Wills Solicitors in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall
Writing a Will is one of those things we all mean to do, but many of us put off. It can feel uncomfortable or complicated to think about what happens after you die, but making a Will is one of the most caring things you can do for the people you love. A professionally prepared Will can provide certainty for the future, protect your wishes, and help spare your family unnecessary stress at what is often an already difficult time.
Our specialist Wills solicitors in Plymouth help individuals, couples, families and business owners prepare legally robust Wills that reflect their wishes and give their loved ones confidence about the future. Whether your circumstances are straightforward or more complex, taking the time to put the right arrangements in place now can provide valuable peace of mind for years to come.
At Nash & Co Solicitors, our experienced Wills solicitors have been helping clients across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall for generations. We understand that every family is different and every Will is personal. Whether you are writing your first Will, updating an existing Will, considering trusts, or looking for inheritance tax planning advice, we will guide you through the process with patience, understanding and clear, practical advice.
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Professional Will Writing Solicitors for Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall
Our specialist Wills solicitors keep things simple, transparent and human. We explain everything clearly, avoid unnecessary legal jargon, and help you make informed decisions about the future. Whether your affairs are straightforward or more complex, our role is to ensure your wishes are properly recorded and that the people who matter most to you are protected.
For many people, a Will is about far more than deciding who receives their estate. It is about protecting loved ones, providing for children and grandchildren, safeguarding a family business, supporting a favourite charity, or creating certainty during what can be a difficult time for those left behind. The right advice now can help prevent confusion, disputes and unnecessary stress in the future.
Our experienced Wills solicitors in Plymouth work with individuals, couples, families and business owners across Devon and Cornwall, including the South Hams, Tavistock, Ivybridge, Saltash, Liskeard and the surrounding areas. We can meet with you at our offices, in your home where appropriate, or remotely if that is more convenient. Whatever your circumstances, we will take the time to understand what matters most to you and guide you through the process with patience, care and practical advice.
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Understanding Wills and why they matter
A Will is a legal document that sets out what should happen to your money, property and possessions after you die. More importantly, it allows you to make decisions now that can protect the people you care about in the future. A professionally prepared Will gives you the confidence of knowing that your wishes are clearly recorded and that those responsible for dealing with your estate understand exactly what you want to happen.
Many people assume that their estate will automatically pass to their spouse, partner or children, but that is not always the case. If you die without a Will, known as dying intestate, strict legal rules determine who inherits your estate. These rules do not take account of personal circumstances, family relationships or verbal wishes that may have been expressed during your lifetime.
This can create particular problems for unmarried couples, blended families, business owners and those who wish to leave gifts to friends, charities or other loved ones. An unmarried partner, for example, does not automatically inherit under the intestacy rules, regardless of how long you have been together. In some situations, the outcome can be very different from what you would have wanted.
Having a Will puts you in control. It allows you to decide who should inherit your estate, who should look after your children if they are under 18, who will be responsible for administering your estate, and whether specific gifts should be left to family members, friends or charitable causes. A Will can also form an important part of wider estate planning, helping you consider inheritance tax, trusts and how best to protect assets for future generations.
Perhaps most importantly, a Will can provide clarity at a time when your loved ones are likely to be grieving. Clear instructions can help reduce uncertainty, avoid misunderstandings and make an already difficult time a little easier for those left behind.
Why clients choose our Wills solicitors
Every family is different, which means every Will should be too.
Some people come to us because they have recently bought a home, started a family, got married, or simply reached a point where they want to get their affairs in order. Others already have a Will in place but know that life has changed and their wishes need updating. We also help people whose circumstances are more complex, including business owners, blended families, those with significant assets, and individuals who want to explore trusts or inheritance tax planning.
Whatever has brought you here, our specialist Wills solicitors will take the time to understand your situation and what matters most to you. We will explain your options clearly, answer any questions you have, and help you make informed decisions that provide certainty for your loved ones and peace of mind for you.
We regularly help clients with:
Making a first Will
Reviewing and updating an existing Will
Mirror Wills for couples
Wills involving trusts
Inheritance tax planning
Wills for business owners
Appointing guardians for children
Choosing executors and advising on their responsibilities
Secure Will storage
Many clients are surprised by how much can be covered within a Will. Alongside deciding who should inherit your estate, you may wish to protect assets for future generations, provide for vulnerable family members, leave gifts to friends or charities, or ensure that important personal wishes are properly recorded.
