When you think about a Will or estate planning, people often assume it’s something only the elderly consider.  The recently reported case of ‘The Wanted’ singer Max George (‘Max’) has again highlighted that everyone should consider if their affairs are in order regardless of their age.  Max was aged just 36 when he opened up about his fear of his own mortality, having been admitted to hospital for heart surgery to fit a pacemaker in December 2024. During January 2025, social media was buzzing with reports, including the BBC[1] and Sky News[2], that the singer had made a Will on his phone. This fear and panic spurred him into action but it raises the question: would Max’s mobile phone Will have been legally valid?

The criteria for the valid execution of a Will are defined in Section 9 of the Wills Act 1837[3]. There is more than one way in which this can be achieved, but generally, the Will must be in writing, made by a person over the age of 18 (the ‘Testator’) intending this document to amount to a Will; it must be signed by the Testator (or an agent on their behalf); that signature must be made or acknowledged in the presence of two witnesses present at the same time, and that each of those witnesses must also have signed the Will. Though some flexibility was temporarily added during the COVID-19 pandemic for Wills executed before 31 January 2024, these fundamental principles surrounding the valid execution of a Will still stand.

Therefore, would Max’s phone Will have been legally valid? Thankfully, it never came to pass but if a Will does not meet the legal requirements outlined by law, it will not be valid. This means that the Testator’s wishes will not be honoured and their intentions, no matter how well meaning, will be void, leaving the chosen beneficiaries potentially very disappointed.  This could result in potentially costly and arduous legal disputes involving disgruntled family members and others.

We recommend that you consult and instruct a Solicitor to prepare a suitable Will that validly gives effect to your wishes. As part of this process, you can also be advised upon protections for blended families, underage or disabled beneficiaries, care home fees and Inheritance Tax. To discuss making or updating your Will, please contact our team on 0191 296 1777 or email us at advice@hindle-campbell.co.uk

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgrnd38ryeo

[2] https://news.sky.com/story/the-wanted-star-max-george-recalls-moment-he-wrote-will-from-hospital-bed-before-heart-surgery-13287692

[3] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Will4and1Vict/7/26/section/9

Due to the influx of business we are expanding our Commercial Property Team. We are looking for someone who has at least two years PQE, who has a passion for corporate, commercial and property law.

You will join a growing, dynamic team who will provide new opportunities for progression and promotion for the right candidate.

Please send your CV with a covering letter to our Office Manager, Anita Swift

anita.swift@hindle-campbell.co.uk

Exciting opportunity for a Commercial and Residential Property Solicitor (4+ years PQE)

You will be joining a down to earth and friendly firm that offers high quality legal advice for businesses and individuals. You’ll be part of a dedicated team of property specialists experienced in all types of commercial and residential property transactions.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 4 years PQE with a solid grounding in commercial property and experience in working within CQS residential conveyancing.

You will have the opportunity to work on a broad range of high-quality matters and this interesting and varied mix of work will also include some residential transactions. You will initially be working directly alongside the Head of Department and encouraged to develop with the full support of the firm.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic Solicitor to join a firm that is investing in the future. There are genuine career prospects and the right candidate may be considered for a leadership role.

Salary will be competitive and negotiable depending upon experience.

Applications by post and e-mail.

Please provide a short introduction, indicating the position you wish to apply for and attach a copy of your CV addressed to:

Anita Swift, Office Manager, Hindle Campbell Law, 8 Northumberland Square, North Shields, NE30 1QQ (e-mail: anita.swift@hindle-campbell.co.uk)

Exciting opportunity for a Commercial Property Solicitor (0-4 years PQE)

You will be joining a down to earth and friendly firm that offers high quality legal advice for businesses and individuals. You’ll be part of a dedicated team of commercial property specialists experienced in all types of commercial property transactions.

Our commercial team handle a varied caseload of commercial property transactions which includes sales, purchases, refinancing of property portfolios, assignment of a lease or the granting of a new lease.

Transactions also include:

• dealing with all property inquiries from both a Buyer and Seller perspective
• drafting and negotiating the terms of commercial leases
• acting for banks and lenders in respect of any queries
• dealing with registration of the property and HM Land Registry
• dealing with properties held in SIPPS

This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic Commercial Property Solicitor to join a firm that is investing in the future.

The ideal candidate will be 0-4 years PQE, although applications from candidates outside of this will be considered. If NQ level, it is essential that you have done a seat in commercial property and are able to run your own case load.

Salary will be competitive and negotiable depending upon experience.

Applications by post and e-mail.

Please provide a short introduction, indicating the position you wish to apply for and and attach a copy of your CV addressed to:

Anita Swift, Office Manager, Hindle Campbell Law, 8 Northumberland Square, North Shields, NE30 1QQ, (e-mail: anita.swift@hindle-campbell.co.uk)