It’s commonly thought that a will is a simple document. It lists your wishes on how your estate (property, bank account, savings etc.) should be passed on after your death. In explanation, it sounds simple, but the actual process of completing a will makes the process complicated.
The legal consequences of a will are immense. You are passing on significant assets in your name to people who you may or may not know. Detailing this in a will has to follow certain rules, the will itself needs to abide by a criteria in order to be legally binding. Most people are not aware that even minor stains or incorrect spellings can cause a will to become void.
So, why use a solicitor to make your will?
Using a solicitor to write your will has a great number of benefits for you. The cost might be higher when compared to a DIY or will writing service, but it’s not an exorbitant either with fees started at £150. Here are some of the benefits that solicitors will offer you over other options:
Solicitors deal with the complexity of the will
When you instruct a solicitor to write your will, they are experts in this specific area of law. They understand all aspects of a will from inheritance tax to helping you find the best choices for your assets and beneficiaries.
You, and your loved ones, are protected in case of something going wrong
Solicitors are regulated by the SRA in this country, and if you have a problem with yours you can complain to the Legal Ombudsman. Incase of an issue with the will after your death, the solicitor who made your will are at fault. A claim can be made against them if something was to go wrong.
Solicitors follow the right rules and procedures
By using a solicitor, you can be sure that your will will not be invalidated by common mistakes such as not being signed, or being witnessed by a beneficiary.
Your Will is stored safely by a solicitor
Did you know that 1 in 10 Wills in the UK cannot be found a person’s death? This would cause great inconvenience and result in unnecessary worry at a difficult time for friends and family. This situation can be avoided by using a solicitor as most (including Freeman Harris), will store the original will for you in a fireproof safe.
A document as important as a will has to be created with professionalism and care, which is why you should use a solicitor. Having a will that fulfils your wishes and doesn’t create issues should be your priority. Contact us today to learn how we can help you write your will.
