Will writing service

Your future deserves more than guesswork.

Life changes. So should your will

Whether you're buying a house, starting a family, or going through a breakup - your will should keep up. Without one, the law decides who gets what. And it might not be who you would expect.

Helping you to understand our service

Writing a will is a legal way to have your voice heard after you die. More than 60% of adults in the UK don't have a will. We want to help change those statistics. If you're not sure where to start, let us guide you through all you need to know.

 

 

You will learn about:

  • Why a will is important 
  • What can happen if you don't have a will 
  • Why you should use our service 
  • Choosing executor(s).

The benefits of having a valid will

and what can happen if you don’t have one.

 

Writing a will today will help ensure that you:

  • have an appointed executor, so the wishes you have expressed in your will are respected after you die
  • protect and pass on your home and other assets to those that matter to you 
  • protect your partner, family and those you care about 
  • name your children’s legal guardian 
  • minimise legal complications, challenges and disputes.

Why choose the Scottish Widows will writing service?

With our professional will writing service, you’ll benefit from tailored support delivered by regulated solicitor firms. Giving you peace of mind that your wishes are clearly and legally documented.

Take time now to consider what matters most. Review your will regularly to ensure it reflects your wishes and circumstances. 

Without a will, the law decides who inherits your estate, sometimes with unexpected results. If you don’t have a will, your estate will be subject to the strict rules of intestacy. These legal rules can decide the distribution of your estate and if your partner will benefit.  

Like car, home or life insurance, a will ensures you have something in place to protect what matters to you after you die.

From 2027, many pension assets will fall under an individual's estate for tax purposes for the first time. Writing a will provides you with an opportunity to consider your needs for tax or estate planning. An estate can significantly increase in value with the inclusion of pension assets, that is one of the reasons you should review your will or make one. 

Can a friend act as my executor for free? 

It might feel like the obvious choice, but there’s more to it than trust and cost.

 

Why choosing the right executor matters

The main purpose of a will is to ensure your wishes are legally recognised. Your chosen executor will apply for probate (or confirmation in Scotland).

Once probate is received, your executors have the legal authority to deal with your estate. This includes everything from paying debts to distributing assets.

That’s why it’s crucial to choose someone who’s not just close to you, but capable and committed.

Many of our customers choose the same people for their power of attorney. This helps with consistency and clarity across their plans.

What else should I know?

  • You can appoint multiple executors to share the responsibility.
  • You don’t have to use a professional, but it’s worth thinking about the complexity of your estate.

If you're choosing a friend or family member:

  • Make sure they know - and agree - to take on the role.
  • Life changes. Their availability, health, or relationship with you might shift over time.

Pick someone who’s organised, impartial, and has the time to handle paperwork and legal processes. You can always change your executors and update your will whenever you need.

Want peace of mind?

You can appoint Lloyds Bank as a professional executor.

We work together with their specialist probate team to to distribute your estate per your wishes.

Yes, fees apply - but it's a great option if you want accountability, timely progress, expertise and impartiality. The fees for this service apply after you die and are charged to your estate.

Find out more

Common questions about writing a will

 

  • Anyone can write a will. You just need to understand what your choices mean and their effect. In England and Wales, you must be at least 18 years old. In Scotland, you can use our service to make a will if you’re age 16 or older.

  • A will lets you decide who receives your assets following your death. You can also decide who looks after your children, if they are under 18. If you die without a will, known as dying intestate, the law decides what happens instead. Your next of kin or personal representatives will need to make an application to the court to receive the legal authority to administer your estate. This may be a longer and more costly process.

  • Whatever the size of your estate, having a will is important. It helps to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and the laws of succession (these may be different in England, Wales and Scotland). This includes money, personal belongings, and sentimental items. You can also appoint guardians for your minor children and specify your funeral preferences.

  • An executor is a person or a professional you appoint in your will to carry out your wishes and administer your estate after your death. We work together with  Lloyds executor services if you wish to appoint a professional executor. 

    Estate administration service

  • You should review your will regularly. Do this especially after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. You may be able to update an existing will using a codicil if the changes are minor. For bigger changes, you may need a new will to replace an existing one.

  • Keep your will safe and let any executors know where it's stored. We offer free secure storage as part of our service and send a copy for you to keep at home.

Ready to write a will?

The law varies across the UK. You need to tell us where you live so that we can get you started.  

You will be taken to the providers website when you click through the next stages.

 

I live in England or Wales

When you proceed to the Hugh James Solicitors website, a new privacy notice and cookie policy will be in place.

Learn about will writing

I live in Scotland

We’re here to make it easier. Whether you’re considering making a will or appointing a power of attorney (POA), we can help.

Will writing and POA

 

The will writing service is provided by Hugh James Solicitors in England & Wales and Brodies in Scotland. Referrals to Hugh James and Brodies are made by Lloyds Bank plc, which is also part of Lloyds Banking Group.

Explore your options

We want to make sure you know about our other options. Here are some that might suit you.

Power of attorney services… who’s in control when you’re not?

Life doesn’t always go to plan. If you lose the ability to make decisions, who will step in? 

A power of attorney lets you choose someone to act on your behalf - whether it’s managing your money, your health, or both. 

It’s not just for later life - accidents and illness can happen at any age. 

Without one, decisions could be delayed and made by someone you wouldn’t choose. 

Don’t wait for life to change, be in control by planning ahead.

Power of Attorney

Further support