Blog

by Hannah Clarkson

I had the pleasure of attending the BMA’s Annual Representative Meeting (ARM) recently, where I hosted a Wills clinic on behalf of BMA Law. It was a real privilege to meet so many medical professionals in person and to offer guidance on a subject that’s often put to one side: writing a Will.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by — your questions and openness made it a truly rewarding experience.

One takeaway from the day was the benefit of coming prepared when thinking about writing a Will. To make the most of your meeting with a solicitor, it helps to have some basic information to hand, such as:

• Full legal names, addresses, and dates of birth for anyone you’re considering naming in the Will
• Whether it will be a single Will just for you, or a mirror Will shared with your spouse or partner
• Who you would want to act as executors and guardians
• Any specific gifts you want to leave (e.g. jewellery, money, property)
• How you would like your residual estate to be divided
• Any funeral wishes you would like to include

People are often unsure what a mirror Will means — simply put, it’s where a couple (usually spouses or long-term partners) make near-identical Wills, typically leaving everything to each other, and then to the same beneficiaries on the second death.

If you’re a doctor, making a valid Will is particularly important. Demanding schedules, complex family situations, or owning multiple assets can all add complexity — and clarity in your Will ensures your wishes are followed and your loved ones are protected.

While solicitors can advise you on the legal side of Wills and estate planning, we’re not financial advisors. If you’re concerned about mitigating Inheritance Tax (IHT), we always recommend you speak to an independent financial or tax advisor alongside getting legal advice.

In short — come prepared, and you’ll get far more out of your Will-writing appointment. I look forward to meeting more of you in the future, whether at future events or through your professional networks.

If you’re ready to start planning, get in touch — we’re here to help.

If Hannah’s insights have prompted you to reflect on your own circumstances, we warmly invite you to register for one of our upcoming Wills Clinics, hosted by Hannah on Monday, 1 September 2025. These confidential one-on-one sessions are tailored specifically for doctors and offer expert guidance on wills, estate planning, and related matters—so you can plan ahead with confidence. Appointments are limited and fill quickly, so please book your session here.