Wills

Protect your loved ones, secure your wishes and plan with confidence.

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Making a Will isn’t just about dividing assets – it’s about providing certainty, reducing stress for your loved ones, and ensuring your wishes are followed.

Without a valid Will in place, your estate may be distributed according to the rules of intestacy – not your intentions.

We help individuals and families create clear, legally sound Wills and estate plans that protect their assets and their legacy. Whether your affairs are simple or complex, we offer expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances – and your peace of mind.

Personal, practical, and tailored to you

We understand that discussing your estate can feel daunting. Our team takes a compassionate, straightforward approach, guiding you through the process with clarity and care.

We regularly advise on:

Appointing executors and guardians
Business succession planning
Charitable gifts and legacy planning
Drafting new Wills and updating existing ones
Inheritance Tax planning and asset protection
International Wills and cross-border estates
Life interest and discretionary trusts
Protecting vulnerable beneficiaries and minor children

Whether you’re preparing your first Will or updating it after a change in circumstances, we help you make confident decisions about the future.

A forward-thinking approach with deep legal roots

At Mackrell, we combine traditional values with modern legal thinking. Our Wills are carefully drafted to be clear, robust and futureproof – giving you and your family lasting protection.

If your estate involves international assets, business interests or complex family dynamics, our team can create a comprehensive plan to minimise tax exposure and ensure your intentions are carried out.

We also work closely with your financial and tax advisers to ensure a joined-up, strategic approach to estate planning.

Why choose Mackrell for your Will?

For international estates, we provide seamless advice through our global Mackrell International network.
We make the process clear, straightforward, and completely confidential.
We take time to understand your wishes and tailor our advice to your family’s needs.
Your Will is drafted with precision and care, backed by nearly two centuries of legal excellence.

FAQ’s

Do you advise on wills for high-net-worth individuals?

Yes, we specialise in advising high net worth individuals on creating bespoke wills tailored to their unique needs around the world.

We provide expert guidance on how to structure estates, manage complex assets and ensure wealth is passed on efficiently, taking into account tax minimisation and your unique family dynamics.

How do you handle wills involving trusts or family businesses?

When preparing wills involving trusts or family businesses, we work closely with clients to ensure their wishes are clearly documented.

Our approach includes considering tax implications, governance structures, business valuations and future succession planning, ensuring that both the business and the family’s legacy are protected.

Can you advise where assets are held across multiple jurisdictions?

Yes, we offer expert advice on international estate planning. If assets are held in multiple jurisdictions, we work with trusted professionals worldwide, through our network Mackrell International, to ensure your will complies with local laws, while also providing a clear and efficient way to manage cross-border estates.

How do you reduce the risk of disputes after death?

To minimise the risk of disputes after death, we ensure that the will is clear, unambiguous and legally sound.

This includes discussing the family dynamics, such as blended families, your philanthropic causes, addressing potential challenges and providing guidance on how to communicate your intentions to beneficiaries effectively.

Who typically instructs you to prepare complex wills?

Complex wills are often instructed by high-net-worth individuals, business owners, individuals with family trusts and those with significant assets or interests in multiple jurisdictions.

We also assist clients with second families, blended family arrangements and unique asset structures.

How often should a will be reviewed for someone with changing assets?

For individuals with changing assets, such as business ownership, investments or a growing family, we recommend reviewing the will at least every 3-5 years.

Significant life events, such as marriage, divorce or the acquisition of substantial assets, should also trigger an immediate review.

Can you advise on second families and blended family arrangements?

Yes, we provide tailored advice for clients with second families or blended family arrangements.

We help clients navigate sensitive issues such as inheritance rights, asset division and ensuring that each family member’s interests are protected in accordance with your wishes.

How do you balance control with flexibility in estate planning?

Our approach to estate planning balances control and flexibility by structuring wills and trusts in a way that allows you to retain influence over how your estate is managed while providing flexibility for future changes.

This ensures that your intentions are honoured, while also accommodating evolving circumstances throughout your life.

Do you work alongside tax advisers and family offices?

Yes, we collaborate closely with our network of professional partners, which includes tax advisers, financial planners and family offices, to ensure that estate planning is aligned with your broader financial goals and those of your beneficiaries.

This collaborative approach ensures tax efficiency, wealth preservation and effective succession planning.

How do you document intentions clearly to reduce future challenges?

We document your intentions clearly by using precise language and tested, legally compliant formats.

We ensure that your will addresses potential conflicts, clarifies ambiguous wishes and is structured to withstand future challenges in probate or family disputes.

What issues arise with outdated or informal wills?

Outdated or informal wills can cause confusion, legal challenges and unintended distributions of assets.

They may no longer reflect your current intentions or comply with updated laws.

Without the proper formalities, such as evidenced witnesses, informal wills may be challenged in court, leading to delays and unintended costs for your beneficiaries.

How do you ensure confidentiality when preparing a will?

We take confidentiality very seriously. All discussions and documents related to your will are kept secure and we comply with the strictest privacy regulations to ensure your personal and financial information remains protected at all stages of the process.

Can you advise on succession planning for property portfolios?

Yes, we provide expert succession planning advice for property portfolios. We help you structure your estate to ensure that your properties are passed on efficiently, whether through direct inheritance, trusts, or corporate structures, minimising tax exposure and ensuring long-term management.

What happens if personal circumstances change significantly?

If your personal circumstances change significantly, such as a change in marital status, children or financial position, it’s important to review and update your will.

We offer guidance on how these changes may impact your estate plan and help you adapt your will to ensure it reflects your current wishes.

Is an initial wills discussion handled confidentially?

Yes, all initial consultations regarding your will are held in the strictest confidence and all matters handled discreetly.

We ensure that your personal information and estate details are protected and we are committed to maintaining the highest levels of privacy throughout the entire process.