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Wills

Legal • Wills

Putting Clear Instructions in Place for the Future

A Will is one of the most important legal documents a person can create. It sets out how assets should be distributed after death, who should administer the estate, and, where relevant, who should care for minor children. 

Without a valid Will in place, assets are distributed under the rules of intestacy. These rules may not reflect personal wishes and can create delays, additional stress for family members, and unintended tax consequences. 

At Hoxton Wealth UK, Will planning forms part of a broader estate planning strategy. The aim is to help clients organise their affairs clearly and ensure that their wishes are documented in a legally effective way. 

This page forms part of our Estate Planning and Legal Services offering and complements the wider retirement and wealth planning support outlined in our Retirement Planning services . 

Learning Resources

Why Having a Will Matters

  • A properly drafted Will can help to: 

    • Ensure assets pass to chosen beneficiaries 

    • Appoint executors to manage the estate 

    • Name guardians for minor children 

    • Structure gifts in a tax-aware manner 

    • Reduce uncertainty and potential disputes 

    In contrast, dying without a Will means the estate is distributed according to statutory intestacy rules. This may exclude unmarried partners, stepchildren, or other individuals a person may have intended to benefit. 

    Clear instructions today can prevent significant complexity later. 

What a Will Can Cover

A Will can address a wide range of personal and financial matters.

Distribution of Assets

This includes property, savings, investments, business interests, and personal possessions. A Will can specify fixed gifts, percentage allocations, or more flexible arrangements through trusts where appropriate. 

Appointment of Executors

Executors are responsible for administering the estate. Their duties include valuing assets, settling debts, paying any inheritance tax due, and distributing the estate in line with the Will.

Choosing suitable executors is an important decision. They should be individuals or professionals who are organised, trustworthy, and capable of managing administrative responsibilities.

Guardianship of Children

Parents of minor children can use a Will to appoint legal guardians. Without this provision, decisions may fall to the courts.

Trust Provisions

In some cases, assets may be left in trust rather than passed outright. This can be relevant where beneficiaries are young, vulnerable, financially inexperienced, or where asset protection is a concern. Trust planning should always be considered carefully with appropriate legal advice.

Inheritance Tax Considerations

A Will can also play an important role in inheritance tax planning.

The UK currently applies inheritance tax to estates above certain thresholds, subject to available allowances such as the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band. Thoughtful structuring of a Will may help ensure available allowances are used effectively, although tax rules depend on individual circumstances and may change.

Where appropriate, planning may include:

  • Making use of spousal exemptions
  • Leaving assets to direct descendants
  • Considering charitable gifts
  • Reviewing lifetime gifting strategies

Reviewing and Updating Your Will

Creating a Will is not a one-off exercise. It should be reviewed when circumstances change, such as:

  • Marriage or civil partnership
  • Divorce or separation
  • Birth of children or grandchildren
  • Significant changes in wealth
  • Changes to tax legislation

Marriage generally revokes an existing Will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Regular reviews help ensure documents remain valid and aligned with current wishes.

Wills as Part of a Wider Estate Plan

A Will is only one element of estate planning. Other considerations may include:

  • Lasting Powers of Attorney
  • Trust structures
  • Beneficiary nominations on pensions
  • Life assurance arrangements
  • Long-term care planning

Estate planning should align with retirement income strategies, pension structures, and investment arrangements. Coordinated planning helps ensure financial arrangements work together rather than in isolation.

By integrating Will planning with overall wealth strategy, clients can create a clearer and more consistent framework for the future.

How Hoxton Wealth UK Supports Clients

Hoxton Wealth UK provides structured support to help clients consider the practical and financial aspects of making a Will. This includes:

  • Reviewing the current asset position
  • Clarifying objectives and intended beneficiaries
  • Identifying potential tax considerations
  • Coordinating with qualified legal professionals for drafting
  • Ensuring estate planning aligns with wider financial planning

Hoxton Wealth UK does not draft Wills directly unless appropriately authorised. Where legal services are required, introductions can be made to regulated legal professionals. The firm focuses on ensuring financial arrangements and estate intentions are aligned.

FAQs

Getting Started

Putting a Will in place provides clarity for family members and helps ensure assets are distributed according to personal wishes. As part of its Estate Planning and Legal Services offering, Hoxton Wealth UK helps clients take a structured approach to Will planning and coordinate financial arrangements with appropriate legal professionals.

\To arrange a confidential discussion about your estate planning needs, please contact Hoxton Wealth UK.

Important Information

This page is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice or a personal financial recommendation. The suitability of any estate planning strategy depends on individual circumstances. Tax treatment depends on current legislation and may change.

Legal drafting of Wills must be undertaken by appropriately qualified professionals.

Hoxton Wealth (UK) Ltd, Company No. 11180844, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 586130). Registered office: 101 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6XH.

Legal

How can Hoxton help

Various options are available to create a Will, from DIY Will kits to consulting a solicitor, obtaining a “free” Will from your bank or generating one online. However, each method comes with risks and may not be appropriate for your situation. An incorrectly drafted Will can result in unintended consequences, causing complications for your loved ones after you’re gone. Don’t take chances with the fruits of your entire life’s labour – trust Hoxton Wealth’s expertise in crafting a Will that fulfils your current and future needs. Get in touch today. 

Contact Hoxton Wealth

We are available to discuss how Hoxton Wealth can help you achieve your financial goals. Together, we can help you build a brighter financial future.