Wills & Probate Solicitors

Planning now to protect yourself and your loved ones for the future is essential. Here at Thornton Jones, we offer expert, bespoke advice in relation to the preparation of your Will, estate planning and Lasting Powers of Attorney. Our specialist Wills & Probate solicitors also help and support families through the probate and estate administration process, taking away the burden and complexity of what can be an incredibly difficult time for those involved.

Wills and Probate Solicitors

We can quickly and simply prepare a Will on your behalf which will not only ensure your loved ones receive an inheritance, but can also appoint guardians for any minor children.

You may also need specialist tax planning advice when making your Will, and we can help with that too.

It can also be wise to consider giving Power of Attorney to a trusted relative or friend in the event of you becoming incapable of managing your own affairs due to accident or illness.

Your spouse may not inherit everything you own if you do not have a Will, other people including your children may have a claim too, and this can cause serious problems in the event of your death.

Cohabitees in particular need to be aware that their partner is not their next of kin without a Will, and may receive nothing at all from their estate.

Deed of Variation and Deed of Disclaimer Solicitors

When a beneficiary wishes to change what happens to their inheritance, a Deed of Variation or Deed of Disclaimer may provide a legal solution. A Deed of Variation allows a beneficiary to redirect all or part of their inheritance to another person or charity, often for tax planning purposes, provided it is completed within two years of death.

In contrast, a Deed of Disclaimer enables a beneficiary to refuse an inheritance entirely, with no control over who receives it next, as the asset passes back into the estate under the Will or intestacy rules. Understanding the differences between these options is essential, and expert legal advice can help ensure the most appropriate and tax‑efficient outcome is achieved.

Find out more about Wills and Probate

To find out more, or to speak to our wills and probate team, you can call in at your local branch in Wakefield, Ossett, Garforth or Sherburn in Elmet, West Yorkshire, call us on 01924 290 029 or fill out our online enquiry form.

Click here to view our Wills & Probate Fees

Wills and Probate FAQs

How do I apply for Probate?

Probate is the legal process that gives someone the authority to manage and distribute a deceased person’s estate according to their will (or the laws of intestacy if there is no will). To apply for probate in the UK, you must first obtain the death certificate and gather information about the deceased’s assets and liabilities. You then submit an application to the Probate Registry, along with an official form (PA1P for a will or PA1A for intestacy), and pay any associated fees. Once the probate is granted, you are legally entitled to administer the estate, paying any debts and distributing the assets as per the will or in accordance with the rules of intestacy.

Can I change my Will after it has been made?

Yes, you can update your will at any time while you are mentally capable. To make changes to an existing will, you can either create a new will entirely, or amend your current will with a “codicil” – a legal document that changes specific provisions in your will without having to rewrite it. It is important that any alterations to your will are made in accordance with the legal formalities, including being signed and witnessed by two independent witnesses. If you’re unsure whether your changes are legally valid, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice.

What happens if I die without a Will?

If you die without a valid will (known as dying “intestate”), your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which are set out by UK law. Generally, the estate will be divided among your closest relatives, such as your spouse, children, or other family members. The exact distribution depends on your family situation. If you have no relatives, your estate may pass to the Crown. To ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes, it is strongly recommended that you make a will.