Wills and Administration of Estates

Properly planning for the future involves two key stages: creating a legally robust Will, and ensuring the administration of your estate is handled correctly after you're gone. Our SRA-regulated solicitors provide a seamless, end-to-end service for both.

A Lifetime of Legal Protection

We see a Will and the administration of an estate as two parts of the same journey. Our specialist department handles both, ensuring the instructions you create today are carried out exactly as you intended in the future.

Planning Your Legacy

A solicitor-drafted Will is the only way to ensure your wishes are legally binding. Our service includes:

Appointing trusted Executors to manage your affairs.
Naming guardians for your children.
Specifying gifts, legacies, and beneficiaries.
Stating your funeral wishes.
Expert advice on Inheritance Tax and Will Trusts.

Real Case: The Danger of DIY Wills

Vaughan v Vaughan [2005]

The Situation: A mother used a DIY will kit. She wrote that her house was to go to her son, but the standard template wording she used only covered her "personal chattels" (possessions), not the property itself.

The Outcome: The court ruled the house was not included in the gift. It fell into the residuary estate, which was shared, going against her clear intention. The mistake led to a costly and stressful court case for the family.

What this means: This case shows how easily a DIY Will can fail. Professional drafting by a solicitor ensures the correct legal language is used to make your wishes legally binding.

Carrying Out Your Wishes (Probate)

The administration of an estate (often called 'probate') is the legal process of carrying out the instructions in the Will. This is the responsibility of the Executors.

Our expert probate solicitors can be appointed to act as professional executors, or we can handle the entire complex process on behalf of your chosen family members, removing the burden from them.

Applying for the Grant of Probate.
Valuing the estate and paying Inheritance Tax.
Settling all debts and liabilities.
Distributing the inheritance to beneficiaries.

Our Complete Service

Appointing a Solicitor as Executor

By appointing a Wildlings solicitor as the executor when you make your Will, you ensure a seamless transition. We will already understand your wishes perfectly, allowing for the most efficient and stress-free administration of your estate possible, completely removing the legal and financial burden from your family during a difficult time.

Discuss Appointing Us

A professional solicitor providing peace of mind to clients

The Advantage of a Complete Service

By handling both the writing of your Will and the future administration of your estate, we provide a seamless service that offers significant benefits.

Continuity & Understanding: As the solicitors who drafted your Will, we have a deep understanding of your wishes, ensuring a smoother administration process later on.
Less Burden on Your Family: Appointing us as your professional executor relieves your loved ones of the complex, stressful, and time-consuming legal work during a time of grief.
Total Security: Your important legal documents are stored securely with us, ready for when they are needed.

"The Whole Process Was Handled with Compassion and Efficiency"

"Wildlings drafted my mother's will years ago, so when she passed away it made perfect sense for them to handle the probate. Their understanding of her wishes made the whole administration process so much smoother. A great weight off our minds."

- Estate Administration Client

"Excellent communication and a very professional service. They explained everything clearly and I felt I was in safe hands. Appointing them as executors in our Wills was an easy decision."

- Will Writing Client, Birmingham

"I was the executor for my father's estate and felt overwhelmed. The team at Wildlings took over the entire probate process for me. They were brilliant, efficient, and worth every penny for the peace of mind."

- Google Review

Your Questions About Wills & Estates

What happens if I die without a Will?

If you die without a valid Will, the Rules of Intestacy take over. These are strict legal rules that dictate who can inherit your estate, and in what order. Your wishes will not be considered, and people you wanted to benefit (like an unmarried partner) may receive nothing. This is why making a Will is the essential first step.

How much does estate administration (Probate) cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of the estate. We are transparent about our fees, which are paid from the estate funds, not by you personally. We will provide a clear, fixed-fee quotation where possible, or a detailed estimate based on an hourly rate, before any work begins.

Who should I choose as my Executor?

You can choose a trusted family member, but remember that it is a complex and time-consuming legal role with personal liability. Appointing a professional solicitor as your executor removes this burden from your family and ensures the process is handled efficiently and impartially.