Secure your family’s future
Bespoke estate planning from a local Will Writing service in Bristol
free appointment
home visits
local will writer
If you don't make a Will, you're taking a risk
Your family may have to deal with unexpected problems such as:
- Unnecessary inheritance tax
- Court decides who brings up children
- Unmarried partner gets nothing
- Children are disinherited
- Family conflict
- Delays in administration
Give yourself peace of mind by making a Will.
Making a Will gives you peace of mind
- You decide who inherits – not the law!
- Appoint trusted people to administer your estate.
- Appoint guardians to take care of children.
- Avoid unnecessary inheritance tax
- Protect assets with a Trust in your Will
For more information, download free factsheets on Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney, Trusts, inheritance tax and other aspects of estate planning.
The easy way to make a Will in Bristol
Free consultation
There’s no obligation after the first meeting. You only pay for the documents you order.
HOME VISITS
We’ll visit your home in the Bristol area (or meet online if you prefer).
it won’t take long
It takes about 90 minutes to discuss your Will. Signing takes 5 minutes.
No hidden costs
We don’t insist on being your executor or storing your Will (unless you want to).
certainty registration
Your Will registered on The National Will Register (“Certainty”) free of charge.
Three steps to making a Will
1.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Pick a convenient time and date
2.
DISCUSS YOUR WILL
Tell us your aims and circumstances.
3.
SIGN YOUR WILL
It’s legal once signed and witnessed
I care about writing the best Will for you
I know that making a Will can be confusing and stressful. I felt the same way when I first made a Will.
That’s why I want to make it clear and easy for you. I’m a local Will writer who has lived and worked in Bristol for over 20 years.
As a qualified member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW), I can give you up-to-date advice and recommend the most effective Will for your circumstances.
Graham Southorn, MIPW
Bristol Wills & Estate Planning is proud to be a member of:
Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW) members have taken specialist examinations, undergo regular professional training and adhere to a Code of Practice approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
Quality Business Awards
The National Will Register
Google reviews from people we’ve helped
Great service and everything was made very quick and easy
Sarah
Graham made the whole process simple and straightforward while being ultra helpful and informative.
Steve
Excellent service and an efficient and easy process.
Tom
Discuss your Will from the comfort of home
You don’t need to go anywhere to discuss your Will.
We offer home visits in the Bristol area or online video appointments if you live elsewhere.
When it comes to witnessing your Wills, we’ll visit you in the Bristol area or post documents to you if you live further away.
Wills for blended families
Do any of the following apply to you?
- You're on your second marriage
- You have children from a previous relationship
- Your child is vulnerable or disabled
- You're getting divorced
- Your circumstances could change
If so, protect your assets by adding a Trust to your Will.
Prudent estate planning includes
Wills
Make a Will to suit your circumstances
Lasting Powers of Attorney
Help your loved ones to help you
Trusts
Set up a Trust now to protect your property
It’s never too early but it can be too late
I know that thinking about your Will is difficult and you'd rather put it off for another day.
I felt the same way when I first made a Will. That’s why I want to make it as easy as possible for you. Rest assured, it won’t take hours of your time.
Our first meeting typically takes about one hour and a half. After that, I’ll write the Will and send you a draft to review. Once you’re happy with it, you’ll simply need to sign your Will in the presence of witnesses.
Finding out about your circumstances is very important. If you have children from a previous relationship, or if you’re going through a divorce, a simple Will may not be effective.
You may have a valuable home, a rental property or properties, a business or lots of other assets. In that case, you may need to consider inheritance tax.
By meeting you face-to-face in person or online, I can answer your questions, understand your priorities, and ensure everything is put in place exactly as you intend.
Once I understand your circumstances, I’ll run through the options so that you can decide for yourself. That way, you can be sure that your wishes will be honoured.
The right Will for you, tailored to your circumstances, can also help to eliminate disputes after your death and potentially avoid high probate fees and unnecessary inheritance tax.
So why not get the ball rolling and contact Bristol Wills & Estate Planning today?
Martin Lewis on Will writing, Powers of Attorney and Inheritance Tax
Catch up with the Martin Lewis Money Show Live covering difficult conversations around divorce, death and dementia.
You can stream it on ITVX and read my transcript and review of the show here.
Frequently Asked Questions – Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning in Bristol
About Our Services
What is estate planning? (quick answer)
Estate planning is the process of arranging legal documents to protect you during your lifetime and ensure your assets pass to loved ones after your death. It typically includes Wills, Trusts, and Lasting Powers of Attorney, each serving a different role in protecting your estate and your wishes.
