Making a Will

Nobody wants to think about it, but making a will is one of the most important things you’ll ever do. Our wills, trusts and estates solicitors make the process as simple as possible. We take the time to sit down with you, understand your life and circumstances, and your thoughts on tomorrow. So you get a will that truly reflects your wishes and that will protect your children, loved ones and even your pets.

Lawyer signing documents at a desk

Meet the team

two solicitors stood at a high table talking with an office desk in the background

Wills tailored to you

We draft wills for people from every background, including older and vulnerable individuals, divorcees, business owners, farmers and landowners. We specialise in drafting wills for blended families, and every type of relationship, to ensure that your loved ones will benefit exactly as planned. If different branches of your family have differing needs, we can help you to put together a plan that will cater for all.

We’ll meet you at a place you’re most comfortable to discuss your requirements, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure your will is in place – whether you’re in the prime of your life, about to undergo a major life change or are hospitalised.

Our expertise

Our team of private client lawyers have been looking after families’ estates for generations. We can help with all manner of complex issues, from discussions around what happens to children when parents die, through to the distribution and implications of owning overseas assets.

We’ll also help you to plan ahead to mitigate inheritance tax, and our vast experience enables us to advise on a range of different circumstances, including setting up trusts, and preparing lasting powers of attorney when needed.

For those involved in running their own business, whether as a sole trader or through a partnership or limited company, the succession of the business and the wealth that has been built up within it, is of vital importance.

We can guide you through the process, advise on the inheritance tax position (including the availability of business relief which can be a significant benefit) and prepare a will to reflect your wishes.

As part of this, we take the time to understand the dynamics and structure of the business and the documentation that is in place, as well as your personal circumstances, the needs of the various family members and your wishes for the business and your beneficiaries going forward.

We can also put in place lasting powers of attorney, so your personal and business affairs can be dealt with by your attorneys in the event of your incapacity.

We have considerable experience of dealing with estates where there are assets in more than one legal jurisdiction. For example, clients who instruct us to prepare wills may be domiciled in England and Wales but have assets elsewhere or they may be domiciled elsewhere but have assets here. Our international connections mean we can help, no matter where you are in the world.

Every now and again, there may be doubt surrounding how a will was made, or a dependant or family member(s) might feel that a will doesn’t make adequate provision for them. If a disagreement occurs between beneficiaries, our specialist Wills, Trusts and Estates Disputes team is on hand to support. The team is also available to discuss your will with you during your lifetime as part of the drafting process. This allows you to consider whether your wishes may cause concerns or disagreements in the future and for our team to advise on the best way to mitigate any future issues.

Services from our Private Client team

Our Private Wealth sector

Clients who have built a significant assets base may face a complex legal and tax landscape. Our experts, who cover a range of legal disciplines, are on hand to provide specialist legal guidance and support to help individuals, their families, trustees and family offices.

Services from our Private Wealth team

Legal updates and thought leadership

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Recognition of our work

Cambridge Law Society Private Client Services Team of the Year

Cambridge Law Society Private Client Services Team of the Year
Investors in People

Investors in People

Legal 500 2025 – Firm to Watch

Legal 500 2025 – Firm to Watch
Legal 500 2025 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2025 – Top Tier Firm
Recommended for Quality

Recommended for Quality

The Times – Best Law Firms 2024 (Private Client)

The Times – Best Law Firms 2024 (Private Client)

Hear what our clients say about us

Newly hired partner Lisa Millington is recommended for trusts involving landed estates.

Legal 500 2025 Private Client – Cambridge

Led by Daniel Curtis, who frequently acts for clients with foreign property or who are domiciled abroad, the practice provides ‘personal service and a knowledge base that is second to none’.

Legal 500 2025 Private Client – Cambridge

HCR Law ‘is a powerhouse for family work in the Midlands’.

Legal 500 2025 Private Client – Hereford

The Legal 500 2025 said “HCR Law’s ‘highly professional’ (Private Client) practice ‘adopts a very professional approach but manages to combine it with a personal touch which is very much in evidence with the practical advice’” and that they are “a go-to name for inheritance tax planning advice and handles trust reorganisations and administrations at a domestic and global level”.

The Legal 500 2025 Private Client

Michelle Abbott immediately made us feel at ease straight away. She is very professional, friendly and extremely helpful. Michelle guided us through the process, providing clear and easy to understand information. In preparing and completing wills, her legal knowledge and attention to detail is excellent.

It’s been a pleasure dealing with both you and your company and I would not hesitate in using your services again or recommending you to family and friends. Thank you very much for all you have done for us

Client Testimonial Will Drafting

Good, clear advice always delivered in a considerate, and often kind manner, without delay or need for chasing. A pleasure to deal with.

Client Testimonial Will Dispute

Kerri is a pleasure to deal with. She provides very clear advice and is timely in her actions. She listens, understands and answers clearly. Her knowledge and her empathy have put us all at our ease in dealing with our matter.

Client Testimonial The Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

The Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024 said: “Kerri Woodrow is very professional and businesslike.” and “Kerri’s service and client management is very good.”

Client Testimonial The Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

HCR has a good breadth of people and levels of experience.

Client Testimonial Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

Harrison Clark Rickerbys provide clear advice and are happy to answer our many questions. The responses are always very timely, and the language used in correspondence is accurate and understandable.

Client Testimonial Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

HCR are highly professional – they are experts, flexible, easily contactable and very responsive. They give fast replies and accurately too – it is a specialist service.

Client Testimonial Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

HCR are professional and focused on clear and pragmatic explanations without resorting to legalese. They offer clarity, timeliness, efficiency and professionalism.

Client Testimonial Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

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