Multi-Generational Will Planning: Finding the Right Solicitor for Today’s Complex Families

Providing for children, grandchildren, and second spouses can be tricky. As family dynamics grow more complex, working with the right will solicitor is crucial to ensure your legacy is protected and fairly distributed. This guide outlines key strategies, solicitor credentials, and essential questions to support a smooth planning process.

Why Planning for Multiple Generations Is So Important

Modern families frequently involve blended households, long-term partners, adult children, or beneficiaries living abroad. A standard will might not reflect these realities, leaving some family members unprotected or leading to disputes. A skilled will solicitor helps tailor estate plans to fit each individual’s needs—minimising inheritance tax and safeguarding your intentions for future generations.

How a Solicitor Can Assist with Complex Estates

For clients with layered family structures, an experienced solicitor offers tailored legal solutions such as:

1. Bespoke Inheritance Plans

Distribute assets equitably among children from different relationships without accidentally excluding someone.

2. Setting Up Trusts

Create life interest or discretionary trusts to secure the financial future of minors, dependents with disabilities, or financially at-risk beneficiaries.

3. Tax Planning

Legally reduce your estate’s tax burden through lifetime gifting, efficient use of allowances, or charitable bequests.

4. Cross-Border Advice

For international families, solicitors help ensure wills align with relevant laws in other countries.

When to Involve a Specialist in Multi-Generational Wills

You should consider a specialist solicitor if any of the following apply:

• You are remarried or in a civil partnership

• You have children from different relationships

• You support adult dependents or someone with special needs

• You own a business, rental properties, or assets abroad

• You wish to include gifts for grandchildren or future generations

In these situations, generic wills or templates are unlikely to offer the protection or clarity needed.

Choosing the Right Solicitor for Complex Family Situations

Look for solicitors with expertise in estate planning and multi-generational needs. Key credentials include:

• Specialisation: Focus on wills, trusts, and estate planning

• Professional Memberships: Affiliation with STEP or The Law Society’s Private Client Section

• Relevant Experience: Success in handling estates involving second marriages, foreign beneficiaries, or disputes

• Good Communication: The ability to explain clearly and handle sensitive family topics with care

The right solicitor will act as both legal adviser and family facilitator, ensuring everyone’s interests are considered.

What You Can Expect to Pay

Due to the level of detail involved, specialist wills typically involve higher fees:

• Basic Complex Will: £500–£900 for an individual or couple

• Wills with Trusts: £1,000–£2,500 depending on estate size and number of trusts

• Additional Services: Extra charges for advice on gifts, LPAs, or care fee planning

Always ask for a detailed written estimate. Many firms offer fixed-fee packages for peace of mind.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Gathering the right information ahead of time will make the process smoother and more efficient:

1. List of Assets: Include properties, pensions, savings, investments, and business interests

2. Named Beneficiaries: Who should inherit what, and under what circumstances

3. Care Requirements: Plans for minors or those needing continued support

4. Executor Details: Choose people you trust, potentially with a professional co-executor

5. Family Context: Be honest about any estranged relationships or sensitive dynamics

Key Questions to Ask Your Solicitor

• How do you address inheritance across blended families?

• Can you offer ways to reduce inheritance tax or manage care costs?

• Do you provide regular will reviews?

• What if my personal or family circumstances change later?

• How are ongoing services priced after the will is completed?

Asking these ensures you're working with a solicitor who considers long-term implications.

FAQs

Can I include conditions in my will?
Yes. Solicitors can help set up conditions such as age restrictions, education achievements, or phased payments.

Will my will apply to assets abroad?
Not necessarily. In many cases, you’ll need a separate will tailored to local laws. Your solicitor can advise on cross-border coordination.

What if someone contests the will?
A properly drafted will, with legal notes and clear documentation, reduces the likelihood of successful disputes.

Final Thoughts

Creating a well-structured, multi-generational will requires expertise, especially with blended families and international assets. Partnering with the right solicitor ensures your legacy is protected and your loved ones are supported—no matter how complex your family tree may be. Careful planning today brings clarity and peace of mind for tomorrow’s generations.