Wills & Documents · Wills
A simple will is a straightforward, properly drafted will for people whose wishes are clear: leaving your estate to the people you choose, naming who should carry it out, and appointing guardians for young children. We draft it, make sure it is signed and witnessed correctly, and give you the peace of mind that your wishes will be followed.
At a glance
Who it is for
People with a straightforward estate who want a clear, valid will drafted properly.
Legally valid
Drafted and witnessed to meet the Wills Act 1837, so it stands up when it matters.
South Wimbledon office
Our wills service is offered from our South Wimbledon office.
Fixed fee
A clear fixed fee, agreed in writing before any work begins.
A simple will is a will for people whose affairs are straightforward. It appoints the executors who will carry out your wishes, sets out who inherits your estate, and, if you have young children, names the guardians you would want to raise them. It is called simple because it does not need complex trusts or tax planning, not because it matters any less. For most people, it is all they need.
To be valid, any will must meet the requirements of section 9 of the Wills Act 1837. It must be in writing, signed by you, and your signature must be made or acknowledged in front of two witnesses who are present at the same time and who then sign it themselves. We make sure every one of these steps is done correctly, because a will that is not properly witnessed is not valid at all.
A simple will lets you deal clearly with the things that matter most:
Couples often make a pair of matching wills, sometimes called mirror wills, so that each leaves everything to the other and then to the children. We can prepare these together.
A simple will is the right choice when your wishes are clear and your estate is uncomplicated, for example where you want to leave everything to your partner and then your children. It is quick, affordable and gives you real certainty.
Some situations need more than a simple will, and we will always tell you honestly if yours is one of them. You may need fuller advice if you have a blended family, a business, property or assets abroad, a beneficiary who is disabled or vulnerable, concerns about care fees, or an estate large enough to face inheritance tax. In those cases we can advise on the right kind of will or trust, rather than sell you something that does not fit.
If you die without a valid will, the intestacy rules decide who inherits, and they may not match what you would have wanted. An unmarried partner receives nothing under these rules, however long you have been together. A married partner receives your personal possessions, a fixed sum set by law, currently £322,000, and half of the rest, with the other half passing to your children.
Making a simple will puts you back in control. It lets you decide who inherits, protect the people who depend on you, and spare your family the extra difficulty of sorting out an estate with no instructions to follow.
Please note: our wills service is available from our South Wimbledon office at 191 Merton Road, London SW19 1EE. You are welcome to call us on 020 8543 3302 to arrange an appointment. The points on this page are correct as at June 2026 and are a general guide, not legal advice on your situation.
Making a simple will with us is quick and reassuring. These are the main stages.
1. We talk through your wishes
We listen to what you want to happen, who you want to provide for, and who you would like as your executors and guardians, and we flag anything that needs fuller advice.
2. We draft your will
We prepare a clear, properly worded will that reflects your wishes, and we explain it in plain language so you understand exactly what it does.
3. You review and confirm
You read the draft, we make any changes you want, and we make sure it says exactly what you mean before anything is signed.
4. Signing and witnessing
We oversee the signing so it meets the law. Your two witnesses must be present together, and, importantly, neither a witness nor their husband or wife can be a beneficiary, or they lose their gift.
Our solicitors make writing a will simple and stress free, so you can put it in place and move on with confidence.
We take the time to understand your wishes and your family, and we explain your options in plain language, with no jargon and no pressure.
We prepare a valid, carefully worded will that does what you intend, and we check whether a simple will is right for you or whether you need more.
We make sure your will is executed exactly as the law requires, so there is no doubt about its validity when it is needed.
We tell you when a will should be reviewed, such as after a marriage, a birth or a house move, so it always reflects your life.
A simple will is offered for a clear fixed fee, which we agree with you in writing before any work begins, so there are no surprises. Wills are not covered by legal aid, but our fixed fee keeps the cost predictable and affordable. There is no charge for an initial phone conversation to talk through what you need. This service is available from our South Wimbledon office.
A simple will is a straightforward will for people with an uncomplicated estate. It names your executors, sets out who inherits, and can appoint guardians for young children. It does not use complex trusts or tax planning. For most people with clear wishes, a simple will is all they need.
A home-made will can be valid, but small mistakes in wording or witnessing often make wills fail or lead to disputes after death, when it is too late to fix them. Having a solicitor draft and oversee your will gives you confidence that it is valid, says what you mean, and will be followed.
You need two witnesses, both present at the same time, who watch you sign and then sign themselves. Crucially, a witness, or the husband or wife of a witness, must not be a beneficiary, or they lose their gift under the will. We make sure your witnesses are chosen correctly.
The intestacy rules decide who inherits, and the result is often not what you would have chosen. An unmarried partner receives nothing at all. A married partner receives a fixed sum and a share, with the rest going to children. A will lets you decide for yourself instead.
Yes. You can update your will whenever your circumstances change, either by a short document called a codicil for a small change, or by making a new will. It is wise to review your will after a marriage, a separation, a birth or buying a home. We can help you keep it current.
Our wills service is offered from our South Wimbledon office at 191 Merton Road, London SW19 1EE. You are welcome to call us on 020 8543 3302 to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.
We offer a simple will for a clear fixed fee, agreed in writing before any work starts, so you know the cost from the outset. Matching wills for couples are also available. There is no charge for an initial conversation to talk through what you need.
Last updated: June 2026.
