Private client
Making a will
Consider your family circumstances, assets, wishes and choice of executors.
Wills and estates
Put wishes, authority and responsibility into clear order.
See how the people, assets and decisions involved differ across wills, lasting powers of attorney and estate administration.
Private client matters
Different documents answer different questions.
A will records what should happen to an estate after death and appoints executors. A lasting power of attorney can authorise chosen people to make specified decisions during a person's lifetime. Probate and estate administration concern the authority and work needed after a death.
Family circumstances, ownership structures, capacity, tax and cross-border connections can change the appropriate approach. A tailored conversation should start with the full factual picture.
Planning and estates
Choose the question you need to address.
Each page includes a practical preparation list and official starting points.
Private client
Probate and estate administration
Understand how the will, estate, liabilities and people involved shape the next steps.
Future planning
Lasting powers of attorney
Understand the two LPA types, chosen attorneys and registration process.
Your starting picture
People, ownership and wishes are connected.
Before a first conversation, list close family and dependants, broad categories of assets and liabilities, jointly owned property, existing wills or powers, business interests and any international connection.
Do not send original documents or detailed financial identifiers through an unverified online form. Ask how the provider will receive and protect sensitive information.
- Current family and dependant circumstances
- How important assets are owned
- Existing wills, trusts or powers of attorney
- People being considered for responsible roles
Review points
Life and ownership changes can alter the plan.
Marriage, civil partnership, separation, divorce, bereavement, a house move, business changes or a change in family responsibilities may justify reviewing existing arrangements.
A review is not the same as assuming a document is ineffective. A regulated professional can explain how the current facts interact with the existing documents.
Questions to clarify
Common questions at this stage.
These answers are general orientation for England and Wales, not advice on a particular matter.
Is a will the same as a lasting power of attorney?
No. A will operates after death. A lasting power of attorney concerns decisions during the donor's lifetime and must be made and registered through the required process.
Does every estate need the same probate process?
No. The will, assets, ownership and institutions involved affect whether a grant is needed and which route applies.
Can I store estate information in this enquiry guide?
No. It sends nothing and stores nothing. The enquiry builder creates a short on-screen summary without requesting confidential details.
Official starting points
Check the current source.
These official links support general orientation only. They do not replace advice about a particular matter.
Your next step
Get the planning question ready for a first legal conversation.
Note the people, dates, key documents and practical outcome. Use an approved secure channel before sharing confidential or identifying information.