Brooks Wills

29/07/2026

Many people assume their family will simply “sort everything out” if they die without a will.

But in England and Wales, the law decides who inherits under fixed intestacy rules.

That can mean:

• an unmarried partner receives nothing automatically
• stepchildren are excluded unless legally adopted
• a separated spouse may still inherit
• children inherit according to a statutory formula
• the family cannot choose who administers the estate

A valid will gives you greater control over who benefits, who deals with your estate and how younger or vulnerable beneficiaries are provided for.

Our latest guide explains the rules in plain English, including what happens to the family home and who applies for authority to administer the estate.

Brooks Wills supports individuals and couples across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, wider Dorset and West Hampshire.

Read the full guide or book a consultation through our website.

https://www.brookswills.co.uk/what-happens-if-you-die-without-a-will/

General information for England and Wales. Individual circumstances vary.

Would your current family arrangements be reflected by the intestacy rules?

Find out who inherits if you die without a valid will in England and Wales, including the rules for spouses, children, partners and stepchildren.

28/07/2026

When did you last read your will?

Retirement does not make a valid will invalid, but it is often a natural point to review it.

Your family may have changed. You may own a different property. An executor chosen many years ago may no longer be the right person. Particular gifts may also need updating.

A will review is not always about starting again. It is about checking that the document still reflects what you want and works alongside your wider plans.

Our latest guide explains seven matters worth checking after retirement, including family changes, executors, property, marriage or divorce, particular gifts and Lasting Powers of Attorney.

Brooks Wills offers clear, professional support across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, wider Dorset and West Hampshire.

Read the full guide or book a consultation through our website.

https://www.brookswills.co.uk/review-will-after-retirement/

General information for England and Wales. Individual circumstances vary.

When did you last review yours?

Retirement is a natural time to check that your will still reflects your family, property, executors and wishes. Learn what to review and when an update may be needed.

27/07/2026

Mirror wills can look straightforward:

You leave everything to your partner, and your partner leaves everything to you. After the second death, the estate passes to the same children or other beneficiaries.

But there is an important point to understand.

Mirror wills are two separate documents. With ordinary mirror wills, either person can normally change their own will, including after the first partner dies.

That flexibility may be entirely appropriate. However, it can require more careful thought where there are:

• children from earlier relationships
• second marriages
• different beneficiaries
• jointly owned property
• vulnerable family members
• business or overseas assets

Our latest guide explains how mirror wills work, what they do not guarantee and when a more tailored arrangement may be worth considering.

Brooks Wills provides clear, professional guidance across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, wider Dorset and West Hampshire.

Read the full guide or book a consultation through our website.

https://www.brookswills.co.uk/mirror-wills-explained/

General information for England and Wales. Individual circumstances vary.

Mirror wills can suit many couples, but each will remains separate. Learn how they work, what they do not guarantee and when tailored planning may help.

22/07/2026

“My children will deal with everything if I cannot.”

It is a common assumption, but being someone’s son, daughter or next of kin does not automatically provide legal authority.

Without the right arrangements, adult children may not be able to:

• manage a parent’s sole bank accounts
• deal with their property or investments
• consent to medical treatment for them
• choose where they should live or what care they receive

A Lasting Power of Attorney allows you to choose trusted people and give them clear authority to make specified decisions if support is needed.

Our latest guide explains the difference between informal family help, an LPA and Court of Protection deputyship.

Brooks Wills supports families across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, wider Dorset and West Hampshire.

Read the full guide or book a consultation through our website.

https://www.brookswills.co.uk/children-cannot-automatically-make-decisions-for-you/

General information for England and Wales. Individual circumstances vary.

Have you discussed LPAs with your family?

Adult children do not automatically have authority to manage your finances or make care decisions. Learn how LPAs give trusted people clear legal authority.

07/07/2026

Thinking about getting your will or Lasting Powers of Attorney sorted?

Brooks Wills helps people across Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch put clear plans in place for the future.

We provide plain-English guidance on wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and later-life planning, helping you make important decisions calmly and clearly.

Whether you are reviewing an existing will, appointing attorneys, planning after retirement, or simply want to make things easier for your family, we can talk you through the next step.

Brooks Wills is a member of the IPW and SWW.

Call 07572 918545 or WhatsApp us to arrange a consultation.

18/07/2024

Think writing a will is complicated or unnecessary? Is that why you're putting it off? Give it some thought! We discuss the most common mistakes people make that can ruin their legacy in this article

Your legacy is the culmination of your life's work and the impact you've made on the world. Proper estate planning is essential to ensure that your legacy

15/07/2024

With years of experience, we provide reliable and comprehensive will writing services. Trust us to help you plan your estate with confidence. Reach out today. buff.ly/3xpqVit

Are you in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and thinking of writing a will? Get in touch for a quote today.

13/07/2024

Creating a will is a responsible step to ensure your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes. We can guide you through the process with ease and professionalism. Schedule a consultation today. buff.ly/3xpqVit

Are you in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and thinking of writing a will? Get in touch for a quote today.