LGBTQIA+ Wills
A will is one of the most important documents you will ever write and allows you to decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your de
At Sinclair Law Solicitors, we pride ourselves on helping people of all backgrounds and identities.
For the most part, preparing a will for someone from the LGBTQIA+ community is the same as preparing a will for anyone else. But some LGBTQIA+ people have unique circumstances and challenges and need help from understanding and experienced solicitors.
Some LGBTQIA+ people choose to live with their partner without entering into a civil partnership or marriage. Unfortunately, if you only cohabit with your partner, you won’t enjoy the same legal protection if one of you dies.
Some LGBTQIA+ people may struggle with family members that don’t accept their relationship. This can cause further issues if you die without making your wishes clear in a will.
Our Wilmslow and Bramhall-based wills and probate solicitors have lots of experience working with LGBTQIA+ families. We can guide you through every step of the process, making sure all your wishes are clearly documented.
Why use Sinclair Law Solicitors?
- Trusted solicitors in the LGBTQIA+ community
- Speed up probate to discharge assets faster
- Avoid expensive mistakes, delays and disputes with expert advice
- Free 30-minute consultation so we can get to know you and your individual needs
- Jargon-free friendly service
- A solicitor by your side through every step of the process, helping you plan for harder times during easier times
- Transparent pricing with no nasty surprises
- Rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients on Google and Review Solicitors
- Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Sponsors of Proud 2 b Parents
Your key contact
Jobeth Copping-Barrett, Solicitor & Head of the Private Client Department
Jobeth is passionate about helping people through emotionally difficult times. She prides herself on being compassionate, supportive and open with all her clients.
Jobeth has answered some of the most commonly asked questions below. If you need specific advice, book a free 30-minute consultation with Jobeth today. Call: 01625 526 222.
LGBTQIA+ FAQs regarding wills
I already have a mirror will with a previous partner, how do I change my will?
A will is a private document until the Grant of Probate is issued by the Probate Registry. With this in mind, you are free to change the terms of your will as often as you wish. It is your document, an expression of your wishes, in the event of your passing away. Therefore, this should be kept as accurate as possible reflecting your thoughts and feelings.
If you amend your will, or prepare a new document entirely, it is extremely important the old will is destroyed. This is to ensure there is no confusion as to the most recent or accurate document portraying your wishes. Destroying your old will can also go some way to ensuring there is no dispute or disagreement as to what someone may have been given in a previous will when a newer document doesn’t make the same or any provision for them.
My husband/wife/civil partner and I have divorced, is my will still valid?
A properly executed will remains valid, even after separation or divorce. For this reason, it is extremely important that you review the contents of your will if you separate from a partner and make arrangements to update the provisions you have made. Even if you are divorced but have named your ex-partner as the beneficiary of your estate rather than a new partner or children (for example), the terms of the will remain in place leaving loved ones often in a very difficult position.
We are in a long-term relationship; do we still need a will?
There is no automatic provision for couples who are in a long-term relationship but are not married or in a civil partnership. If you have not prepared a will, the rules of intestacy govern what happens with your estate. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, the rules of intestacy do not make any provision for a long-term partner. Therefore, unless assets are in joint names (e.g., bank accounts) or property is held as joint tenants, a long-term partner can be left in a difficult position as they have no right to the assets that make up your estate.
