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.
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:
Dying intestate means your estate is distributed under fixed legal rules, regardless of what you would have wanted. This can result in:
“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 solicitors guide you through every step, making sure your will is legally valid, clearly worded and built to last. We offer:
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.
Setting up a trust can provide long-term financial protection for the people who matter most. A well-structured trust can help by:
We also provide specialist legal support where capacity or vulnerability is a concern, including:
If care costs are a concern for your family, our Care Home Fees team can also advise on protecting assets and planning ahead.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. .