Professional, compassionate Estate Planning to help you protect your family, your assets and your wishes.
Will and Trust planning helps you decide who inherits your estate, who manages it and how your family is protected after your death. A properly drafted Will can reduce uncertainty, minimise delays and help prevent avoidable disputes.
In some circumstances, a Trust can provide additional protection and control, particularly for vulnerable beneficiaries, blended families or complex assets.
Planning ahead is not always comfortable but it is essential.
It is estimated that around 60% of UK adults do not have appropriate Will and Trust arrangements in place, which can leave families unprepared and decision-making unclear at a difficult time.
Book Your Free ConsultationTwo Common Approaches to Estate Planning
Option 1: Postpone Planning
Some people delay making a Will or considering Trusts because the subject is difficult or because it feels as though there is time.
When planning is postponed, loved ones may be left without clear instructions. This can increase stress, lead to avoidable expense and create complications when decisions must be made.
Option 2: Put Clear Arrangements in Place Now
You can begin with a free consultation and a respectful, one-to-one conversation with experienced professionals. With clear advice and careful drafting, Estate Planning can be handled with sensitivity and made straightforward to complete.
We Make Will Writing and Trust Planning Clear and Manageable
Book Your Free ConsultationCreating a Will can feel daunting but a carefully prepared document provides clarity and reassurance for those you care about.
With professional Will writing support, you can:
- Protect your family and provide clear instructions
- Allocate assets in line with your wishes
- Record personal preferences clearly and respectfully
- Reduce the likelihood of conflict, misunderstandings or disputes
- Ensure pets are properly provided for
- Put appropriate decision-makers in place (for example, executors and guardians)
- Create a plan that reflects your circumstances, not a generic template
There are several options to consider, including Will writing, Trust planning, inheritance tax considerations and protection for unmarried partners.
Our role is to help you make informed decisions without being passed between multiple providers or receiving conflicting advice.
Soteria Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning in One Place
Whether you are arranging your first Will, reviewing an existing Will, updating instructions after a life change or exploring whether a Trust is appropriate, Soteria Estate Planning can support you.
We work with you on a one-to-one basis to put a complete, tailored plan in place, so you and your family can feel confident about the future.
Our services include:
- Will writing and Will review (including updates and amendments)
- Trust planning (where appropriate for your circumstances)
- Guardianship appointments for minor children
- Protection for unmarried partners and modern family arrangements
- Inheritance tax planning guidance and consideration of potential liabilities
- Home visits for clients who prefer support in person, including those with mobility concerns
- Remote appointments for clients who prefer to plan from home
Protect your family and secure your wishes:
Book Your Free ConsultationHear From Our Clients
“This company provides excellent service and value. Noreen, one of their solicitors, visited me at home as I have difficulty walking. She was extremely helpful and considerate throughout.”
Brenda Shepherd
“Noreen was very helpful. I had been meaning to make a Will for a long time, and she made the process much easier. I am grateful for the time and patience she gave me.”
Colin Fake
What to Expect from Your Free Consultation
This call is a confidential opportunity to have a one-to-one, respectful conversation with qualified Will and Trust planning professionals.
We do not provide generic guidance. Every family's circumstances are different and your situation deserves careful attention and personalised support.
During your consultation, you can:
- Ask questions about Wills, Trusts, executors, trustees, guardians, and next steps
- Understand the Will writing process and typical timelines
- Discuss whether a Trust may be appropriate for your circumstances
- Identify potential risks, gaps, or areas that need clarification
- Leave with a clear plan for moving forward
Protect your family and secure your wishes:
Book Your Free ConsultationWill and Trust Case Studies
Urgent Will for Terminally Ill
A gentleman in his 50s was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage IV cancer. With an unclear life expectancy and the effects of his... [Read More]
Estate Planning With an Estranged Child
A married couple with three children (14, 16, and 21) faced a unique challenge. Mr had an estranged son, aged 36, with whom he had... [Read More]
Vulnerable Beneficiary | Tailored Will Planning
Mr. and Mrs. had three children, one of whom had special needs. This child lives in residential care, receives benefits, and will... [Read More]
Planning Today Supports Security Tomorrow
Our experienced and compassionate team supports families across the UK with Will writing, Trusts and wider Estate Planning.
We are familiar with a wide range of circumstances, including blended families, unmarried partners, business interests, vulnerable beneficiaries and changing life circumstances.
We will guide you through your options with clarity and care and we will provide a practical plan to help you put appropriate arrangements in place.
You do not need to navigate this alone. A single conversation can help reduce uncertainty and provide reassurance for those who matter most.
This is important, and it is worth addressing.
Protect your family and secure your wishes:
Book Your Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Will and a Trust?
A Will records your wishes for what happens after your death, including who inherits your estate, who acts as executor and who should be appointed as guardian for minor children.
A Trust is a legal arrangement that can hold and manage assets for beneficiaries under specific terms.
Trusts are not required for everyone but they can be helpful for complex estates, blended families, vulnerable beneficiaries, or where additional control is needed over how assets are managed.
Are Wills a public record in the UK?
In England and Wales, a Will can become a public document after Probate is granted, as the Will is typically stored with the Probate record. This means it may be accessed by others in certain circumstances.
If privacy is a significant concern, it can be helpful to discuss planning options and how information is recorded.
In some situations, certain structures may provide more discretion but suitability will depend on your circumstances and goals.
Can Wills be contested?
Yes, Wills can be contested, although not all challenges succeed. Disputes commonly arise where there is uncertainty about capacity, undue influence, execution requirements, or where dependants believe reasonable financial provision has not been made.
Clear drafting, careful execution and well-documented instructions can help reduce the risk of disputes.
The most appropriate approach depends on your family circumstances and the decisions you intend to make.
What is a trustee?
A trustee is a person (or professional) appointed to manage assets held in a Trust. Trustees have legal responsibilities to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries and to follow the terms of the Trust. Trustee duties may include managing investments, administering distributions, keeping records and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
Choosing trustees requires care, as it involves long-term responsibility and decision-making.
Where should a Will be stored?
A Will should be stored securely and in a way that makes it easy for executors to locate when needed. Common options include secure home storage, professional storage, or a recognised Will storage service.
It is also important that your executors know where the original Will is held, as the original document is typically required during the estate administration process.
Your consultation can cover practical storage options suitable for your situation.
Is a Will legally binding?
A Will is legally binding if it is drafted and executed correctly. In England and Wales, this generally means that the Will must be made voluntarily by a person with capacity, put into writing and signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign.
If these requirements are not met, the Will may be invalid. Proper drafting and correct execution significantly reduce the risk of future complications.
Can a Will be changed in the future?
Yes, a Will can usually be changed at any time while you have capacity. Many people update their Will after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, property purchases, or changes in financial circumstances.
Keeping your Will under review helps ensure it continues to reflect your wishes and remains suitable for your current situation.