Every Will we prepare is tailored to your circumstances. We use clear, straightforward language and take the time to make sure you understand exactly what your Will does and why particular provisions may be beneficial. Our aim is to give you confidence that your affairs are organised properly and that your wishes will be carried out as intended.
Wills, trusts and inheritance planning
For some people, a straightforward Will is all that is needed. For others, there may be wider considerations that are worth discussing as part of the planning process.
You may own a business, have children from a previous relationship, want to protect assets for future generations, or have concerns about inheritance tax. Perhaps you have accumulated significant assets over your lifetime and want to ensure they pass to the right people in the most effective way possible. These situations often benefit from more detailed planning and tailored legal advice.
Our Wills solicitors regularly advise individuals, couples, families and business owners on ways to structure their affairs so that their wishes are carried out as intended, both during their lifetime and after their death. In many cases, careful planning can provide greater protection for loved ones, reduce the risk of disputes, and create more certainty for future generations.
Depending on your circumstances, we may advise on:
Trusts for children, grandchildren or vulnerable beneficiaries
Life interest and discretionary trusts
Protecting assets within blended families
Business succession planning
Inheritance tax planning
Charitable giving
Deeds of Variation following a death
Wider estate planning arrangements
There is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to estate planning. What works well for one family may not be appropriate for another. Our role is to understand your circumstances, explain the available options in plain English, and help you put arrangements in place that reflect your wishes, your values and the people who matter most to you.
call Speak to one of our friendly Private Client Solicitors on 01752 827067
A straightforward process with clear advice
Many people put off making a Will because they expect the process to be complicated, time-consuming or uncomfortable. In reality, most clients are surprised by how straightforward it can be once they have had an initial conversation with an experienced solicitor.
Our role is to make things as simple as possible. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options clearly and answer any questions you may have along the way. There is no unnecessary legal jargon and no pressure to make decisions before you are ready.
Whether your affairs are relatively straightforward or involve more complex family, business or estate planning considerations, we will guide you through the process step by step. Our aim is to give you confidence that your wishes have been properly considered and accurately recorded.
For many people, creating a Will brings a real sense of relief. Once everything is in place, you can move forward knowing that your loved ones will have clear guidance and that important decisions have already been made.
What happens next?
If you have never made a Will before, it is natural to wonder what the process involves. We aim to make everything as straightforward and stress-free as possible, keeping you informed at every stage.
Initial conversation
We start by getting to know you, your circumstances and what you would like your Will to achieve. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns and receive clear advice about the options available to you.
Understanding your wishes
We will talk through your family circumstances, assets and any specific wishes you would like to include. This helps us ensure that your Will reflects your intentions and takes account of any important personal, family or financial considerations.
Preparing your Will
Once we have all the information we need, we will prepare a draft Will for you to review. Every Will is tailored to the individual, with clear wording designed to accurately reflect your wishes.
Review and discussion
You will have plenty of opportunity to read through the draft, ask questions and request any changes. We want you to feel completely comfortable with the document before it is finalised.
Signing your Will
When you are happy with the contents, we will arrange for your Will to be signed and witnessed correctly, ensuring that it meets all legal requirements.
Safe storage and future updates
We can securely store your Will for you and provide copies if required. If your circumstances change in the future, we can also advise on reviewing and updating your Will to ensure it continues to reflect your wishes.
For many clients, the process is much simpler than they expected. Straightforward Wills can often be completed within a few weeks, while more complex arrangements may take longer. Either way, we will keep you updated throughout and make sure you always know what is happening next.
“We have had 5* plus service from Nash & Co Solicitors – especially from Kearney who has been so helpful in the updating of our wills, making the whole process as smooth and straightforward as possible. She has been excellent at helping us to understand all of the legal jargon and has dealt with our subsequent queries and changes of mind patiently and quickly. Adding in the professional yet friendly welcome from the reception staff, we will have no hesitation in turning to Nash & Co when we next need legal advice and support. Thank you everyone!”
Corinne, Google Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clear advice and transparent pricing
We believe that legal costs should be explained clearly from the outset. Making a Will is an important investment in your family's future, and you should always understand what work is being carried out, why it is needed and what it is likely to cost.
