Wills & Trusts

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Wills & Trusts Solicitors in Kidderminster & Stourport

Expert Will Writing and Trust Services to Protect Your Family’s Future

Nobody likes thinking about what happens after they’re gone. But putting off a will is one of the most common regrets families face, often at the worst possible time. At Painters Law LLP, our wills and trusts solicitors make the process straightforward, so your wishes are legally protected, and the people you love are looked after, without unnecessary stress or expense.

Whether you need a simple will, a more complex arrangement for a blended family, or a trust to protect assets for future generations, our local Kidderminster and Stourport team offers clear, jargon-free advice tailored to your circumstances.

Why You Need a Will: The Importance of Estate Planning

A common misconception is that assets automatically pass to a spouse, partner or children. In reality, without a valid will, UK intestacy rules decide who inherits, and that outcome can be very different from what you’d have chosen yourself.

A properly drafted will ensures:

  • Your estate is distributed exactly according to your wishes, not a default legal formula.
  • Your family avoids unnecessary delays, disputes and legal complications.
  • Inheritance tax and other costs are minimised wherever possible.
  • You choose the people you trust to carry out your wishes and look after any children.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in the UK?

Dying intestate means your estate is distributed under fixed legal rules, regardless of what you would have wanted. This can result in:

  • Assets passing to distant relatives instead of the people you’d have chosen.
  • Unmarried partners receiving nothing at all, no matter how long you were together.
  • Higher inheritance tax bills than good planning would have allowed.
  • Lengthy delays and, in some cases, disputes between family members.

Common Myths About Making a Will

“I’m too young to need a will.”Unexpected events can happen at any age. A will means your wishes are protected, and your family isn’t left to navigate intestacy rules during an already difficult time.

“My partner will automatically inherit everything.”If you’re not married or in a civil partnership, your partner has no automatic legal right to your estate, no matter how long you’ve lived together. Even married couples can find other relatives have a legal claim.

“I don’t have enough assets for a will to matter.”A will isn’t only about money. It also lets you appoint guardians for children, decide who manages your affairs, and set out clearly how sentimental or smaller assets should be shared, avoiding disputes further down the line.

Our Will Writing Services

Our solicitors guide you through every step, making sure your will is legally valid, clearly worded and built to last. We offer:

  • Standard wills for individuals and couples wanting a clear, straightforward distribution of assets.
  • Complex wills for high-net-worth individuals, blended families or more unusual family circumstances.
  • Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA), so someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unable to. Read more about our Lasting Powers of Attorney service.
  • Trusts and estate planning, structuring your estate to protect wealth and pass it on as tax-efficiently as possible.

How Much Does It Cost to Write a Will?

Costs vary depending on complexity, whether it’s a straightforward single will, a mirror will for couples, or a more detailed arrangement involving trusts and tax planning. We’re upfront about fees from the outset and will always give you a clear quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises later. Get in touch for a no-obligation conversation about your circumstances and the cost involved.

Trusts: A Smart Way to Protect Your Assets

Setting up a trust can provide long-term financial protection for the people who matter most. A well-structured trust can help by:

  • Protecting assets for children or vulnerable dependants until they’re ready to manage them.
  • Reducing the inheritance tax liability on your estate.
  • Ensuring wealth passes smoothly between generations, without unnecessary delay or dispute.

Types of Trusts We Offer

  • Bare trusts – assets are held for a beneficiary and pass to them once they reach a set age.
  • Discretionary trusts – trustees have flexibility over how and when assets are managed and distributed.
  • Life interest trusts – one person benefits from assets during their lifetime, with the remainder passing to others afterwards, commonly used to protect a family home for a surviving spouse.
Support for Elderly and Vulnerable Clients

We also provide specialist legal support where capacity or vulnerability is a concern, including:

  • Court of Protection applications, helping manage finances for someone who has lost mental capacity.
  • Deputyship applications, giving family members the legal authority to act for a loved one.
  • Statutory wills, court applications to create or amend a will for someone unable to make decisions themselves.

If care costs are a concern for your family, our Care Home Fees team can also advise on protecting assets and planning ahead.

Speak to Our Wills & Trusts Solicitors Today

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Whether you need a straightforward will, a trust to protect your assets, or advice for an elderly or vulnerable relative, our Kidderminster and Stourport solicitors are here to help.

Contact Painters Law today for clear, expert guidance on wills, trusts and estate planning, or call us directly on 01562 822 295 (Kidderminster) or 01299 822 033 (Stourport).

Meet the team

Your specialists.

John Kane
Chief Operating Officer
Kidderminster Office
Wills & Probate
Yvonne Nordass
Solicitor
Kidderminster Office
Wills & Probate
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

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What happens if a person dies without a will in the UK?

If someone dies intestate (without a will), the estate is distributed according to the laws of intestacy. This means the estate will go to surviving relatives in a specific order. If you need help navigating intestacy laws, our will solicitors can assist in ensuring the estate is handled fairly.

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What happens to debts when someone dies?

Debts are paid from the estate before assets are distributed to beneficiaries. Executors handle this responsibility. We can support executors in identifying and settling debts properly.

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Who can be an executor of a will?

An executor can be any adult (over 18), such as a friend, family member, or professional, like a solicitor. Executors administer the estate according to the will. We offer executorship services for those seeking professional assistance.

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Can I change my will after it has been made?

Yes, you can change your will anytime through a codicil (an amendment) or by creating a new will. We provide will-modification services to ensure updates are legally valid and reflect your current wishes.

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How much does it cost to contest a will?

Contesting a will can vary in cost, depending on case length and complexity.We provide estimates based on case details and offers advice on the likelihood of success, helping clients make informed decisions before proceeding.

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How do I contest a will?

To contest a will, you need valid grounds, such as undue influence, fraud, or lack of capacity. Legal support is essential, We specialise in contentious probate, helping clients navigate the process with evidence and clear strategies.

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How long does probate take?

Probate typically takes 6-12 months, though complex estates or disputes can delay this. Painters Law offers support to help manage any delays caused by tax issues, valuations, or beneficiary conflicts, aiming to expedite the process.

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What happens if someone dies without a will?

Without a will, the estate is distributed according to intestacy rules, which prioritise spouses, civil partners, and close family. We can guide families through this process, helping interpret intestacy laws and manage the distribution fairly.

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How to make a will?

To make a will, you should list your wishes for how your estate will be distributed after death, appoint executors to carry out your wishes, and ensure that the will meets legal requirements. It's highly recommended to use a solicitor to avoid potential disputes. Painters Law offers will-writing services to help ensure everything is in order​. .

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