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What to consider when making your Will:

We’ll take the time to understand your personal and financial situation, so we can help you make informed decisions. Key things to think about include:

Choosing your Executors – the people who’ll carry out your wishes and manage your estate.
Appointing Guardians – for any children under 18.
Specific gifts – such as personal items or sums of money.
Main Beneficiaries – and what should happen if they pass away before you.
Protecting vulnerable people – including how to provide for minors or those with additional needs.
Trusts – to safeguard assets from divorce, remarriage, or care fees, while still supporting loved ones.
Funeral wishes – if you’d like to include them.

If needed, we’ll bring in our estate planning specialists for tax or trust advice, or our contentious probate team if there’s a risk of future disputes.

Did you know?

Here are a few things that often surprise our clients:

Getting married cancels any existing Will – but divorce doesn’t.
A spouse doesn’t always inherit everything automatically.
Unmarried partners don’t have an automatic right to each other’s assets.
Trusts in Wills can protect your estate from future risks.
Not all assets are covered by your Will.

Keeping your Will up to date

Life changes – and your Will should reflect that. You might need to update it after:

Having children or grandchildren
Selling a business
Changes in the law
A significant change in your personal circumstances

Even if nothing major has changed, we recommend reviewing your Will every 3–5 years to make sure it still reflects your wishes.

Why Choose Porter Dodson?

Recognised excellence – Ranked in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for our expertise in private client services, including Wills, Trusts, and Probate.

Clear, compassionate advice – We speak your language, not legal jargon, and tailor our guidance to your personal circumstances.

Joined-up legal support – Our team works seamlessly across estate planning, tax, property, and disputes to protect your interests.

Trusted by generations – With deep roots in the community, we’ve supported families and business owners across the South West for decades.

Lovely people, very helpful.

Susan

I would thoroughly recommend Porter Dodson to anyone needing to find a solicitor who they could trust to act to a high standard for them. I received a friendly, welcoming smile from the receptionists as soon as I entered the offices. Julia handled my divorce proceedings very professionally, with care, concern and understanding. I have a very high regard for her, I know I could never have had a better solicitor acting for me. Julia's assistants are also very professional, helpful and friendly. As Marks and Spencer say ‘There's food, and there's M&S food’ well I can honestly say ‘There's solicitors, and there's Porter Dodson solicitors.’ Top quality professionalism throughout from the solicitors, their assistants and the receptionists. I cannot thank them enough.

Family Client

I used Paul Watkins of the Bridport office to prepare Powers of Attorney for myself and my Wife and the whole matter was dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Peter

Thank you for all the help and guidance during the house sale. It was greatly appreciated.

Sue