Something I should have done years ago

Where’s the best place to go for advice?

Firstly I will declare an interest, because I write wills for a living.

You basically have three options, a Solicitor, a Professional Will Writer or a DIY/ Internet option.

The DIY/ Internet option is generally only for people with very simple circumstances, and whilst cheap it is often just a way of storing up problems for later.

A good solicitor or a good Will Writer should be able to help and advise on something appropriate for your circumstances.

If you go to http://tas-network.co.uk/findwriter.html you will probably find someone local to you.

If you want to e-mail me nick dot ash at tancreds dot co dot uk I will send you some basic info on the things you should be thinking about, costs etc.

If you go for the solicitor option make sure that they are a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. This will mean that they specialise in this area.

Regards
Nick

we did ours recently using the will-aid scheme in november time.

solicitor writes will for you and donates fee to charity. great idea.

Any more information on this? Funnily enough I’m currently penniless but I really need to get this done very soon regardless and it’s pretty simple – my wife will receive what I have! I’m also in Scotland, which may make a difference?

£25 for a DIY job from WH Smiths, just got my dad one….

z1ppy – I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but the Legal Services Board report into the Will Writing Industry found that homemade (diy or online) wills were the most likely to fail at probate. 44% of the survey sample failed to do what the person making the will wanted or would have failed as invalid had the person making the will died. They are only suitable for people with very simple estates and you won’t get advice relating to long term care protection, and Inheritance Tax issue if you DIY.

flyingfox – Scotland is very different to England and Wales as far as Will Writing is concerned, the industry is regulated by statute up there. Have a look at http://www.willwritingscotland.co.uk/ there seems to be some good advice on there.

Most solicitors have someone who just does wills, I had three done recently my own, plus brother and his partner. My brother has two kids and isn’t married, so a prime example of needing wills and as nagging them over it hadn’t worked I just paid for their wills.