Wills & Probate.
Our Wills & Probate Solicitors offer guidance when planning for the future, or administering an estate following the death of a loved one.
Thinking about the future or dealing with the estate of someone you love can feel emotional, overwhelming and difficult to face alone.
Wills and probate matters often arise at sensitive moments, whether you are making plans to protect your family, updating an existing will, or trying to manage the legal and practical responsibilities that follow a bereavement. Clear, compassionate advice can help you understand what needs to be done, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure your wishes, or the wishes of someone who has died, are properly respected.
At Lanyon Bowdler, our Wills and Probate Solicitors provide warm, practical and personalised support for individuals and families. We can help you prepare or update a will, guide executors through the probate process, and support you with estate administration from start to finish. From the moment you contact us, you can expect clear explanations, careful attention to detail and a sensitive approach that reflects the importance of the decisions being made.
Speak to our team today and let us help you put the right legal protections in place for you and your loved ones.
We can also assist in situations where someone dies without a valid will, known as dying intestate. We will help you understand who is entitled to deal with and inherit from the estate under the intestacy rules, and guide you through the steps that need to be taken.
Our Private Client Team is recognised nationally, with Lanyon Bowdler ranked in Band 1 for Private Wealth Law by Chambers High Net Worth and recommended by Legal 500 for Personal Tax, Trusts and Probate. The team also includes practitioners who are members of STEP, showing our expertise in estate matters.
Contact Lanyon Bowdler today to us about planning ahead or dealing with a loved one’s estate.
Edward Rees is a specialist Wills and Probate Solicitor. He is a partner and heads the Private Client Team, he has over 23 years’ experience specialising in advising clients.
Edward has extensive experience in Wills and Trusts, providing tailored advice on estate planning, asset protection, and inheritance tax. He assists with will drafting, trust creation and management, and trust administration, ensuring clients’ wishes are fulfilled while safeguarding their estates for future generations.
He is recognised as a Recommended Lawyer in the 2026 edition of Legal 500 and has been in Band 1 of the Chambers UK’s High Net Worth Directory since 2019.
The team is regarded highly by its clients. One source states: ‘Lanyon Bowdler give clients the feeling that they are big enough to cope, but small enough to care. They are a large, growing and aspirational firm, yet they do a brilliant job of providing clients with a warm welcome, good communication and a service that feels bespoke to the client’s needs‘.
The 2026 edition of Legal 500 says; “Lanyon Bowdler‘s private client offering has a presence in all of the firm’s offices and serves clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire and North Wales. The service is ’efficient and streamlined’, and practice head Edward Rees in Telford is well known for his work on trusts and high-net-worth estate administration. David Pugh in Shrewsbury handles a variety of matters including the preparation of wills encompassing business and agricultural property relief.”
Testimonials from previous editions
‘‘A very professional service from the start. All communications were prompt and transparent.”
‘‘Friendly and approachable – can ask questions and clarification without feeling silly. Responsive to emails and phone calls.”
“Efficient and client friendly. Prepared to go the ‘extra mile’.”
“We were most impressed with all aspects of the firm.”
The 2026 edition of Chambers UK ranks us in Band 1 for Shrewsbury & Surrounds and says “The team advises clients on trusts, estate planning and administration, tax planning, contentious probate and powers of attorney.”
Strengths
“Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors offer an excellent service.”
“Lanyon Bowdler’s solicitors are approachable, knowledgeable and flexible.”
“The Lanyon Bowdler team is knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with. The lawyers are experts and care about getting the best outcome for their clients.”
“Lanyon Bowdler has the ability to turn round work quickly and accurately.”
In this episode, you’ll hear solicitors Edward Rees and Neil Davies discuss the importance of good legal advice in relation to The Court of Protection, lasting powers of attorney, wills, and estate administration.
In contrast to what many believe, the ‘common law’ does not exist as such, irrespective of the length of time a couple has been together and even if they have children.
If you are unmarried and pass away without a will in place, your partner will receive nothing; your estate will go to your blood relatives.
You may think that, if you die, you can trust your family to pass on that which you owned to your partner and children. However, not making the necessary provisions may be costly to your loved ones when you are gone.
Similarly, if a partner who is not married or in Registered Civil Partnership were to die, all his/her estate and property would go to their children (in a trust if under 18 and this trust would not benefit the surviving partner).
Hence the importance of a will; it informs the relevant people what assets and monies should go to whom, and reduces the possibility of mistakes.
A will is the best way of ensuring that your partner and children will be provided for in the event of your death.
Writing a will may be something which is easy to put off, yet it is one of the most important things you can do. So, do not procrastinate any longer: contact one of Lanyon Bowdler’s friendly and approachable lawyers, and let us help you to make sure your savings and assets go to the right people.
