Stephen Browell
Partner
Expertise with a human touch
Wills & Probate
Our wills and probate services provide clear, sensitive support when planning for the future or managing a loved one’s estate. Whether you’re putting a will in place or navigating the probate process, we offer practical advice and guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Your will
We offer a first appointment either face to face at your own home or should you choose, by Teams or Zoom where we can discuss your requirements. This appointment is at no charge. If you decide to proceed I charge a fixed fee for work undertaken on your behalf
Why Make a Will?
A Will is a legally binding document that outlines how your estate is distributed after your death, including savings, investments, and other assets.
Making a Will allows you to:
- Make sure your property and possessions (your estate), are inherited by the individuals of your choosing.
- Appoint the person or people to deal with affairs after you die (executors).
- Choose people to care for your children until they turn eighteen (Guardians) and establish trusts for their benefit from your estate.
- Make specific monetary gifts to friends, relatives, and charities.
- With “blended families” secure succession for your descendants.
- For unmarried couples, make sure your surviving partner benefits from your estate.
Anderson Aguirre
Probate Clerk
Stephen Browell
Partner
Stephen joined the legal profession since 1988, working for Watson Burton and then Browell Smith & Co and was admitted as a Solicitor in July 2005 and since 2006 has specialised in Wills, elderly client law and estate administration.
Born and bred in Northumberland, Stephen enjoys all the county has to offer including taking Arthur his labrador on long walks around Beadnell Bay and enjoying other country pursuits.
Anderson Aguirre
Probate Clerk
Anderson is a qualified advocate from Colombia who began his legal studies in 2020 and graduated in the summer of 2025. He is now a Registered Foreign Lawyer (RFL) regulated by the SRA and is currently training towards qualifying as a lawyer in the UK. Whilst Anderson has experience in Conveyancing, he currently works in Wills and Probate alongside Stephen Browell, assisting with matters including the Administration of Estates, Lasting Powers of Attorney and the preparation of Wills.
Outside of work, Anderson enjoys eating arepas, popcorn, and going kayaking with his partner, all whilst trying to perfect his Geordie accent.
What happens if you don’t have a Will?
If you die without a Will, the distribution of your estate is determined by a set of regulations known as the intestacy rules. These rules prioritise specific family members but do not consider your wishes regarding who you want to benefit. Without a Will, you give up control, potentially leaving out family and friends who are significant to you.
Without clear instructions set out in a Will, you risk confusion or disagreement over your estate after your death.
Why Instruct a Solicitor
Your Will is a very important document. A professionally drafted Will should take into account your personal and financial circumstances and should take into account all reasonable eventualities.
Get in touch with Stephen Browell for a friendly chat to discuss your wishes for your Will.
Single Will fees
We believe in absolute transparency when it comes to my fees. The majority of the work we carry out is on a fixed fee basis so it is clear from the outset what you will pay.
| Single Will | (ex VAT) | (inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Will | £300 | £350 |
| Will & Life Interest Trust | £350 | £420 |
| Will & Discretionary Trust | £800 | £960 |
| Letter of Wishes | £100 | £120 |
| IPFDA Statement | £100 | £120 |
Mirror Will fees
Please note the fee stated for mirror Wills is the total cost for both parties
The cost is inclusive of Will storage. If you want you Will to be registered with Certainty, the national Wills register you will incur an additional disbursement of £xx (including VAT) for each Will registered
| Single Will | (ex VAT) | (inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Will | £300 | £350 |
| Will & Life Interest Trust | £350 | £420 |
| Will & Discretionary Trust | £800 | £960 |
| Letter of Wishes | £100 | £120 |
| IPFDA Statement | £100 | £120 |