A Will outlines how we want our estate and possessions to be passed after our death and everyone should have one. Dying intestate, or without a Will, means that the courts will need to decide what happens to your assets following your passing and that can take time, money and be distressing for those left behind.
As you might expect, we believe that you should always choose a law firm to write your will. There are, however, several important reasons for this.
DIY Wills are Cheaper But…
The reason why people go for DIY Wills is usually the lower cost. This can be a false economy if your estate is more complicated than just a few assets.
A DIY Will can certainly be more costly if the wording is unclear or if the Will is not witnessed properly. That can mean executors (those who you nominate to carry out the Will) can find it difficult to settle your estate according to your wishes. It can also mean that your Will may be contested which could eventually end up in court.
According to the Guardian, badly drafted or poorly constructed Wills result in about 38,000 families a year spending an extended time sorting out probate.
Some people in the 1990s and early 2000s took advantage of cheap Wills offered by banks, especially concerning mortgages. These looked a good deal at the time but the small print has caused some issues for families in recent years. These cheap Wills often gave the bank the role of executor which can mean a huge boost in legal fees compared to using a traditional probate solicitor when the estate needs to be settled.
When to Get Your Will Written by a Solicitor
If you want to be completely sure that your will does everything you want it to, we suggest that you always use a qualified solicitor. This is particularly important if you:
- Have children from a previous marriage who may contest the Will.
- Share property with another person who is not your spouse or a civil partner.
- Have a child or other dependent who is unable to care for themselves and you want to make sure they are provided for.
- Have a permanent home which is not in the UK or you own another property abroad or have business interests that need to be settled.
Why Use Forster Dean for Your Will?
Forster Dean is a professional team of solicitors who specialise in Wills and probate. Based in St Helens and Widnes, we will help you put your affairs in order and give you complete peace of mind, ensuring your Will does exactly what you want it to.
If you would like to book an appointment or find out how we can help, contact our professional team today.