The cost of preparing a Will will depend on your circumstances and the complexity of the arrangements involved. For some clients, a straightforward Will may be all that is required. Others may need advice on trusts, inheritance tax planning, business interests, blended family arrangements or protecting assets for future generations.
Before any work begins, we will discuss your requirements and provide a clear written estimate of costs. If we believe there are options available to you, we will explain them in plain English and help you decide which approach is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Many clients tell us that the reassurance of knowing their affairs have been properly organised far outweighs the cost of putting a Will in place. Our aim is to provide practical, high-quality advice that gives you confidence today and helps protect the people who matter most in the future.
We offer fixed fees for many straightforward Wills and mirror Wills, together with tailored quotations for more complex estate planning arrangements. We can also advise on reviewing and updating existing Wills, as well as secure Will storage for added peace of mind.
Making a Will is an important decision, and choosing the right solicitor matters. You need someone who will take the time to understand your circumstances, explain your options clearly, and ensure your wishes are recorded properly.
Our Wills solicitors are part of Nash & Co's experienced Wills, Trusts, Tax and Probate team, advising individuals, couples, families and business owners on everything from straightforward Wills to more complex estate planning arrangements. Whether you are looking to protect your family, preserve assets for future generations, plan for inheritance tax, or provide for vulnerable beneficiaries, we can help you put the right arrangements in place.
Nash & Co has been supporting individuals and families for generations and has built a strong reputation for providing practical advice, excellent client care and clear communication. We are recognised by both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, reflecting the quality of service and expertise provided across the firm.
Clients often tell us that they appreciate our approachable manner and our ability to explain complex matters in a straightforward way. We believe legal advice should be accessible, understandable and tailored to the individual, not delivered through unnecessary jargon or complicated legal language.
When you work with us, you will have a dedicated point of contact, transparent advice about costs, and the reassurance of knowing that your Will has been prepared carefully by experienced solicitors who understand the importance of getting things right.
Why choose Nash & Co for your Will?
Frequently asked questions
In this comprehensive video series, our knowledgeable will experts address the most common questions related to wills. We understand that these topics can often seem daunting, so we've compiled this resource to empower you with the essential information you need to make informed decisions.
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You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but most people find that professional help makes the process clearer, safer and far more reliable. Wills need to meet strict legal standards to be valid, and mistakes in wording or witnessing can cause real problems later on. Even something small, such as a missing signature or a wrongly described asset, can make a Will invalid or open to challenge.
Our experienced Wills solicitors in Plymouth have seen many families struggle with homemade or poorly drafted Wills. By working with us, you can be confident that your Will is legally sound and reflects your wishes exactly. We’ll take time to talk through every detail, explain how inheritance tax or trusts might apply, and make sure your Will is written in a way that protects your family and your peace of mind.
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You can, but it’s risky. DIY Will kits might seem quick and inexpensive, but they often don’t cover everything you need them to, and small mistakes can cause serious problems later on. Wills must meet strict legal requirements to be valid. If the wording is unclear or a signature is witnessed incorrectly, your Will could be challenged or even rejected after your death.
A shop-bought Will also can’t give you advice on inheritance tax, trusts, blended families, business assets or what happens if one of your beneficiaries dies before you. These are the things that cause most issues for families later.
Many people come to us after using a DIY Will that didn’t protect their loved ones in the way they thought it would. A professionally written Will is affordable, clear, and far more likely to achieve what you intend. It’s not just about filling in the blanks. It’s about making sure your wishes will stand up legally and be carried out exactly as you planned.
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There are various ‘life events’ that mean your Will should be reviewed and updated. These include:
Getting married
Getting divorced
Getting separated
Having children
Receiving inheritance
Starting a business
Closing or selling a business
Acquiring significant assets
Buying property
Moving in with an unmarried partner
If your spouse passes away before you
You can make small adjustments through a document called a codicil, or if bigger changes are needed, we can prepare a new Will that reflects your updated wishes. We’ll help you understand which approach is best and make the process simple, fast and stress-free.
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If you have married, separated, divorced or had children since making your Will and no changes or updates have been made to it, then your partner and children will not automatically be entitled to any of your estate.
