How long does it take to write a Will?

Making a Will does not usually take as long as people think. In a straightforward case, the process can often be completed within a few days. The exact timescale will depend partly on how complicated your wishes are and partly on how quickly you are able to make the necessary decisions and consider the draft Will.

The first step is usually a preliminary meeting with Margaret. This can take place face to face, by telephone or online. During that meeting, we will discuss your circumstances, the people you wish to provide for and any particular concerns you may have.

You do not need to have made every decision before the meeting. An important part of Margaret’s role is to explain the key aspects that you need to consider and to prompt you with the right questions. For example, discussion might focus on who would be the best persons to act as your executors, what should happen if one of your chosen beneficiaries dies before you and who you would prefer to appoint as guardians for young children.

Following the meeting, you may wish to take a little time to think more about the precise terms of your Will. Some decisions are straightforward, others are best discussed further, potentially with family members or in private. It is better to allow yourself enough time to make decisions with which you are comfortable than to feel that you must sort everything out immediately. However, it is also important to note that there is no perfect answer to the key questions considered when drafting a Will, and instinct is often an important driver. 

Once you have provided your instructions, Margaret will prepare a draft Will for you to review. She will also explain the effect of the main provisions so that you can be confident that the document reflects your wishes. You might have questions or comments after reading the draft, or there may be points that you would like to change.

Once you are happy with the draft, Margaret will prepare the final Will for signature and give you clear instructions about how it must be signed and witnessed. A Will is only valid if the correct signing formalities are followed, so this final stage is very important.

If there is a very urgent need for a Will to be drafted, Margaret can quickly provide you with a draft. Subject to the circumstances and having all the necessary information, it might be possible to prepare a Will within a couple of working days. However, where time allows, it is preferable to have the preliminary meeting and then if need be give yourself an opportunity to reflect on the questions raised before the Will is finalised.

The overall process is therefore flexible. It can move quickly when necessary, but it should never feel rushed without good reason. The key aim is to make sure that your Will is carefully considered, legally effective and accurately records what you want to happen.