Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are carried out after your death. Without a valid Will, the law decides who inherits your estate — and this may not reflect what you would have wanted. At Howard & Co., we provide clear, practical advice on writing or updating your Will, giving you peace of mind that your affairs are in order.

Why is a Will needed?

A Will ensures that your assets are passed on according to your wishes. It allows you to decide who inherits, appoint guardians for children, make gifts to friends, family or charities, and provide for vulnerable loved ones. Without a Will, the rules of intestacy apply, which may mean that those closest to you are left out, or that your estate is divided in a way you did not intend.

When should you make or update a Will?

Everyone should consider having a Will, regardless of age or wealth. It is especially important if you:

• Own property, savings, investments, or a business.
• Have children or dependants who rely on you financially.
• Are married, in a civil partnership, divorced, or separated.
• Live with a partner but are not married — as the law does not automatically recognise “common-law” partners.
• Want to provide for grandchildren or make gifts to specific people or charities.

We also recommend reviewing your Will whenever your circumstances change — for example after marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes.

How long does it take to make a Will?

Making a straightforward Will can often be completed within a few weeks. We will meet with you, take your instructions, and prepare a draft for your approval. Once finalised, your Will is signed and witnessed correctly to ensure it is legally valid. More complex Wills, for example those involving trusts or tax planning, may take longer — but we will always explain the process clearly and work to your timescales.

The process of making a Will

We aim to make writing your Will as straightforward and stress-free as possible. The usual steps are:

1. Initial meeting: We discuss your wishes, assets, family circumstances, and any concerns you may have.
2. Advice: We explain the options available, including inheritance tax planning, trusts, and guardianship for children.
3. Drafting the Will: We prepare a draft for your review and make any amendments needed.
4. Finalising: Once you are happy with the draft, we arrange for your Will to be signed and witnessed in the correct legal manner.
5. Safe storage: We can securely store your Will for safekeeping, ensuring that it can be easily accessed when needed.
6. Updating: We encourage you to review your Will regularly, especially after major life changes, to ensure it remains up to date.

How Howard & Co. can help

Since 1976, families across Barnsley, Penistone and beyond have trusted Howard & Co. to provide clear, practical advice on Wills and estate planning. We will take the time to understand your wishes, explain your options in plain English, and draft a Will that reflects your circumstances and protects your loved ones.

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