Whatever your age, wealth or marital status, writing a Will is of incredible importance. People often assume that their partner, children or grandchildren will automatically inherit their estate when they die, but it is seldom that simple.
The situation may become more complicated if there has been a divorce in the family, and if you are not married or in a registered civil partnership, your partner may end up with nothing. Making a will protects your wishes and avoids disputes in the future.
Writing a will is also an important part of inheritance tax planning, helping to ensure that you do not pay more inheritance tax than is necessary.
The main things that should be included in your will are:
We are experts in our field and will guide you through the whole process from beginning to end. Based in our local offices, we have expert wills and probate solicitors in Shrewsbury, Hereford, Oswestry, Telford, Bromyard, Ludlow and Conwy.
A significant concern when making a will is not only providing for a partner or spouse, but also provision for one’s children.
Family relationships are often much more complex than they might have been in the past, with extended families and second, third or fourth marriages increasingly common.
Making a will to provide for children might include providing for:
It is very important to get legal advice when making a will to provide for children; disagreements are becoming increasingly common, especially when there are children involved from more than one relationship.
It may not necessarily be children who dispute a will; in some instances former spouses, registered civil partners or partners who have brought up the deceased’s children may contest a will.
We understand that this information is complicated and potentially overwhelming. Please get in touch with us and we can explain what needs to be done.
You can also include your children as beneficiaries in your will even if they are very young. In this situation it is a good idea to think about what age you would like your children to reach before being able to access their inheritance. Whilst the child is under that age the inheritance can be managed by Trustees – who can be appointed in your will.
It is a good idea to keep on top of your will and review it regularly. We know and appreciate that things can change quickly. If you need any advice on this matter please do get in touch.
If you die without a will, your estate will pass automatically under the Intestacy Rules. This process is known as dying ‘intestate’ – and may not always result in the outcome you want for your loved ones.
The laws of intestacy give priority to your closest relative, with spouses coming first in line, followed by children, parents and siblings. This may appear to make sense; however, modern families are becoming increasingly complex. These laws can create problems and heartache.
For example, if you live with your partner but did not marry or enter into a registered civil partnership, under the intestacy laws your property would be left to your closest relatives according to the order above. Your partner may be left with nowhere to live.
The process was explained very well and completed very smoothly.
This was our second interaction with LB and in both cases we found our solicitor approachable, efficient and very knowledgeable. I am sure we could have found a cheaper solicitor but we were looking for a thorough professional which is what we got
Thankyou for sorting out my uncle’s estate, I was/am very happy with the service from yourself and your colleagues.
I would be happy to use you again and recommend you to friends.
Highly recommended solicitors.
A professional and efficient team who have provided a excellent legal service.
Our business was done in our first language (Welsh) which was very important for us. We were contacted at every step throughout the procedure in a friendly manner every time.
Diolch yn fawr.
I was extremely pleased with the efficiency and professionalism shown to us both. I was made to feel relaxed in a friendly atmosphere from the moment of entering the offices to the completion of the process. I will certainly be recommending to anyone who requires legal advice or assistance.
It was very apparent by the personal interaction and the presentation of all paperwork, Lanyon Bowdler are very professional and trustworthy.
The complete process for wills & POA was made very easy from start to completion.
Wills and LPA – very professional
Efficient and professional renewal of will. All was well , as I expected.
Received clear advice in a professional and friendly manner
Making my will – a very satisfactory service.
Excellent, friendly service. I shall definitely use Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors again and would recommend them without hesitation! Thank you.
We received excellent advice, informative documentation in the drawing up of our individual wills and their prompt execution. The advice and implementation on becoming tenants in common in respect of our property was equally excellent. Our dealings with the Associate Solicitor for Lanyon Bowdler were very cordial and we cannot rate the quality of service too highly.
Well informed throughout and very helpful, we were happy with everything.
A new will – just seven days from initial meeting to it being signed and witnessed. Excellent friendly service.
Excellent service. Very professional and approachable, clear advice given and time spent to deliver the advice.
Friendly and Professional
Excellent service making our will. Friendly, efficient and easy to understand. Approachable. Fees average. I felt we received value for our money. No delays in delivery of service.
Good understanding of objective, clear advice.
We required the drafting of new wills to ensure that in the event of one of us going into care the cost would be kept to a sensible level that protected the interests of the other partner. This was done to our great satisfaction with the smoothest of procedures.
Very prompt and pleasant experience. Understood what we wanted and we were given several choices to do with the LPAs and the choice to register the documents or not.
We used Lanyon Bowdler to re-write/ update our wills. This was a simple, straightforward request which was handled with professionalism and efficiency. Very good communications and everyone pleasant to deal with. A little pricey but confidently handled – reassuring.
Very efficient and professional, only took a few days to complete my new will.
I am very pleased with my solicitor who did my will and Power of Attorney, everything went smoothly, great service. Will certainly recommend the Lanyon Bowdler Hereford branch.
