Will Writing in England and Wales

Will Writing in England and Wales: From Instructions to Execution is a practical, step-by-step guide for private-client practitioners who want to approach will writing with clarity, structure, and professional confidence. Written for working in private-client practice, the book takes the reader through the complete will-writing process-from the first client meeting and taking instructions to drafting, execution, storage, review, and the prevention of future disputes. It explains the legal and practical issues that arise when preparing wills in England and Wales, including testamentary capacity, the Banks v Goodfellow test, the golden rule, undue influence, knowledge and approval, witnessing and attestation, executors, guardians, gifts and legacies, revocation, intestacy, probate, trusts, inheritance tax considerations, business and agricultural assets, foreign property, pensions, and digital assets. The book also addresses the realities of modern private-client work: blended families, cohabitation, vulnerable beneficiaries, second marriages, professional executors, letters of wishes, contentious probate risks, and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975.