Helping you protect what matters.

Making a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are provided for. A properly drafted will gives peace of mind, not just to you but to those you leave behind.

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Our Expertise

At BCR, our team of experts guide clients through the process of creating clear, valid wills that reflect their circumstances, protect their assets and minimise the risk of future disputes. We assist with simple wills for those who require straightforward estate planning and more tailored wills for those with more complex needs or overseas assets.
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Our Approach

We understand that writing a will can feel like a daunting or even uncomfortable task. But it doesn’t have to be. Our experienced Wills and Estates team is here to make the process straightforward, respectful and fully aligned with your values, priorities and Jersey’s legal requirements.

Why You Need a Will

If you die without a will, you die ‘intestate’ meaning your assets will be distributed according to Jersey’s default inheritance laws. This may not reflect your personal wishes, particularly if you have:

• A blended family or stepchildren.
• No children or close relatives.
• Unmarried partners.
• Specific charities or individuals you wish to benefit.
• Foreign assets or property.

Having a valid Will gives you control. It ensures:

• The right people inherit from you.
• You can make personal gifts or charitable donations.
• You appoint executors you trust.
• You reduce the chance of family conflict or legal challenges.
• You can appoint a guardian of your choice to look after minor children.
• Your estate can be administered more efficiently.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in Jersey

Jersey law distinguishes between movable and immovable property meaning if you own property and/or land in Jersey, you will likely require to make two wills.

The law specifies certain legal requirements in relation to the signing and witnessing of your wills. Failure to follow these formalities can result in your will being invalid or only partly enforceable.

It is strongly recommended that you consult a lawyer in Jersey to advise on and prepare your wills.  We ensure that your will is fully compliant and structured in a way that reflects both your wishes and the nature of your assets.

Types of Wills and Services We Offer

Single and Mirror Wills

• For individuals or couples wishing to make wills together. Mirror wills are commonly used by spouses or civil partners, leaving everything to each other and then to children or other beneficiaries.

Wills of Movable and Immovable Estate

• We advise on whether your Jersey-based property requires a separate will and ensure that all types of assets, including jointly held ones, are correctly dealt with.

International Wills

• Where you have assets in more than one jurisdiction, we can work with your overseas advisors to ensure your Jersey Will complements, not conflicts, with your foreign wills. This is especially important to avoid accidental revocation or unintended tax consequences.

Trust-Based Wills

For those with more complex estates or succession plans, we advise on incorporating Will Trusts, for example to:

• Delay inheritance until children reach a certain age.
• Protect assets for vulnerable beneficiaries.
• Provide lifetime income for a surviving partner

Business Succession Wills

• If you own a business, it is critical to plan for how it will be managed or passed on. We work closely with our corporate and tax colleagues to ensure business interests are clearly addressed in your will.

Wills and Tax Planning

Although Jersey does not levy inheritance tax, many of our clients have UK ties, UK domiciled status or assets abroad. We work closely with BCR Professional Services Limited (BCR Pro) to provide integrated advice on:

• UK Inheritance Tax (IHT) exposure
• Domicile and residency analysis
• Gift and succession planning
• Trust structuring and efficient distribution

This joined-up approach ensures your will is not just legally valid, but tax-efficient and future-proofed where appropriate.

Storing and Registering Your Will

Once your will is complete, it must be stored securely and made accessible to your executors when needed. We offer:

• Secure storage of Wills at BCR Law LLP
• Registration of Wills of Immovable Estate in the Jersey Public Registry
• Advice on how to notify your executors and family
• Assistance in updating or replacing your Will over time.

We recommend reviewing your will every few years, or when your circumstances change (e.g. marriage, divorce, birth of children, significant inheritance or acquisition of property).

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Our Values in Action

Excellence: In the clarity and legal accuracy of every Will we prepare.

‍Delivery: We turn work around efficiently and accurately, with no compromise on detail.

‍Respect: For your privacy, your wishes and your family relationships.

‍Elegance: In making a potentially difficult topic simple, reassuring and professional.

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Why BCR Law

We make the Will making process clear, personal and fully compliant with Jersey law, ensuring your wishes are honoured and your loved ones protected. With expertise in Jersey and non-resident estates, our team delivers tailored advice that safeguards your legacy and simplifies future administration of your estate for your loved ones.

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