About

A will is one of the most important legal documents you can put in place. It ensures that your wishes are carried out after your death and provides clarity and protection for those you leave behind.

Here are the key reasons why having a will matters:

1. You decide who inherits

Without a will, your estate is distributed according to the UK’s intestacy rules. These rules may not reflect your wishes — especially if you are unmarried, in a blended family, or wish to leave gifts to friends or charities. A will ensures your assets go to the people and causes you choose.

2. You protect your family

If you have children under 18, a will allows you to appoint legal guardians. Without one, the courts decide who will care for them. You can also use a will to create trusts, helping to protect young or vulnerable beneficiaries.

3. You minimise stress and uncertainty

A clear, professionally drafted will makes the administration of your estate smoother and faster. It reduces the risk of disputes between family members and provides clear guidance to your executors.

4. You can reduce Inheritance Tax

With careful planning, a will can help structure your estate efficiently, potentially reducing the amount of Inheritance Tax payable and preserving more wealth for your beneficiaries.

5. You choose who manages your estate

A will allows you to appoint trusted executors to handle your affairs. Without one, the law determines who can apply to administer your estate, which may not be who you would have chosen.

6. It protects unmarried partners

Under UK law, unmarried partners do not automatically inherit — no matter how long you have been together. A will ensures they are provided for.

A Will…

…is a legal document that states:

• Who receives your assets after you die

• Who will be guardian of minor children

• Who will administer your estate (the executor)

A will takes effect only after death and usually must go through probate (a court process that validates the will).

Wills become part of the public record, they are generally simpler and cheaper to create.

A Trust

…is a legal arrangement where assets are placed under the control of a trustee to manage for beneficiaries.

• Can take effect during your lifetime (living trust) or after death

• Often avoids probate, allowing faster distribution

A Trust can control how and when beneficiaries receive money (e.g., at certain ages or conditions), they are typically more complex and expensive to set up. A trust is usually private, rather than going on the public record.

So simply put…

Will: Instructions that activate when you die.

Trust: A container that holds assets and controls them according to rules you set.

Absolutely, we have access to a Senior Barrister who is available to help with complex cases of Estate Management.

Book a free consultation with Chris, he will be able to guide you on your next steps. You can call him on 07932 583417, email him chris@platinumlegalservices.co.uk or get in touch via the contact form found here.