About MW Legal
Explore the experience, values, and mission behind our legal work.
Practical Legal Support With Real-World Experience
MW Legal is a boutique Private Client law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families plan for the future and navigate life’s most important legal decisions with clarity and confidence.
We focus exclusively on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Administration, and related advisory services, offering a calm, personal approach at moments when reassurance matters most.
Based in Hampshire but operating virtually, we serve Clients across England and Wales - and beyond - without the limitations of traditional office‑based appointments.
Our flexible, modern approach means you can access expert advice in a way that suits you, whether by video call, telephone, or secure digital communication.
Led by Mark Whatley, MW Legal combines legal expertise, commercial awareness, and real-world leadership experience to help individuals and businesses make confident decisions.
Meet Mark Whatley, Solicitor and Director
Mark Whatley is based in Hampshire but supports Clients across the country.
MW Legal's sole Solicitor and Director, Mark brings a strong blend of legal expertise, commercial understanding, and practical leadership to the firm.
Mark began his career in a full‑service law firm in the North East of England, gaining hands‑on experience across a wide range of matters.
This early grounding shaped his clear, straightforward approach to advising clients and reinforced his commitment to delivering a personal, supportive service.
Strategic Legal Leadership in Industry
Ready to expand his horizons, Mark moved in-house, joining an international construction company as Head of Legal.
Working closely with senior leadership and operational teams, he provided legal guidance in a fast‑paced commercial environment.
This experience strengthened his ability to navigate complex issues, communicate clearly, and deliver practical solutions — skills that now underpin the firm’s calm, confident approach to Private Client work.
Leadership and Service in the Royal Navy
Alongside his legal career, Mark serves as a Royal Naval Reserve officer, specialising in Media Operations and Engagement.
His work involves supporting the Royal Navy's communication strategy, public engagement, and the management of information in dynamic operational environments.
This role has further developed his ability to communicate clearly, manage sensitive situations, and balance organisational and human considerations — qualities that enhance the thoughtful, measured advice he provides to clients.
Focused on Private Client Excellence
Today, Mark specialises exclusively in Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Probate and Estate Administration, and related advisory matters.
His combination of technical knowledge, commercial insight, and leadership experience allows him to support clients with confidence and care, whether they are planning for the future or navigating the Estate of a loved one.
Your Partner in Private Client Law
Wills and Inheritance Tax Planning
MW Legal helps Clients put robust, thoughtful Wills in place and plan ahead to minimise Inheritance Tax. We take time to understand family circumstances, assets, and long‑term wishes, then draft clear, legally sound Wills that protect loved ones and avoid future disputes. Alongside this, we advise on Inheritance Tax exposure, the use of Allowances and Reliefs, and strategies such as Lifetime Gifting or Trusts to reduce the tax burden. Our focus is on giving Clients confidence that their Estate will pass smoothly, tax‑efficiently, and exactly as they intend.
Capacity and Planning for Later Life
MW Legal supports Clients in planning confidently for later life by helping them put clear, protective arrangements in place while they still have capacity. We advise on Lasting Powers of Attorney, ensuring trusted people are legally appointed to make decisions about health, welfare, property and finances if needed in the future. We also guide Clients through advance planning around care, safeguarding, and managing assets in a way that avoids unnecessary stress or disputes. Our focus is on clarity, dignity and reassurance, giving individuals and families the structures they need to stay protected and in control as circumstances change.
Trusts and Tax Planning
MW Legal helps Clients to protect their assets and pass them on smoothly to their loved ones. We advise on creating and managing Trusts, providing clear Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax guidance, and ensuring all documents and registrations stay compliant. Our focus is on practical, reassuring support that safeguards wealth, supports vulnerable beneficiaries, and keeps families’ long‑term plans on track.
Court of Protection
MW Legal supports Clients who need the Court of Protection to step in when someone can no longer make decisions for themselves. We help families apply to become a Deputy for property, financial affairs or personal welfare, ensuring the application is clear, accurate and tailored to the person’s needs. We also advise Deputies on their ongoing responsibilities, from managing finances and making best‑interest decisions to meeting reporting requirements. Where disputes or safeguarding concerns arise, we provide calm, practical guidance to protect the individual at the centre of the process. Our aim is to give families clarity and reassurance at a time that can feel overwhelming, ensuring vulnerable people remain safe, supported and legally protected.
Probate and Estate Administration
MW Legal guides families through Probate and Estate Administration with clarity, care and efficiency. We handle the legal and practical steps required after someone dies — from securing the Grant of Probate to collecting assets, settling liabilities, dealing with Property, and distributing the Estate in line with the Will or intestacy rules. We liaise with banks, insurers, pension providers and HM Revenue and Customs, preparing the necessary Inheritance Tax forms, and ensuring deadlines and compliance requirements are met. Throughout the process, we provide steady, reassuring support to relieve the burden on Executors and families, helping them navigate a difficult time with confidence and peace of mind.
Contentious Probate
MW Legal supports Clients through Contentious Probate with a calm, strategic approach designed to resolve disputes as efficiently and sensitively as possible. We advise on challenges to Wills, concerns about Capacity or Undue Influence, disputes between Executors and Beneficiaries, and claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. We help Clients understand their rights, assess the strength of a claim, and explore the most effective route forward — whether that’s negotiation, mediation, or Court Proceedings when necessary. Throughout, our focus is on protecting relationships where possible, safeguarding the estate, and achieving a fair, practical outcome during what is often an emotionally charged time.
Legal Advice You Can Trust
At MW Legal, we combine experience, transparency, and practical solutions to deliver legal advice that truly works in the real world. Our clients trust us to guide them with clarity and confidence, and many have shared their experiences working with us.