Everyone deserves to have a will that clearly expresses their personal wishes. By planning the distribution of assets after death, a will not only safeguards the future of your loved ones but also preserves the values you hold dear.
Our legally trained professional drafters will craft a personalized will that reflects your needs and intentions. With our assistance, you may plan your estate comprehensively, articulate your preferences regarding end-of-life matters, and designate guardians for your children or caretakers for your pets. It ensures your wishes are respected.
We are attentive to diverse family structures and relationship forms, including same-sex partners not yet fully recognized under the law, so that everyone can make arrangements for their loved ones without regret.
Tailor-Made and Flexible to Meet Individual Needs
Our legally trained drafters will design a personalized will based on your specific circumstances and wishes, ensuring that every detail aligns with your life plans and values.
LGBTQ+ and Marginalized Community Friendly
We understand that the current legal system may not fully protect all forms of relationships, especially for unmarried partners, same-sex couples, and chosen families. We handle each relationship with care, allowing you to make arrangements for your loved ones beyond the limitations of traditional legal definitions.
Professional Assessment to Ensure Legal Validity
Mental capacity is a fundamental legal requirement for making a will. For older individuals or those in weaker physical health, we will arrange a testamentary capacity assessment by a registered medical practitioner—following the “Golden Rule”—to strengthen the legal standing of the will and reduce the risk of future challenges.
Our Fees
From HKD 2,500 (depending on the complexity of the will)
* Alongside provides will drafting services but does not offer legal advice. If you have specific legal issues or face potential disputes, please consult a practising solicitor.
FAQ
Why is making a will especially important for the LGBTQ+ community?
In Hong Kong, same-sex marriage is not yet legal. Even for couples who have registered their marriage overseas, the legal rights and protections available remain limited. In reality, most same-sex couples in Hong Kong are not legally married due to high barriers to overseas marriage. For these unmarried or non-traditional partnerships, no matter how close the relationship is, the law does not grant automatic inheritance rights or authority to handle post-death matters.
Many sexual and gerder minorities also face strained or even hostile relationships with their families. Tensions between partners and biological families are common. Without clear legal documents stating personal wishes, situations where a partner is excluded from funeral arrangements or denied inheritance can easily occur.
Under the current legal system, a will is the most effective tool to protect the rights and autonomy of sexual and gender minorities and their partners. Through a will, you can:
- appoint your partner as the executor, giving them legal authority to handle post-death affairs and funeral arrangements; and
- designate your partner as a beneficiary to ensure they inherit your assets instead of the default beneficiaries designated by law.
I am still young. Do I need a will now?
Life is unpredictable. A will is a crucial tool for maintaining personal autonomy. Even in the face of sudden change, a clear will allows you to express your intentions in advance, so your loved ones don’t have to face added stress during vulnerable moments.
Creating a will requires testamentary capacity. The earlier you make arrangements, the more likely you can ensure your wishes are clearly expressed and properly recorded.
We also understand that needs and perspectives change over time. If you choose to make your will with Alongside, we offer discounted rates for future updates, allowing you to create a new will as your life circumstances evolve.
I don’t have much money—do I still need a will?
Absolutely. Making a will is not only about distributing wealth. It’s also an important way to express your intentions for post-death arrangements.
Regardless of the size of your estate, writing a will is a way of exercising your autonomy. It allows you to make proactive decisions rather than passively accepting the default rules of the system.
Can I make arrangements for my children or pets?
Yes. You can appoint a legal guardian for your minor children in your will. In the event of an accident, they will be cared for by someone you trust. Similarly, you can specify who should care for and inherit your pets, ensuring they are looked after properly after your passing. These arrangements are legally valid and ensure your loved ones are protected.
My partner is not a legal spouse—can I still name them as a beneficiary?
Yes. You have the right to name anyone as a beneficiary in your will, including an unmarried partner, friends, or charities. As long as your will meets legal requirements, it is legally binding.
Is making a will a one-time process?
Our intentions for asset distribution may change throughout life. Events that occur after a will is made—such as marriage or the death of an executor—can also affect its validity or execution. Therefore, we recommend reviewing your will periodically to ensure it still reflects your current wishes.
Questions?
We are eager to hear from you and provide any assistance you may need. We look forward to connecting with you soon!