Private client law helps you protect family, plan for the future and administer estates with confidence. Whether you’re drafting a will, creating trusts, handling probate, navigating taxes or managing capacity issues, the right lawyer provides clarity, sensitivity and robust legal protection.
Fantastic Lawyers™ connects individuals, families, executors and trustees with trusted wills, trusts and estates specialists worldwide. We highlight firms known for practical planning, efficient estate administration and clear, compassionate client care.
Fantastic Wills, Trusts and Probate resources
Explore our structured guides to wills, estate planning, probate and contentious probate across the UK and internationally. These pages help you compare trusted solicitors and understand key steps for planning, administration and disputes.
Wills, Powers of Attorney and Probate essentials (UK)
Start here for practical how-tos and shortlists covering online wills, lasting powers of attorney and the probate process across England, Wales and Scotland.
- Best Online Wills Lawyers UK and Power of Attorney
- How to make life easier for your loved ones once you are gone
- Best Edinburgh Lawyers and Law Firms
Contentious probate and will disputes
Guides and shortlists for challenging a will, Inheritance Act claims and cross-border probate disputes.
- Best Probate Dispute Legal Advice UK
- Top 10 Contentious Probate Lawyers in Birmingham
- Probate research – unique and rewarding
Guardianship and protective arrangements
Support for families arranging guardianship and related court orders in Scotland.
Financial planning and professional support
Complementary advisers who work alongside private client solicitors on tax, pensions and estate planning.
- Top Pensions and Financial Advisers Glasgow
- Top Pensions and Financial Advisers Edinburgh
- Best Professional Negligence Legal Advice UK
- Best free online legal forms and DIY law templates
International private client directories
Find estate planning and probate lawyers outside the UK.
Related family law resources
Wills and probate often intersect with separation, divorce and financial remedies.
See Also – Other Practice Areas
Explore our other Fantastic Lawyers resources across key areas of law:
What Wills, Trusts & Estates Lawyers Do
- Wills & Estate Planning – tailored wills, guardianship clauses, asset protection, business succession
- Trusts – creation/variation, family, discretionary, charitable and special needs trusts; trustee advice
- Probate & Estate Administration – grants of representation, collecting assets, paying debts, distributions
- International & Cross-Border – multi-jurisdiction estates, situs/assets, choice of law, foreign grants
- Inheritance & Estate Tax – tax-efficient structuring, lifetime gifts, exemptions/reliefs and filings
- Powers of Attorney & Capacity – financial/healthcare powers, living wills/advance directives, guardianship
- Estate & Trust Disputes – will challenges, undue influence, 1975 Act-type provision claims, trustee disputes
- Philanthropy & Charities – charitable structures, foundations, donor-advised funds and governance
- Business Owners & Farms – succession for family companies/partnerships, agricultural reliefs
- Asset Protection & Insurance – risk mapping, life cover, key person, cross-option/Buy-Sell arrangements
Why Choose a Recommended Lawyer?
Great private client lawyers combine technical tax and trust knowledge with empathetic, plain-English advice. Firms highlighted by Fantastic Lawyers™ are recognised for careful drafting, efficient probate processes and proactive, family-friendly communication.
Browse by Location
We’re building detailed city and country guides so you can compare expertise on complex estates, cross-border issues and contested matters. In the meantime, tell us about your goals, family and asset profile and we’ll point you to suitable options.
Wills, Trusts & Estates FAQs
Answers to common questions on wills, probate timelines, taxes, trusts and capacity planning.
Do I really need a will?
Yes. Without a will, intestacy rules decide who inherits, which may not reflect your wishes. A will lets you choose beneficiaries, guardians for children and executors, and can reduce tax/friction.
How often should I update my will?
Review on major life events (marriage, divorce, children, house purchase, business changes) or every 2–3 years. Laws and tax thresholds change; periodic reviews keep your plan current.
What is probate and how long does it take?
Probate is the legal process to administer an estate. Straightforward estates may conclude in 6–12 months; complex or cross-border cases can take longer due to valuations, tax and third-party timelines.
Are trusts only for the very wealthy?
No. Trusts can protect vulnerable beneficiaries, control distributions, manage business interests and provide tax efficiency at many wealth levels. The right structure depends on your goals and jurisdiction.
What taxes apply to my estate or gifts?
It varies by country. Common elements include inheritance/estate taxes, capital gains and gift taxes, with exemptions and reliefs. A lawyer can map liabilities and available strategies specific to your jurisdiction.
How can I plan for loss of capacity?
Set up financial and healthcare powers of attorney, plus an advance directive/living will where available. Keep these alongside key contacts, policies and account details, and tell loved ones where to find them.
What if family members dispute the will?
Early specialist advice helps. Options include mediation, negotiation, protective undertakings and court proceedings where needed. Good drafting and clear capacity/independence evidence can reduce disputes.
Tip: create an asset & document pack (property deeds, policies, investments, passwords, business docs) so executors can act quickly and accurately.
