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Wills

We’ll work with you to understand what’s important to you, advising how you can best protect your family and assets.

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Clarity in a complex world.

Making a Will might feel like something to put off, perhaps it doesn’t feel urgent, or you’re unsure about the cost. But having a Will in place gives you peace of mind, knowing your wishes will be followed and the people or causes you care about will be looked after.

 

Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to a life change, we’ll guide you through the process with clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.

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.
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For legal advice on any probate, tax and trust matters

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Reena Raval is well known as the most knowledgeable and experienced conveyancing solicitor in the South West. That reputation, in our experience, is fully justified. Reena grasped all the issues and negotiated, on our behalf, with ‘the other side’. Reena is kind, efficient and experienced. My wife and I are very, very grateful and recommend her without hesitation.

Nicholas

I have used Porter Dodson over very many years. Their level of personal service, professionalism and understanding is incomparable. I would be very happy to recommend and appoint Porter Dodson for any legal advice. In particular I would like to express my personal thanks to Vicki Thyer who has advised, guided me and given me such confidence through several matters but very recently the recent probate of my late Father. I cannot thank you enough.

Andrew

It has always been a great pleasure to deal with Marie as she is friendly, warm and courteous and what is more, she has always responded promptly to my emails as well as answering any queries I may have had in a most helpful and reassuring manner which I have very much appreciated. Based on my recent experience, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Marie's professional services.

Catherine

As Executor for my late husband ‘s will, I have been impressed by the service I have received from Porter Dodson Solicitors Wellington. Without exception, I have been treated with courtesy and kindness by the staff members I have had contact with throughout the process of obtaining Grant of Probate. Their professionalism is outstanding and I have been kept informed throughout. I have no hesitation in using their services in the future should the occasion arise. I felt their fees are reasonable and kept to the minimum where possible.

Judith

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