How much will a divorce cost?

We understand that divorce and separation can be distressing so we try to ensure we are transparent in our fees. We offer some fixed fee packages however the amount and type of work you may require will depend on individual circumstances. Please contact our team to discuss your individual needs.

How long will a divorce take?

Typically, the procedure for dissolving a marriage can take in the region of 4 to 6 months, however, this timescale will depend on whether all the parties co-operate and whether financial matters are resolved quickly.

What does shared care of children mean?

Contrary to general belief shared care does not automatically mean a child's time will be divided 50/50 between the parents. Shared care can be a number of different combinations and the outcome will depend on individual circumstances and what is in the child's best interests.

What is parental responsibility?

Parental responsibility is the rights and powers that parents hold in relation to children. A biological mother will automatically gain parental responsibility. A biological father can obtain parental responsibility by being married to the mother at birth, by being named on the birth certificate after 1st December 2003, by completing a parental responsibility agreement, or by court order.

I am a grandparent and I am no longer seeing my grandchildren. What rights do I have?

If you have an established relationship with your grandchildren and there are no welfare concerns about you seeing them, we can assist you in re-establishing spending time with the children.

Can I pay monthly or pay at the end?

We understand the financial pressure of separation. We are able to offer our clients bespoke payment arrangements if required. Please contact us today to discuss the options available.

Mediation is a process designed to resolve disputes. Family mediation involves two people meeting with a mediator to assess whether the dispute is suitable for mediation, then a meeting with both parties and the independent mediator to assist in reaching an agreed outcome.

How Much Do I Pay for a Will? - Manners Pimblett | Solicitors in Poynton, Cheadle and Cheshire

Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. And yet most people put it off — often because they assume it will be complicated, time-consuming or expensive. At Manners Pimblett Solicitors, Edith Longden is here to tell you it doesn’t have to be any of those things.

As solicitors dealing with this area of law, we are required to be transparent over the fees we charge. In this guide we walk through the most common concerns people have about making a Will — and explain exactly how we approach each one.

I Don’t Know How Much It Will Cost — And I’m Worried About Hidden Fees

One reason people may be put off. As solicitors dealing with this area of law, we are required to be transparent over the fees we charge. It’s an understandable concern — and before you instruct us, you will know exactly what those fees are.

We offer clear, transparent fixed fee Will writing with no hidden extras. You know exactly what you’ll pay before we start — and there are no surprises at the end. Our fixed fees for straightforward Wills are some of the most competitive in Cheshire, and every penny is accounted for before you instruct us.

Our fixed fee prices are:

Service	Fee + VAT	Total Inc. VAT
Single Will	£270 + VAT	£324
Mirror Wills (couple)	£450 + VAT	£540
Single Will with IHT advice	£550 + VAT	£660
Mirror Wills with IHT advice	£695 + VAT	£834
Will Review Meeting	£255 + VAT	£306 (deducted if you proceed)
Complex Wills	Quoted on individual basis

Concern 2

I Don’t Know Whether I Need a Simple or Complex Will

Many people assume their situation is more complicated than it is — or worry they might need a complex Will involving trusts, tax planning or foreign assets. Others have the opposite concern: that their Will is straightforward but they end up paying for things they don’t need. Either way, the uncertainty can put people off taking the step to make contact.

We approach this carefully. We take the time to understand your individual circumstances before recommending anything. A straightforward Will — appointing executors, deciding who inherits your estate, naming guardians for children — is exactly that: straightforward. Edith will tell you honestly whether you need a simple Will or whether your circumstances call for something more, and will give you a clear fixed fee or quote before you commit to anything. We will often speak to you over the phone before you come to see us. Longden, our solicitor, will know what it will cost before any work begins.

Complex Wills may be needed if your situation involves:

Assets over £1 million
Inheritance Tax planning
Life Interests or Discretionary Trusts
Foreign property or overseas assets
Excluding family members from your estate
Business or agricultural assets
Disabled or vulnerable beneficiaries

If any of these apply, Edith Longden, our solicitor will provide a bespoke quote — and you will still know what it will cost before any work begins.

Concern 3

I Can’t Get to the Office — I’m Elderly or Have Mobility Issues

For many people — particularly older clients or those with health issues — the practical barrier of getting to a solicitor’s office is a real concern. Those unable to make the journey can be seen in the comfort of their own homes.

We offer home visits for clients who are unable to come to our Poynton or Cheadle offices. For clients within 5 miles of either office, home visits are available at no extra charge. For visits beyond that distance, any additional charge will be agreed and confirmed upfront — so there are no unexpected costs. Edith Longden has extensive experience visiting clients at home and in hospital, and brings the same care and professionalism to every visit.

Concern 4

I Already Have a Will — But I’m Not Sure It’s Still Valid or Up to Date

Life changes — and a Will written ten years ago may no longer reflect your wishes or your circumstances. Marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, the death of a beneficiary or executor, changes in assets or property — any of these can affect whether your existing Will still does what you intended.

Did you know? Getting married automatically revokes a Will made before the marriage in England and Wales — unless the Will was specifically made in contemplation of that marriage. If you married after making your Will and haven’t updated it since, your existing Will may no longer be valid.

We can offer a Will Review Meeting for £306 inc. VAT — and if you decide to proceed with updating your Will, that fee is deducted from the cost of your new Will. Edith will review your existing Will, explain clearly whether it still meets your needs, and advise on any changes required. It’s a small investment that could make a significant difference to what happens to your estate.

Concern 5

Can’t I Just Write a Will Myself? I’ve Seen DIY Will Kits Online

Until you take professional legal advice you may not know what type of Will meets your needs.

DIY Will kits and online Will writing services are widely available and often seem appealing — they’re cheap, quick and convenient. But the risks are significant, and the consequences of getting it wrong are borne not by you but by the people you leave behind.

Common problems with DIY Wills include:

It is important to ensure compliance with the 1837 Wills Act
It is important to consider the effect of your Will on family members, reducing the risk of challenges after you’ve died

The real cost of a DIY Will: A disputed or invalid Will can cost an estate thousands of pounds in legal fees — far more than the cost of having it done properly in the first place. And by then, it’s too late to fix.

Edith Longden is an experienced solicitor with many years in this area of law. Every Will she drafts is tailored to your individual circumstances, properly witnessed and executed, and stored safely. You get peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out exactly as you intend — and your family is protected from the stress and expense of a disputed estate.

Making a Will Is One of the Kindest Things You Can Do for Your Family

A Will isn’t just a legal document — it’s a gift to the people you love. It removes uncertainty, prevents disputes and ensures that what you’ve worked hard for goes exactly where you want it to go.

Edith Longden and our Wills and Probate team are here to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible — whether you come to our offices in Poynton or Cheadle, or we come to you.

Speak to Edith Longden Today

Ready to make your Will? Contact Edith Longden at Manners Pimblett Solicitors for clear, expert advice and a fixed fee quote. We serve clients across Poynton, Cheadle, Stockport and the wider Cheshire area.

📞 01625 850888 | ✉ info@mannerspimblett.co.uk

Offices in Poynton and Cheadle — home visits available for those unable to travel.

Find Out More About Wills & Probate

📖 Also read: How Much Does Probate Cost in Cheshire?