One of the most important things that you can do in life is draw up a will. This means that after you have gone, your assets and money go to the people you care about and/or the charities you support. Not making a will can result in heartache for the people that you leave behind, disputes and unnecessary pain for your nearest and dearest.
Why Should You Use a Solicitor?
You could choose to make a will without the services of a solicitor. This is a viable option if your will is relatively straightforward. However, a solicitor can be useful if your will is a little more complex or if you don’t understand what is needed to make it valid. It’s all too easy to draw up a will, not realising that you need two independent witnesses to make it pass probate. However, a solicitor will offer a will writing service to help you protect your family.
Having a solicitor check your will and to see if it has been drawn up to make sure it will have the effect you want, is generally advisable. That’s because it’s easy to make mistakes and this can cause problems after your death if there are flaws in the will. Sorting out misunderstandings and conflicts after death will lead to substantial legal costs, reducing the amount of money in the estate.
However, there are many circumstances where it is crucial to use a solicitor, such as:
- You aren’t married or in a civil partnership but you live with your partner.
- You want to leave money to somebody close to you who cannot care for themselves.
- You have many family members who may dispute your will.
- You don’t live in the UK.
- You need to research the extent of your assets to ensure that they are all accounted for.
Choosing a Solicitor to Write your Will
Ensure that you locate a solicitor with a good reputation, and one who is willing to take the time to meet you and discuss your requirements. Even if you do draw up your own will, it’s a prudent idea to have a solicitor check it and make sure that it will be valid when the time comes.
Note that when drawing up or reviewing a will a solicitor must bill for their services. We will give you the best information possible about the quality of their services. Your chosen solicitor should provide this information at the beginning of their work with you.
How Much Does a Solicitor Cost?
The charges for drawing up a will vary among solicitors and will also depend on the will’s complexity. It is always advisable to check with a few local solicitors before making a decision on who to use to find out how much they charge.
You may have access to legal advice by adding to an insurance policy which covers a solicitor’s cost of preparing or checking a will. If you are a member of a trade union you may find the union provides members with a free will service.
Writing a will could save your family money in the future and secures the future of your children or grandchildren. H McPartland & Sons can help you write a will that ensures your estate, no matter how large or small, is divided as per your wishes.For more information or if you would like to contact us regarding a new will, please get in touch.