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Complex & Bespoke Wills

When the standard template doesn’t fit — blended families, business interests, second properties, vulnerable beneficiaries — we draft wills that handle real-life complexity.

When you need a complex will

For most people, a single or mirror will does the job perfectly. But around one in five families has a situation that needs more careful thought — and a template won’t cover it properly. Trying to squeeze a complex situation into a basic will often creates more problems than it solves, with the consequences only emerging once you’re no longer around to fix them.

You’re likely to need a bespoke or complex will if any of the following apply:

  • You have a blended family — children from a previous relationship, stepchildren, or both partners with their own children.
  • You own a business, share in a partnership, or hold company shares.
  • You own more than one property — a holiday home in the Lakes, a buy-to-let, or a property abroad.
  • Your estate is approaching or above the inheritance tax threshold.
  • You want to protect assets from care fees, divorce or bankruptcy of a beneficiary.
  • You have a vulnerable or disabled beneficiary who needs ongoing support without losing means-tested benefits.
  • You want to leave a substantial gift to charity in a tax-efficient way.
Complex & Bespoke Wills

What a complex will can do

A bespoke will from Will Guard isn’t a longer template — it’s drafted from scratch around your specific circumstances. The most common features of a complex will include:

Trusts within the will

The most powerful tool in estate planning. We can build property protection trusts, discretionary trusts, life-interest trusts, and disabled persons’ trusts directly into your will so they activate automatically on your death. Each trust has different tax, control and protection characteristics, and we’ll explain the differences in plain English so you can choose the right one.

Business succession planning

If you own a business, your will needs to dovetail with your shareholders’ agreement, partnership deed, or sole trader arrangements. We work alongside your accountant to make sure business assets pass in the most tax-efficient way and that the business itself can continue trading without disruption.

Blended-family protection

Without careful planning, leaving everything to a new spouse can mean your own children inherit nothing — the new spouse can simply re-write their will after your death. A property protection trust within your will is usually the answer, ring-fencing your share of the home for your children while still letting your partner live there for life.

Complex & Bespoke Wills advice

How much does a complex will cost?

Bespoke wills are quoted on a fixed-fee basis after the free consultation, so you always know the price before any work begins. Most complex wills fall in the £350–£750 bracket, depending on what trusts and provisions are needed. A pair of complex mirror wills typically costs £450–£900. There are no hourly rates, no add-on fees, and no surprise invoices.

Although the up-front cost is higher than a standard will, the savings can be substantial. A property protection trust can help shield tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds from care-fee assessments. A properly structured discretionary trust can save inheritance tax and protect beneficiaries from divorce or bankruptcy. We’ll show you the maths at the consultation so you can decide whether it’s worth it for your situation.

Estate planning

The Will Guard complex will process

Because bespoke wills require more thought, we typically meet twice before drafting begins. The first meeting is a wide-ranging conversation about your family, assets, business, concerns and goals. Between meetings we prepare a detailed advice note showing your options — usually three or four different structures — with the pros, cons and costs of each. The second meeting is your chance to ask questions and pick the structure you’re most comfortable with.

From there, drafting takes 1–2 weeks, you review a draft, we make any changes, and we arrange a final visit for signing. Total turnaround is usually 3–4 weeks for the most involved cases, faster where needed. Free secure storage and registration with the National Will Register are included.

Working with your other advisers

Complex estates almost always involve other professionals — accountants for tax, financial advisers for pensions and investments, sometimes solicitors for property or business work. We’re happy to liaise with all of them at no extra charge, so the will fits seamlessly with the rest of your plan rather than contradicting it.

Common questions

Frequently asked

How is a complex will different from a standard will?

A complex will is drafted from scratch, usually contains one or more trusts, and is designed around your specific family and asset structure rather than fitting you into a template. The drafting takes longer and the document is significantly more detailed.

Will I need a solicitor as well?

Usually no — a properly drafted complex will from a Society of Will Writers member covers everything in the document itself. You may still want a solicitor for related work like conveyancing or business contracts, and we’re happy to liaise with them.

Can you handle wills with foreign assets?

Yes, but with care. Foreign-held property is often best dealt with by a local will in that country alongside your UK will. We’ll spot the issues at the consultation and recommend the right approach.

How long is a complex will valid for?

Indefinitely — until you change it. We recommend a review every 3–5 years for complex wills because tax rules and family circumstances change more often than for simpler estates.

Related services

Property Protection Trust

Within or alongside a complex will.

Learn more →

Protect what matters most

Free, no-obligation consultation in your home or by video. Fixed-fee wills from £95.

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