Free Will Writing Guides & Checklists

Plain-English guides to Wills, LPAs and estate planning — free to download, with nothing to fill in first.

Or call us on 01865 507174

Yours to use

No forms, no email address, no catch.

Everything on this page is free to download. We’ve written these guides the way we talk to clients — plain English, no jargon, and no assumption that you know what any of it means. Use them to get your thoughts in order before an appointment, or to write your own Will without us. That’s genuinely fine; a badly written Will causes far more trouble than no Will at all, and if these help you get it right, they’ve done their job.

If you’d rather not do it yourself, that’s what we’re here for. Call us on 01865 507174 and we’ll talk it through, with no obligation.

Will writing guides and checklists

Start here if you’re making a Will.

The Will Guide

The long read. What a Will does, what happens without one, what to include, how to sign it properly, and a glossary of the legal jargon.

Will Writing Checklist

The practical one. What to gather and who to think about before your appointment — no explanations, just what’s needed.

Wills Starter Guide

A short introduction to the way we work and what’s included in every Will we write.

Would you rather we did it for you? See our Will writing service.

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Paul Camp profile picture
Paul Camp
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I engaged A.D.E. Wills to help my elderly father with his wishes regarding his will and lasting powers of attorney. The service provided was exceptional. The home visits were essential for my father and were carried out with a high level of professionalism. Edward explained everything in simple terms and with great patience, knowledge and understanding. My father was delighted with the results and we would highly recommend the services provided.
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Symona McKenzie profile picture
Symona McKenzie
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I cannot thank Edward and his team enough for the kindness and support they have shown me. Edward has been incredibly considerate, professional and patient throughout. He has always taken the time to listen to me, explain things clearly and make sure that I am comfortable and understand everything before proceeding. I have never felt rushed or pressured. During a very difficult time for me and my family, his compassion and the way he has treated me as a person, rather than simply as a client, has meant a great deal to me. Edward is an incredible Will writer and I am extremely grateful for everything he and his team have done for me. Beverley
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Symona profile picture
Symona
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I genuinely cannot recommend Edward and his team highly enough. From the beginning, Edward has been thoughtful, patient, compassionate and extremely professional. I have probably asked him an endless number of questions 😂, but he has never made me feel as though I am being a nuisance or asking too much. He takes the time to explain things properly, and if there is something that requires further investigation, he will actually take the time to look into it and come back to me rather than simply giving a generic response. What has meant the most to me, however, is the way he has gone above and beyond for my mum, particularly given her health. He has shown genuine consideration for her circumstances, adapted things where necessary and done everything he reasonably could to make an incredibly difficult situation that little bit easier for us. There is a real human side to the service Edward provides. You feel listened to, supported and reassured that the person dealing with something so important genuinely cares about getting it right. I am also extremely grateful to his team for their help and professionalism throughout. At a time when our family has had so much to deal with, having people we could trust with such important matters has made a huge difference. Thank you, Edward, for your patience with all of my questions, for the extra time and effort you’ve put in, and most importantly, for the kindness and respect you’ve shown my mum. It genuinely hasn’t gone unnoticed. ❤️
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Gordon Phillips MBE profile picture
Gordon Phillips MBE
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Edward is an exceptional will and LPA writer. He is empathetic and thoroughly knowledgeable in these areas and offers outstanding guidance and efficiency. I have no reservations in recommending A.D.E. Wills and especially Edward to anyone with reservations!
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Gordon Phillips MBE profile picture
Gordon Phillips MBE
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Truly outstanding in all respects! No need to consider any other company. ADE Wills is customer focused and Edward is highly personable, professional and likeable! He is just like a new friend!
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Ruth Hart profile picture
Ruth Hart
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Edward has helped us to navigate making a will with clear explanations and patience to allow us to make informed decisions. We would definitely recommend using ADE wills and will continue to do so should we require further advice
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Hannah E profile picture
Hannah E
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We would like to personally thank Edward in helping us create our will. He was extremely knowledgeable and professional in providing us with all the information we needed to make the decisions, some of which we had not thought of. We would highly recommend A.D.E Wills to friends/family.
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mik ashfield profile picture
mik ashfield
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I cannot thank Edward at A.D.E wills enough for the professional and personal service I received from him. I had previously tried two different will writing services to no avail. Once the initial meeting was over with their representatives, there was absolutely no follow up at all. Edward on the other hand was not only knowledgeable and thorough, but also extremely patient with me and my situation, replying swiftly to any questions and concerns I had. It was a huge relief to finally receive my will and store it away safely knowing that every conceivable legal issue was covered. I am completely happy with the service I received from Edward and would totally recommend A.D.E wills to anyone.
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Marie Hennessy profile picture
Marie Hennessy
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Edward was incredibly patient and courteous when working through my will. He explained each step clearly which made the process much easier to understand. Edward provided an excellent service.
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Diane B profile picture
Diane B
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Writing my will with Edward was uncomplicated and thorough. He was knowledgeable and informative ensuring I understood the process. I have already recommended him to my friends.

Estate planning guides

The wider picture, beyond the Will itself.

Estate Planning Starter Guide

How your Will, your LPAs and your property fit together, and what to think about beyond who inherits what.

Protecting a Share of Your Home

How a Life Interest Trust and severing a joint tenancy can help keep half the value of your home for your children.

Separation, Divorce & Your Estate

Marriage revokes your Will. Divorce doesn’t. What each one means for what you’ve already written.

Want to talk it through? See our estate planning service.

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Your Will is written by a full member of the Society of Will Writers, working to their Code of Practice and holding full professional indemnity insurance. We’re professional Will writers rather than solicitors — the same legally sound documents, usually at a lower fixed fee.

Lasting Powers of Attorney

An LPA lets someone you trust act for you if you ever can’t.

LPA Starter Guide

What an LPA is, the difference between the two types, and why most people end up making both.

LPA Checklist

Who to appoint and what to decide before you make yours.

Would you rather we prepared and registered it for you? See our LPA service.

Storage & Updates Starter Guide

 Where to keep your Will, who should know where it is, and when it needs looking at again.

See our Will storage service, or our Will review service if you’d like it kept up to date for you.

Ready to take the first step?

Not sure where to begin? That’s exactly what we’re here for. Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll point you the right way — no pressure, no obligation.

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