Wills & Probate.

The 2025 edition of the legal 500 says; The highly experienced private client department at Lanyon Bowdler is represented at every office of the firm, and is therefore able to advise clients across the whole of Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales.

Testimonials

‘‘A very professional service from the start. All communications were prompt and transparent.”

‘‘Friendly and approachable – can ask questions and clarification without feeling silly. Responsive to emails and phone calls.”

“Efficient and client friendly. Prepared to go the ‘extra mile’.”

“We were most impressed with all aspects of the firm.”

The 2025 edition of Chambers UK ranks us in Band 1 for Shrewsbury & Surrounds and says ‘Lanyon Bowdler’s Shrewsbury branch has a broad private client offering. The team advises clients on trusts, estate planning and administration, tax planning, contentious probate and powers of attorney.

Strengths

“Lanyon Bowdler are very responsive, especially to our questions, and they are also transparent regarding timelines. I am thrilled with their service; it is excellent.”

“The service at Lanyon Bowdler is excellent. They are coherent, they give clear information and they are trustworthy.”

“All aspects of Lanyon Bowdler are impressive. The lawyers and team were very responsive. We have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to anyone.”

In this episode, you’ll hear solicitors Edward Rees and Neil Davies discuss the importance of good legal advice in relation to The Court of Protection, lasting powers of attorney, wills, and estate administration.

A will is the best way of ensuring that your partner and children will be provided for in the event of your death.

Writing a will may be something which is easy to put off, yet it is one of the most important things you can do. So, do not procrastinate any longer: contact one of Lanyon Bowdler’s friendly and approachable lawyers, and let us help you to make sure your savings and assets go to the right people.

Whatever your age, wealth or marital status, writing a Will is of incredible importance. People often assume that their partner, children or grandchildren will automatically inherit their estate when they die, but it is seldom that simple.

The situation may become more complicated if there has been a divorce in the family, and if you are not married or in a registered civil partnership, your partner may end up with nothing. Making a will protects your wishes and avoids disputes in the future.

Writing a will is also an important part of inheritance tax planning, helping to ensure that you do not pay more inheritance tax than is necessary.

The main things that should be included in your will are:

• who you would like to receive your money and assets, and how they will be divided between the relevant people
• who should take care of your children (if they are under the age of 18)
• who you want to be in charge of handling your estate and carrying out your wishes after your death (your executor)
• and what would happen should the people you have named as beneficiaries in your will die before you

We are experts in our field and will guide you through the whole process from beginning to end. Based in our local offices, we have expert wills and probate solicitors in Shrewsbury, Hereford, Oswestry, Telford, Bromyard, Ludlow and Conwy.

A significant concern when making a will is not only providing for a partner or spouse, but also provision for one’s children.

Family relationships are often much more complex than they might have been in the past, with extended families and second, third or fourth marriages increasingly common.

Making a will to provide for children might include providing for:

• Children from a previous relationship
• Children with a current spouse or partner
• Adopted children
• Step-children
• Grandchildren
• Children who are the subject of guardianship
• Nieces and nephews

It is very important to get legal advice when making a will to provide for children; disagreements are becoming increasingly common, especially when there are children involved from more than one relationship.

It may not necessarily be children who dispute a will; in some instances former spouses, registered civil partners or partners who have brought up the deceased’s children may contest a will.

We understand that this information is complicated and potentially overwhelming. Please get in touch with us and we can explain what needs to be done.

You can also include your children as beneficiaries in your will even if they are very young. In this situation it is a good idea to think about what age you would like your children to reach before being able to access their inheritance. Whilst the child is under that age the inheritance can be managed by Trustees – who can be appointed in your will.

It is a good idea to keep on top of your will and review it regularly. We know and appreciate that things can change quickly. If you need any advice on this matter please do get in touch.

If you die without a will, your estate will pass automatically under the Intestacy Rules. This process is known as dying ‘intestate’ – and may not always result in the outcome you want for your loved ones.

The laws of intestacy give priority to your closest relative, with spouses coming first in line, followed by children, parents and siblings. This may appear to make sense; however, modern families are becoming increasingly complex. These laws can create problems and heartache.

For example, if you live with your partner but did not marry or enter into a registered civil partnership, under the intestacy laws your property would be left to your closest relatives according to the order above. Your partner may be left with nowhere to live.