Creating a will is one of the most important legal decisions you can make. A will is a legal document that allows you to outline exactly how your assets, properties, and personal belongings should be distributed after your death. Without a valid will in place, your estate could fall into the wrong hands and cause disputes among your loved ones.
In a town like Trowbridge, where many residents value peace of mind and family stability, it’s vital to ensure your affairs are legally protected. Marley Solicitors offers professional, affordable will-writing services in Trowbridge tailored to your unique situation.
What is a legally binding will?
A legally binding will is a document recognised under UK law that clearly outlines how your estate should be handled after your death. It must be:
- Written by someone aged 18 or over
- Made voluntarily and without pressure
- Signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses
- Signed by those two witnesses in the testator’s presence
If these requirements aren’t met, your will could be challenged or declared invalid. That’s why using a solicitor is the safest option.
Our legal team in Trowbridge ensures your will meets every legal requirement, giving you confidence and protection for your estate.
Do I really need a will if I live in Trowbridge?
Yes. Many people in Trowbridge wrongly assume their estate will automatically go to their partner or children. But under intestacy rules, this only happens in certain situations. Without a valid will:
- Unmarried partners may get nothing
- Your children may be passed over in favour of a spouse
- Estranged family members could inherit
- The process becomes slower, more expensive, and more stressful
In a place like Trowbridge, where family and community ties matter, having a will is essential for maintaining clarity and control over what happens after you pass away.
Can Marley Solicitors help me write a will in Trowbridge?
Absolutely, Marley Solicitors has supported families and individuals across Trowbridge, from Paxcroft Mead to the Hilperton area and near Trowbridge Community Hospital. We offer both office consultations and home visits depending on your preferences.
We specialise in creating personalised wills that account for:
- Property and other assets
- Children and dependents
- Business ownership
- Funeral wishes
- Digital assets
Our local presence means we understand regional nuances, so you benefit from both legal accuracy and a personalised service.
Different types of wills explained
Choosing the right type of will depends on your personal circumstances. We help Trowbridge clients understand the following options:
- Single will – For individuals who want to set out their own wishes.
- Mirror wills – Often used by couples with identical or near-identical wishes.
- Living will – Also known as an advance decision, used to set out medical care preferences.
- Trust will – Suitable if you want to control how your assets are used after your death (e.g. protecting inheritance for children under 18).
During your consultation, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each to help you make the right decision.
What happens if you die without a will in Trowbridge?
If you die without a will, your estate is distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy, not your personal wishes. That means:
- Only married or civil partners and close blood relatives can inherit
- Unmarried partners, stepchildren and close friends receive nothing
- The court appoints an administrator, which could delay probate
We’ve seen this firsthand in Trowbridge cases, where grieving families were left with unnecessary legal complications. A valid will avoids all of this.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Marley Solicitors stands out for legal accuracy, local knowledge, and client care. Here’s why people in Trowbridge choose us:
- We’re local – Based near key Trowbridge areas like County Way and St. Stephen’s Place
- We’re experienced – Specialists in wills, trusts and probate law
- We’re flexible – Evening and weekend appointments available
- We offer free consultations – So you can ask questions before committing
- We listen – Every client gets a fully tailored service, not a template
Through results, clarity, and compassion, we’ve built trust in Trowbridge.
Key benefits of having a will
- Protect your loved ones – Ensure they’re financially supported
- Name guardians – Choose who cares for your minor children
- Avoid disputes – Prevent family conflicts or legal challenges
- Speed up probate – A clear will makes estate administration easier
- Control over funeral wishes – Leave instructions for burial or cremation
- Save on inheritance tax – Strategic planning can reduce the tax bill
How the will writing process works (step-by-step)
We make it easy, even if you’ve never dealt with legal paperwork before:
- Free consultation
We’ll discuss your needs either at our Trowbridge office or via phone/video. - Information gathering
We ask for details about your assets, family structure, and wishes. - Drafting your will
Our solicitors prepare a draft that meets all legal standards. - Review and revise
You’ll review the draft, and we’ll make any necessary changes. - Signing and witnessing
To ensure legality, we supervise the proper execution of the will. - Safe storage
We can store your will securely and provide you with copies.
Estate planning: More than just a will
Many Trowbridge residents are also looking for wider estate planning services. Alongside wills, Marley Solicitors offers:
- Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) – So someone you trust can manage finances or health decisions if you lose capacity
- Trusts – Useful for protecting assets or managing inheritance for children
- Inheritance tax planning – Reduce what HMRC takes from your estate
- Probate services – Help your executors handle everything after your death
Estate planning provides a full safety net, not just for your family, but for your own future needs.
Common mistakes when writing a will
- DIY wills that fail legal tests – We’ve seen invalid documents that caused major headaches
- Not updating your will – Life events like marriage or divorce can invalidate old wills
- Forgetting digital assets – Bank accounts, crypto wallets, social media accounts
- Appointing unreliable executors – This role requires responsibility and honesty
- Not discussing your wishes – Leaving loved ones in the dark creates problems later
We eliminate these risks by offering comprehensive, personalised guidance every step of the way.
Local services that matter in end-of-life planning
We often coordinate with local organisations during estate planning, which includes:
- Trowbridge Community Hospital – Especially when preparing advance medical directives
- Local GP surgeries – For clients with ongoing medical issues
- Funeral directors – like C.S. Bowyer or E. White & Son – When clients want to pre-plan funeral arrangements
- HMCTS Probate Registry – For registering wills and dealing with probate matters
Being local means we know who to contact and how to smooth the process.
FAQ: Will writing in Trowbridge
Can I change my will later if my circumstances change?
Yes. You can either add a codicil (for minor changes) or create a new will. We recommend reviewing your will every 3–5 years or after any major life event.
Is it expensive to make a will in Trowbridge?
No. Marley Solicitors offers clear, fixed fees. Basic wills are very affordable, and we provide free consultations so you can explore your options without obligation.
Ready to protect your family and assets?
You’ve worked hard to build a life in Trowbridge. Whether you own property, care for children, or simply want your wishes respected, a legally binding will is essential.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation in Trowbridge. We’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your legacy is safe and your loved ones are protected.