If your children or partner are not included in your Will, they can still make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. But this can be extremely time consuming, expensive, and has the potential to cause lots of unnecessary family conflict.
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Mirror Wills are two separate Wills, usually made by couples, that reflect each other’s wishes. They are a simple and effective way for partners to make sure their estates are dealt with consistently. For example, leaving everything to each other in the first instance and then to the same beneficiaries later on.
We can prepare mirror Wills quickly and cost-effectively, with the same care and attention as individual Wills. We’ll also explain what happens if one partner changes their Will later and how to keep both Wills up to date as your circumstances evolve.
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To an extent, yes. You can create a trust in your Will over your share of your property. This arrangement would allow your spouse to live in the property for the remainder of their life and to move house if they wanted to do so. If they moved into residential care, your share of the property would not be used to pay their care costs. In order to do this your property needs to be held in a certain way and our lawyers also arrange this for you.
The trust would, however, only protect the share of the property owned by the deceased spouse, so may not help everyone.
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Your original Will is a very important legal document and should always be kept safely. We offer secure storage at our Plymouth office so that your Will can be easily located and used when it’s needed. We’ll also register it so that your executors or loved ones can find it quickly through official channels.
Keeping your Will at home can risk loss or damage, so we strongly recommend professional storage. You’ll receive confirmation that your Will is safely held with us and can request a copy at any time.
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Yes. We regularly offer home visits across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall for clients who prefer to meet in person or who may have difficulty travelling. We can also arrange remote appointments where appropriate, so you can get the advice you need from the comfort of your own home.
During a home visit, we bring everything needed to take your instructions confidentially and securely. You’ll receive the same level of service as you would in our office, professional, personal and handled with care.
What our clients say
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![5 star Google rating leading Plymouth solicitor]()
Recently had the need to get advice and subsequent legal work done. Prompt initial appointment and follow up with Kearney. Very friendly and efficient. All necessary work and options explained. And all work done very quickly. Thank you
5* Google review
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![5 star Google rating leading Plymouth solicitor]()
We have recently had new wills prepared by Claire Thompson. The service we received from Claire was fantastic- her professionalism, knowledge and advice made the whole process easy for us. Thank you Claire.
5* Google review
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![5 star Google rating leading Plymouth solicitor]()
Their excellent service and superb customer care has not faltered and I must thank David Cornelius who has been particularly helpful to me over the years - either in dealing with my matter or directing me to his always professional, helpful and friendly colleagues.
5* Google review
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![Five gold stars aligned horizontally]()
Once again we have enjoyed polite and professional service at a reasonable price. You just know with Nash & Co you are going to be treated with respect and care which made our Will writing a straightforward experience. A big thank you to David Cornelius and Amy Douch.
5* Google review
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![5 star Google rating leading Plymouth solicitor]()
My husband and I recently instructed Nash & Co to assist with redrafting our Wills. We met with David Cornelius and Claire Thompson, both extremely friendly, helpful and professional. The entire process was quick, efficient and costs were very reasonable.
5* Google review
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I have found the prospect of redrafting a will and the process of setting up a trust daunting. I am so grateful to Nash & Co and particularly David Cornelius and Amy Douch for their understanding, professionalism, patience, and the ability to make legal terms clear and comprehensible to my layman’s ears. Especial thanks to Amy
5* Google Review
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![5 star Google rating leading Plymouth solicitor]()
My wife and I have used Nash & co for our property sales and wills. We recently amended our wills and this was carried out by Amy Douch. Amy was very friendly and professional throughout the procedure giving good advice and enlightening us on some facts we were unaware of. The price she quoted remained the same with no 'hidden' extras. It was a pleasure to deal with Amy who is a credit to Nash & Co.
5* Google review
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![5 star Google rating leading Plymouth solicitor]()
Once again we have enjoyed polite and professional service at a reasonable price. You just know with Nash & Co you are going to be treated with respect and care which made our Will writing a straightforward experience. A big thank you to David Cornelius and Amy Douch.
5* Google review
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![5 star Google rating leading-Plymouth-solicitor]()
Always a very professional but friendly experience with clear precise advice & information from the wills section. A good company to deal with & reasonable costs too.
5* Google review
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If your enquiry is urgent then please call us on 01752 827067.
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