Great service at a difficult time – very pleased with the service we received, all staff very friendly and professional. Many thanks again.
We have dealt with Lanyon Bowdler for some years now and found all the solicitors and support staff polite, well informed, explaining everything to us in plain English and making sure our wishes are best executed. We would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors.
Sorted out all the necessary arrangements and paperwork for granting probate for my late husband. I was shown kindness and empathy which made it all a little easier to cope with.
Lanyon Bowdler have dealt with mine and my husband’s wills and LPA’s and have always been extremely helpful and efficient and all the staff are extremely friendly. We would highly recommend to anyone.
Excellent advice and service – everything well explained and carried out.
Well done, first class service from all involved, very friendly and professional advice given. I would recommend Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors.
The service we received was professional and friendly. The solicitor we dealt with was brilliant, friendly but very professional. We will always use your service if we require it in the future.
We were extremely pleased by the service provided. We were given useful advice, all stages were carried out efficiently and we were kept well informed. An excellent service.
Friendly and very efficient probate service. Would recommend.
I have been impressed by the professionalism with which I have been treated, and in such a friendly and approachable manner.
I’m very happy with the service that Lanyon Bowdler have provided over the changing of my will. A very personal service and I was kept informed of all the paperwork that needed to be filled in. It was all done over the phone and paperwork through the post, as I don’t have the internet. I will definitely recommend to family and friends.
Although the complete process took around two years to finish due to probate and land registry issues, Lanyon Bowdler were helpful, patient and professional in all my dealing with them. They offered advice when required and responded quickly to any queries I had. I would definitely use them again for any legal work.
My husband and I were made very welcome from the start of the procedure of changing our will and arranging lasting power of attorneys. Everything was explained in a professional manner and promptly dealt with. Would recommend.
On arrival very welcoming and polite, offered refreshments then shown into a private meeting room to wait for appointment, which was light and spacious with comfy chairs. Our solicitor was punctual, very pleasant and listened to what we required and explained the options and procedure in a way we understood. We took a fixes rate option and were totally satisfied with the whole process. Definitely use again if required.
I had many changes I wanted to make in my will. At all times, I was treated with utmost respect to my wishes along with pertinent advice. I have no hesitation at all at recommending Lanyon Bowdler.
We were recommended the firm. The initial contact gave a good impression. We were given a free introductory meeting in good time. During the meeting we were impressed with the solicitor’s knowledge, straightforward and friendly approach. He was instructed. The wills were prepared in due course, and signed at a future meeting.
Very satisfied with a professional & knowledgeable service.
Probate – Initial approach very encouraging. Advice and information accurate and helpful. Subsequent communication easy and quick. Dealt with application and IHT calculation. Grant issued well within suggested time-scale.
Lasting Powers of Attorney – we have been clients with Lanyon Bowdler for decades and have always been happy with the service.
This was dealing with the sale of my deceased mother’s property and dealing with the estate through probate. The whole process was seamless and well above my expectations. It was dealt with in a professional and efficient way.
From the initial meeting to completion of my wife Jayne and my will, the process was seamless, efficient and easy to understand. This was despite our wills involving two businesses, a commercial property owned by my SIPP, in addition to our own house and chattels. The price was fair and we were both very satisfied with the end result. We would definitely recommend Lanyon Bowdler based on our experiences.
Making a will can be a minefield of mixed emotions and an overload of information and choices as there are so many options, and prices. In the end we decided to go with Lanyon Bowdler and contacted them for a consultation. We were completely impressed with their professionalism and customer service also the way the look after their clients. Thank you for all your help and patience we would definitely recommend your services.
Everything was very professionally done and a friendly service, especially at the start of the process just after we lost our father.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
Work carried out professionally and above all very friendly and relaxed.
Good initial meeting, written communication, documentary guidance and good advice on my will.
We sought guidance and advice on Power of Attorney which was delivered in a most understandable and efficient way. The conclusion and production of same followed in the same manner which pleased us greatly.
All the staff at your Bromyard branch are a credit to your company!
An efficient process.
Facing one’s own mortality is not easy. Lanyon Bowdler’s solicitor made the whole process less emotional and I was confident that my loved ones would find it relatively pain free and easier to cope. I would recommend Lanyon Bowdler without reservation or hesitation.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
I felt safe that Lanyon Bowdler understood both my concerns and requirements. I would use again and recommend.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Very professional and approachable. I was updated as to progress regularly. The final costs reflected good value for the service provided.
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
There are five basic stages to the estate administration process; these include: ascertaining the nature and extent of assets, valuing assets, applying for probate, distributing the bequests in the will and drawing up accounts detailing how the estate was distributed. These are then sent on to the beneficiaries.
If a beneficiary contests a will, this can delay probate. Sensitive probate matters can become contentious and stressful – and then result in the delay of the administration of an estate.
