Making a Will after Divorce
We are ranked in the top tier by both the Legal 500 and Chambers for family law advice. Our nationally renowned lawyers can advise you on all aspects of making a Will and inheritance tax planning. We can help with lasting powers of attorney and situations involving the Court of Protection.
What is involved when making a will after a divorce?
If you are in the process of getting divorced or your civil partnership dissolved, we would always recommend that you discuss whether it is appropriate for you to either update your Will or make a new Will if you do not have one.
Your estate can be affected by inheritance tax. It may be possible to incorporate some tax saving devices into your Will. If you die without a Will or any living family, your estate could go to the Crown.
Why choose our divorce team?
- We are ranked in the top tier by both the Legal 500 and Chambers for family law advice
- Our nationally renowned lawyers can advise you on all aspects of making a Will and inheritance tax planning
- We can help with lasting powers of attorney and situations involving the Court of Protection
- You can trust our team to take a sensitive, empathetic approach to your personal situation
- We offer fixed fee options depending on your circumstances, helping you to save money
Call our friendly, professional team to find out how we can help you with your Will.
Beneficiaries
You can decide who inherits your estate on your death. If you do not make a Will, then your property will be left to your closest relatives according to intestacy rules. If you are married or in a civil partnership and you are in the process of getting divorced or applying for dissolution, this means that your husband/wife/civil partner would be left your entire estate. If you are cohabiting then your partner will not be left your estate, under intestacy rules.
Executors
You can choose your executors. They are responsible for administering your estate in accordance with your wishes. If there is no Will, then executors will be appointed according to the intestacy rules and this will usually mean that your husband/wife/civil partner will be the person appointed.
Guardians
If you have children, you can appoint guardians for them in your Will. These are the people who you would like to be responsible for taking care of your children, should both parents die before the children reach the age of 18. Note that godparents do not automatically become guardians on your death.
Key contact
Lisa Mark-Bell
Director & Joint Head of Oxford Trusts, Estates and Tax Team
Get in touch
Why choose our family law team?
- We are ranked in the top tier by both the Legal 500 and Chambers for family law advice
- Our lawyers explain all stages of the process clearly and honestly, alongside the costs involved
- We are experienced in all forms of dispute resolution and how to keep cases out of court
- You can trust our team to take a sensitive, empathetic approach to your personal situation
- We have a successful record in meeting our clients’ objectives
Call our friendly, professional family team to find out how we can help you.
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