Do you only provide Wills, or can you also help with Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney?
Bristol Wills & Estate Planning provides Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney. After our initial discussion, I’ll advise which documents are most suitable for your circumstances. This makes our service more comprehensive than a typical Will writing service, giving you complete estate planning in Bristol and across England and Wales.
Can you help with property (real estate) transactions?
No. Estate planning involves your estate, meaning your assets after death. I can advise on Wills, Trusts and Lasting Powers of Attorney, but not property conveyancing or real estate transactions.
Do you offer probate services?
Probate is the word often used for the process of dealing with someone’s estate after they die, including reporting tax, settling debts and distributing assets. Strictly speaking, probate itself is only one part of a larger job called estate administration. Because it can be complex, I partner with a trusted Bristol-based probate specialist. This ensures the work is done correctly and for a fair, fixed fee. Free quotations are available on request.
Appointments & Accessibility
Do you only write Wills for people in Bristol? (quick answer)
No. While many clients are based in Bristol, Wills can also be arranged remotely across England and Wales. Consultations are held online by video call, and draft and final documents are sent securely by post for checking and signing.
Do you offer home visits?
Yes, I offer home visits within a 15-mile radius of Bristol. This makes my Will writing service in Bristol convenient for clients who prefer face-to-face discussions in their own home.
Do you offer video appointments?
Yes, I offer online video appointments using Google Meet. It’s very easy to use — you simply click a link to join the meeting. This makes the process convenient, flexible and stress-free.
Do you offer office-based appointments?
Yes, appointments in a private meeting room are available on request. Meetings are held in the Here building on Bath Road, Bristol. A guest parking space can be booked for you.
Costs & Regulation
How much does a Will cost UK / Bristol? (quick answer)
The cost of a Will in the UK depends on complexity. Simple Wills are cheaper, while more complex Wills — for example, those protecting assets in blended families — cost more. At Bristol Wills & Estate Planning, we offer clear, upfront pricing with no hidden extras and no VAT added.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, the first appointment is a free consultation. There’s no obligation to proceed afterwards.
Do you offer free Wills?
No. Some firms advertise free Wills as a loss leader or during charity promotions, but these are often very basic and may come with upselling. I focus on providing the right Will for your needs, with clear pricing and no hidden extras.
Is your Will writing service regulated?
Bristol Wills & Estate Planning is a fully qualified member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters (IPW). This means I undertake regular training, follow a strict code of practice, and carry professional indemnity insurance.
Are you insured to write Wills?
Yes, I have full professional indemnity insurance, which is mandatory for IPW members. I’m happy to provide details on request.
Practical Questions
How long does it take to write a Will? (quick answer)
Most Wills can be completed within three weeks of the first consultation. The initial meeting takes about 60–90 minutes, after which you’ll receive a draft Will to review. Once approved, the document is signed and witnessed, making it legally valid.
What is the process for making a Will?
The process starts with a free, no-obligation appointment to discuss your aims and circumstances. If you decide to proceed, I’ll prepare a draft Will for you to review. Once you’re happy, we’ll sign and witness it correctly to make it legally binding.
What happens after I make my Will with you?
Once your Will is signed and witnessed, we register it with The National Will Register. You may decide to keep it yourself, or I can arrange secure storage through a specialist provider for a small annual fee.
Can you store my Will for me?
Yes, I can arrange storage of Wills with a specialist storage provider (National Will Safe). For a low annual fee, your Will is stored securely, and your family can retrieve the documents at any time by contacting Bristol Wills & Estate Planning or National Will Safe. There is no charge to retrieve documents.
Common Concerns
Aren’t Wills only for older people? (quick answer)
No. Wills are important for anyone over 18 who owns property, has savings, or wants to provide for children or an unmarried partner. Making a Will early gives peace of mind and ensures your wishes are followed, whatever your age.
Do you provide inheritance tax planning?
Effective inheritance tax planning always begins with a clear understanding of your assets, how they are owned, and how they will pass on death. I can draft inheritance tax-efficient Wills tailored to your circumstances and, where more complex strategies are needed, introduce you to trusted tax specialists for additional advice.
What is the difference between Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney?
A Will only takes effect after you die, setting out who inherits your estate. Lasting Powers of Attorney apply during your lifetime, allowing people you trust to make financial or health decisions if you can’t. It’s prudent to have both in place.
Don’t put it off!