What is a Legally Binding Will?
A legally binding Will is the cornerstone of effective estate planning, ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your precise wishes and that your loved ones are provided for. We specialize in drafting:
- Standard UK Wills
- Shariah-compliant Wills (Wassiyah)
Categories of Will in the UK Law
Axis Solicitors provides comprehensive services to cover all your Will drafting needs. There are the following categories we can help with:
- Standard Wills: From straightforward Wills to those involving trusts, business assets, or blended families, we make wills accordingly.
- Mirror Wills for Couples: Cost-effective, legally sound Wills for married or cohabiting couples who want to leave assets to each other and shared beneficiaries.
- Inheritance Tax Planning: We advise on how to structure your estate to reduce inheritance tax liabilities and ensure smooth inheritance transmission.
- Trusts within Wills: Protect vulnerable beneficiaries, manage tax exposure, or preserve assets using trust structures tailored to your wishes.
Why Making a Will is Important?
Creating a Will is one of the most important steps in securing your family’s future and protecting your legacy for the generations to come. It gives you control over how your assets are distributed, who manages your estate, and who looks after any minor children.
If you’re a Muslim, you’ll need a Shariah-compliant Will (Wassiyah) to sort your assets. It ensures your estate is distributed according to Islamic inheritance principles while remaining fully valid under UK law.
At Axis Solicitors, we understand that planning for the future is a deeply personal and crucial step. Whether you’re making your first Will, updating it due to life changes, or require specific religious provisions, we guide you through the process with sensitivity, accuracy, and care.
Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in the UK Law
For a Will to be legally valid in England and Wales, it must comply with the Wills Act 1837, which sets out strict formal requirements. First, the person making the Will (the testator) must be at least 18 years old and have testamentary capacity—meaning they understand the nature of making a Will, the extent of their estate, and the potential claims of beneficiaries.
The Will must be made voluntarily, without pressure or undue influence, and it must be in writing. It must be signed by the testator, or by someone else in their presence and at their direction, and the signature must be made with the intention of giving effect to the Will. Crucially, the Will must be witnessed by two independent witnesses, both present at the same time, who also sign the document. Witnesses (and their spouses) cannot benefit from the Will, or their gift will fail.
If any of these legal requirements are not met, the Will may be declared invalid, potentially resulting in the estate being distributed under the intestacy rules instead. This is why professionally drafted Wills are strongly recommended—particularly where estates are complex, include trusts, or need to comply with Shariah inheritance principles while remaining enforceable under UK law.
Making a Legally Binding Will in the UK
- Axis Solicitors provides comprehensive services to cover all your Will drafting needs:
- Drafting Legally Binding UK Wills: We ensure your Will is drafted correctly, meets all legal requirements in England and Wales, and clearly reflects your wishes for the distribution of your estate.
- Shariah-Compliant Wills (Wassiyah): We have expertise in drafting Wills that adhere to the principles of Shariah while remaining fully compliant with UK law. This ensures that your religious obligations are met alongside your legal responsibilities.
- Letter of Wishes Preparation: A Letter of Wishes accompanies your Will and provides guidance to your executors on how you would like certain assets or personal belongings distributed, or provides instructions regarding your funeral wishes. While not legally binding like the Will itself, it offers valuable direction to your executors.
- Inclusion of Charitable Bequests: We can assist you in including specific bequests to your charities, ensuring your philanthropic wishes are fulfilled as part of your legacy.
When Should You Review or Update Your Will?
We recommend reviewing your Will:
- Every 3–5 years
- After major life changes (marriage, divorce, birth, death)
- After acquiring or selling major assets
- If your estate has grown in value
- When your tax situation changes
- If a beneficiary becomes vulnerable or disabled
- When relocating abroad or acquiring foreign property
- Before or after retirement
We also offer guidance if your current Will no longer reflects your wishes or if you’re unsure of its legal validity.
Our Will Writing Services
We offer a full suite of Will writing services tailored to your needs, including:
Standard Wills
Straightforward and legally valid Wills for individuals or families—suitable for most personal and financial circumstances. We can also advise on business interests, digital assets, and care home fee protection.
Mirror Wills for Couples
Cost-effective solutions for spouses or partners who wish to make almost identical Wills—typically leaving everything to each other and then to children or other beneficiaries.
Shariah-Compliant Wills (Wassiyah)
We specialise in drafting Islamic Wills that honour both your religious duties and legal obligations under UK law. These Wills are carefully structured to meet Shariah inheritance rules while remaining fully enforceable in the UK.
Inheritance Tax Planning
Our solicitors will assess your estate and suggest Will structures that reduce tax liability, helping preserve more of your assets for your loved ones.
Trusts within Wills
We set up trusts to protect vulnerable beneficiaries (e.g., minors, elderly, disabled), preserve family wealth, or manage tax exposure effectively.
Letter of Wishes Preparation
Though not legally binding, this document guides your executors and trustees on non-legal aspects—such as personal belongings, funeral arrangements, or specific values you'd like upheld.
Reasons for Making a Legally Binding Will
By writing a Will, you gain control over:
- Who inherits your estate (money, property, possessions)
- Who manages your affairs (executors)
- Who cares for your children (guardians)
- What happens to specific gifts or charitable donations
- How to reduce inheritance tax legally and efficiently
Our expert team at Axis Solicitors can help you draft a legally compliant and effective will.
Areas of Will Making that Need Legal Assistance
Drafting Legally Binding UK Wills
- Fully compliant with the laws of England and Wales
- Clearly reflects your wishes for estate distribution
- Professionally drafted to avoid ambiguity or disputes
Shariah-Compliant Wills (Wassiyah)
- Prepared in line with Islamic inheritance principles
- Structured to remain valid under UK law
- Balances religious obligations with legal requirements
Letter of Wishes Preparation
- Provides guidance to executors beyond the Will
- Covers personal items, assets, and funeral wishes
- Offers clarity while remaining non-legally binding
Inclusion of Charitable Bequests
- Enables specific gifts to chosen charities
- Ensures philanthropic intentions are formally recorded
- Integrates seamlessly into your overall estate plan
Review and Updating of Existing Wills
- Updates Wills to reflect life changes or new wishes
- Ensures continued legal and regulatory compliance
- Identifies and corrects potential issues or gaps
Who Can Benefit from Our Will Drafting Services?
General Public in the UK
- Suitable for anyone over 18 with assets in the UK
- Ensures estates are distributed according to personal wishes
- Provides peace of mind through clear legal planning
Muslims Seeking Shariah-Compliant Estate Planning
- Designed for those wishing to follow Islamic inheritance rules
- Combines Shariah principles with UK legal compliance
- Protects religious and legal obligations simultaneously
Individuals with Blended or Complex Family Structures
- Ideal for families with stepchildren or multiple marriages
- Helps reduce the risk of disputes or confusion
- Ensures fair and clearly defined asset distribution
Parents with Minor Children
- Enables appointment of legal guardians for children
- Protects children’s welfare and financial future
- Ensures parental wishes are clearly documented
Elderly Clients Looking to Protect Their Estates
- Helps safeguard assets for future generations
- Keeps Wills aligned with current wishes and circumstances
- Supports efficient and orderly estate administration