Whereas a will is a legal document that sets out the wishes of the deceased, probate is the process of executing the will according to those wishes. It involves organising the distribution of money and assets – after paying debts and inheritance tax where necessary.
It will not be possible legally to transfer the deceased person’s finances and property to the beneficiaries until you obtain Grant of Probate. In short, the beneficiaries will not be able to inherit what had been intended for them.
If the person who died owned the property, shares or money jointly, probate may not be required.
Every situation is unique. Everyone deserves carefully delivered advice tailored to their own set of circumstances.
There is no such thing as a standard estate, and there are a wide range of factors potentially involved in sorting out someone’s assets. Once we have gained an understanding of the deceased person’s Estate, we will provide you with a tailor made pricing proposal.
For a fixed fee probate service talk to our experienced team today.
This is the name of the document issued to you by the Probate Registry. It confirms your right to administer the estate of the deceased. This includes cashing the assets of the estate and distributing them as detailed in the will.
When someone dies, you will have to find out if probate is needed to deal with their estate. Probate isn’t necessary every time a person passes away; it depends on the value of the deceased’s assets and how their assets were held.
In England and Wales, probate is not usually required for small estates in which there is no property and only a small amount of money. If the estate contains property or land, it is not considered a small estate. An estate will certainly be considered small if its total value is less than £5,000, but the threshold is often higher. Banks and financial institutions have their own limit; you will need to check with each of the organisations holding the money. Probate will be needed if any assets are held in the deceased’s sole name that are valued above the probate threshold.
If you don’t obtain probate when someone dies, but probate is needed to administer their estate, beneficiaries will not be able to receive their inheritance. The assets of the deceased will be frozen and held in a state of limbo, as no one will have the legal authority to access, sell or transfer the assets.
Handling an estate which has no will usually involves a family member acting as the personal representative of the deceased and administering the estate.
The personal representative applies to the court for a Grant of Representation, to enable him to administer the estate.
If there is no will, the Rules of Intestacy will determine the distribution of an estate and who is entitled to claim from it.
The personal representative can appoint a professional, such as a solicitor, to deal with the estate’s administration.
Intestacy involves an unfamiliar legal processes, with potential financial complications and a great deal of worry and stress – especially without professional help from a probate solicitor. Seeking help at an early stage can speed up the process and make sure that the probate process goes smoothly, at a time already difficult enough for families.
When someone dies without a valid will there are strict inheritance laws in place. These are known as the Rules of Intestacy. They apply in England and Wales.
The Rules of Intestacy can be quite harsh as they do not often bear in mind modern family relationships. For example, no provisions are made for unmarried and unregistered partners. This means that the surviving partner will not automatically inherit any part of the estate that was owned in the sole name of the deceased.
Despite this, a partner can often make a valid inheritance claim. Alternatively, the family can (in certain circumstances, if they agree to) legally vary the distribution on intestacy in order to provide for the partner.
The Rules of Intestacy only recognise natural and adopted children for the purpose of inheritance; step-children are not acknowledged. In spite of this, in many cases step-children have a valid claim.
You can see that situations may quickly become complex. The best way to make it clear who should inherit your property and possessions after you die is by making a will.
A Grant of Letters of Administration is the required legal document when dealing with the estate of someone who has died without a will.
In this situation, one of the deceased’s relatives will need to go through the probate and estate administration process. This person is known as the ‘administrator’. Executors and Administrators are known generically as Personal Representatives.
If you’re the administrator, one of the first things you’ll be required to do is obtain a Grant of Letters of Administration. This is a document issued by the Probate Registry and gives you the legal authority to deal with the estate.
If you are unsure about anything you have read, please contact us for advice. We offer a warm and professional service at this difficult time.
Our Wills and Trusts Solicitors have extensive experience in helping individuals and families plan for the future, ensuring that their assets are protected, their wishes are clearly documented, and their loved ones are provided for. Our expertise in estate planning, will drafting, and trust management makes us one of the leading firms in this area, giving clients peace of mind that their affairs are in safe hands.
We are committed to guiding you through every aspect of the Wills and Trusts process. Whether you need assistance with a simple will, a complex trust arrangement, or advice on estate administration, we will ensure the process is handled efficiently and with your best interests at heart. Our expertise is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK, reflecting our reputation as a leading firm for estate planning and trust management.
Please give our Wills and Trusts Lawyers a call for a friendly, confidential conversation about how we can help support you.
We have offices in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Conwy, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, and Telford, so we are well-placed to assist clients across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales. Our specialists regularly act on behalf of individuals and families across the Midlands, and our expertise makes us one of the leading firms of Wills and Trusts Solicitors in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and Worcester.
Get in touch. We listen and we care. Call our team or complete our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you. We can also arrange a home visit if more convenient.
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