Basic Wills
A professional Will-writing service for a fixed £130, with free home visits across Greater Manchester.
A Basic Will leaves your estate to the people and charities you choose, without adding a trust or special conditions. It is the right starting point for most people who want a clear, legally valid Will without unnecessary complexity. I draft every Will personally, and yours will be ready within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you.
No obligation. Your fee is agreed and fixed before you commit to anything.
How much does a Basic Will cost?
Single Basic Will
£130
One Will, drafted for you.
Included in the service: –
- A consultation at your home, or by telephone or video call, whichever suits you
- Plain-English guidance on choosing executors, beneficiaries and guardians for any children
- A Will drafted for your circumstances, not generated from a template
- Your Will ready within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you
- A fixed fee, with no hidden costs
Mirror Wills for a couple
£200
Two Basic Wills drafted in matching terms, one for each of you, with one appointment. Find out more about Mirror Wills.
Included in the service: –
- A consultation at your home, or by telephone or video call, whichever suits you
- Plain-English guidance on choosing executors, beneficiaries and guardians for any children
- A Will drafted for your circumstances, not generated from a template
- Your Will ready within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you
- A fixed fee, with no hidden costs
See why clients trust Wise Owl Wills
Read what clients say about the clear advice, personal service and reassurance they received when putting their plans in place.
Excellent
about 12 days ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills
We asked Stephen at Wise Owl Wills to prepare our mirror Wills and a letter of wishes. He listened carefully to what we wanted, explained our options clearly and helped us put our wishes into words. Stephen explained how the Wills would provide for each other and our family, and how the letter of wishes could offer additional guidance alongside them. We appreciated having time to ask questions and discuss the details. The personal service made the whole process straightforward and reassuring. We would recommend Wise Owl Wills to couples looking for professionally drafted Wills and thoughtful, practical guidance.
about 1 month ago
A great mirror will service
Me and my partner used Wise Owl Wills for our mirror Wills and a Lasting Power of Attorney. Stephen explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and never made us feel rushed or pressured. The price was agreed beforehand, so we knew exactly what we were paying. Everything was sorted quickly and professionally, and we now feel much happier knowing our affairs are in order. I would definitely recommend Wise Owl Wills to anyone in Denton or Greater Manchester.
about 1 month ago
An excellent personal service could…
An excellent personal service could recommend enough
about 1 month ago
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both…
Stephen at Wise Owl Wills prepared both my Will and Lasting power of attorney making whole process straightforward easy to understand explaining options clearly and answered questions ensured documents reflected my wishes. He was professional throughout thorough and reassuring. I now have peace of mind knowing that my family provided for and that right people can make appropriate decisions for me if needed. I would highly recommend Wise Owl Wills.
about 1 month ago
Wise Owls wills great help
We found the writing of the will very helpful and was given advice on how to put in our wishes.Found the whole experience stress free and would recommend them to our friends.
about 1 month ago
Easy communication
Easy communication, professionally written wills covering all of the technical issues necessary. Pleased with the price and the result.
Who a Basic Will is right for
A Basic Will is usually the right choice if:
- you want to leave everything to your partner, your children, or both
- you live with a partner but are not married or in a civil partnership, and want them included in your Will, since an unmarried partner has no automatic right to inherit without one
- you want to make straightforward gifts to other family members, friends or charities
If your circumstances are more complex, a Trust Will may suit you better. That includes protecting assets for children from an earlier relationship, planning for inheritance tax, or providing for a vulnerable beneficiary. If you are one of a couple, you will usually want Mirror Wills: two Wills drafted in matching terms, one for each of you. I will always tell you honestly which option fits your situation.
How to get a Will written in three simple steps
1. Tell me what you need
Call me or send a message through my contact page, and I will arrange a convenient, no-obligation consultation.
2. Talk through your choices
We talk through your wishes at your home, or by telephone or by video call, and I explain anything that needs explaining before you decide.
3. Your Will is personally prepared
I send your documents within 7 days of receiving everything that I need from you.
A local Will writer with free home visits across Greater Manchester
I visit clients at home free of charge in all ten Greater Manchester boroughs. If you would rather not have a visit, or you live further afield, a telephone or video appointment costs exactly the same.
Our multi-option approach enables clients to choose the method most convenient for them.
Who will write your Will
Wise Owl Wills was founded by Stephen Rhodes, who was called to the Bar in 1999 and has 27 years of legal experience. Having drafted Wills and dealt with disputes arising from poorly prepared or unclear Wills, Stephen understands both how these important documents should be prepared and what can go wrong when someone’s wishes are not expressed properly. You deal directly with Stephen throughout, from your first conversation to the completion of your documents.
Basic Wills: frequently asked questions
Is a Basic Will legally valid?
Yes, as long as it is signed and witnessed correctly. You must sign your Will in the presence of two witnesses who are both there at the same time, and they then sign it too. A witness, or a witness’s husband, wife or civil partner, should not be someone who benefits under your Will, because a gift to them would fail. I explain exactly how to sign your Will when it is ready.
What happens if I don't make a Will?
Your estate is shared out under the intestacy rules, which follow a fixed order of family members, regardless of what you would have wanted. An unmarried partner receives nothing automatically, however long you have lived together, and would have to bring a court claim to receive anything at all.
Can I change my Basic Will later?
Yes. A small change, such as replacing an executor, can usually be made with a Codicil for £65. A larger change is usually better handled with a new Will. Be aware that getting married or entering a civil partnership normally cancels an existing Will, so you will need a new one.
Do I have to have a home visit?
No. Many people like the convenience of a home visit, but I can take your instructions by telephone or video call instead, and the fee is the same.
Can I appoint guardians for my children in a Basic Will?
Yes. Choosing who would look after your children is one of the most important decisions in a Will, and I will talk it through with you as part of your consultation.
Should I make a Lasting Power of Attorney at the same time?
It is often sensible to. Your Will only takes effect after your death. A Lasting Power of Attorney covers the period while you are alive but unable to make decisions for yourself. I prepare LPAs for £100 for one, or £150 for both types of LPA. The Office of the Public Guardian will also charge a £92 registration fee for each.
Ready to make your Will?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation or call me today. Your fixed fee is agreed before you commit to anything, and your Will will be ready within 7 days of my receiving everything I need from you.
No obligation. Tell me what you need and I will explain the suitable options and costs before you decide. All information you provide is treated confidentially, and I aim to respond within one working day.