A solicitor who is an expert in drafting Wills can make the process much easier for your loved ones and ensure that your wishes are carried out. They can also help you plan your estate so that it’s passed on to your loved ones in a tax efficient way. They can also help you avoid family disputes by setting out clear arrangements for your death. They can deal with complex matters such as inheritance tax and trusts.
A Will allows you to decide what happens to your money, property and possessions (your ‘estate’) after you die. It also lets you nominate a guardian for any children and set out any procedures your executor must follow. A Will is not the only way to protect your assets and possessions after your death but it’s an important one.
If you don’t make a Will, the law will decide who gets your estate. This may not reflect your wishes or be in the best interests of your loved ones. It may also mean that unnecessary legal costs are incurred.
There are a number of ways to get your Will written. You can visit a solicitor who specialises in this area of the law, or you can use one of the many online services that will write your Will for you for a fee. If you do go this route, check what services are included in the fee and what will be charged separately. You should be provided with this information clearly before you sign the contract.
It’s also possible to draw up your own Will with the help of a form from a stationer or charity. There are also a number of books that provide guidance on drawing up a Will. However, it’s usually a good idea to have your Will checked by a solicitor. A solicitor will be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and should be able to give you advice on the law and what options are available to you. They can also check that your Will is legally sound and ensure that it complies with any requirements of the law.
Attorneys who offer a will-writing service charge no win no fee contesting a will between $375 and $1,000 per hour for the time they spend preparing your document, sending drafts for your review, revising your will, communicating with you about your will and executing your will. Some attorneys include all of their fees in a retainer agreement, but others will only outline their charges on request. In any event, you should always discuss your attorney’s fees with her before hiring her to work on your case.