A Will is one of the most important legal documents you can make, outlining how a person’s assets are distributed after their death and including provisions for tax planning.
However, increasingly individuals are attempting to ‘do-it-themselves’, using a template they find online to write their own Wills, or employing the services of an unregulated Will writer, often in a bid to save money.
The rise in DIY Wills has been attributed to a surge in inheritance disputes, which have increased by 56% over the past five years.
Concerns remain over the quality of Wills produced using DIY kits, online services or other non-professional methods. Homemade Wills often demonstrate a common failure to account for complex family or financial situations or have never been properly executed, rendering them invalid.
In this blog, our Wills and Probate Lawyers look at why you should use a solicitor to write your Will.
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Tailored to your needs.
A Will is not one-size-fits-all. While a generic template you find online might meet some people’s needs, it won’t suit everyone.
A solicitor will take the time to get to know your financial and family circumstances and understand your motivations and objectives.
Legal professionals understand the complexities of UK inheritance law and will suggest the most appropriate estate planning tools to meet your requirements.
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Well drafted.
A Will is formal legal document and must meet certain criteria to be valid. Solicitors specialising in Wills can ensure it is drafted, signed and witnessed correctly.
Careful drafting is particularly important if you have complicated finances or a complex family structure.
Errors can lead to your Will being challenged at a later stage. In some instances, an executor may have to sort out any mistakes, with any legal costs paid for out of the estate.
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Minimises chances of future disputes.
Instructing a lawyer ensures your Will accurately reflects your wishes and is not left open to misinterpretation, thereby reducing the risk of it being contested after your death.
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Regulated profession.
Solicitors in England and Wales are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and are required to adhere to the SRA’s code of conduct, and are obliged to act in their client’s best interests.
Unregulated Will writers do not have the same legal duty of care.
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Peace of mind.
Using a solicitor to write your Will leaves you safe in the knowledge that you have done all you can to protect your assets and your loved ones, giving valuable peace of mind.
Solicitor for Wills Near Me
Whether drafting your Will for the first time or amending it following an alteration of your circumstances, Berlad Graham LLP’s experienced and knowledgeable private client solicitors can carefully advise and support you, ensuring that your wishes are met and your loved one’s best interests are considered.
For more information, or to speak to one of our experienced Will writing solicitors, please call 0330 175 5655 or email info@bglaw.co.uk.
We have lawyers based all over the UK.
