a different type of application may be required (Letters of Administration). Fees will depend on the circumstances, and we will confirm a quotation at the outset.

Contested wills and inheritance disputes: £300 + VAT per hour

For more complex matters, we will provide a tailored estimate following an initial discussion.

You can view the rest of our price list here.

FAQs

Do I Need a Will?

Yes. Having a Will is important for several reasons:

Asset disposition – a Will ensures your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes after your death. A professionally drafted Will takes your personal and financial circumstances into account and can help minimise the risk of disputes.
Avoiding intestacy rules – without a valid Will, your estate will be distributed under the intestacy rules, which may not reflect your intentions.
Care for loved ones – a Will allows you to make provision for those who depend on you, including young children or vulnerable family members.

What Happens if Someone Dies Without a Will in England and Wales?

If a person dies intestate (without a valid Will), their estate will be distributed under the rules of intestacy, as follows:

Surviving spouse or civil partner – inherits all personal belongings, the first £322,000 of the estate, and half of the remaining balance
Children – inherit the other half of the balance (shared equally)
Parents – if there is no surviving spouse or children, the estate passes to the parents
Siblings and their descendants – if there are no parents, the estate passes to siblings or their children

This order of entitlement continues down the line of family relationships, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so forth. If there are no surviving relatives, the estate may pass to the Crown under the doctrine of bona vacantia.

What are the Requirements for a Valid Will?

To be legally valid in England and Wales, a Will must satisfy the following:

The testator must have mental capacity (that is, a sound mind, memory, and understanding)
The testator must intend to make a Will
The Will must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two or more witnesses, who must also sign it in the testator’s presence

Learn more

Find out more about our Wills and Probate services in our Family Law and Probate brochure.

View our Family Law page here.

See our guide to will drafting here.

Speak to our Wills and Probate team today

Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with a recent bereavement, we provide practical advice and sensitive support for clients in Southwark, across London, and further afield.

📞 Contact us today to arrange a confidential consultation, or download our family and probate brochure for further information.