Legacy Law | Choosing who to write your Will

Choosing who to write your Will

We do have choice, but not without some agony  – Josephine Hart

When it comes to writing your Will, you have many options.  Will preparation is not regulated, providing consumers with an industry full of choice and competition.  

But there are key differences between the various options.  How do you distinguish between the different approaches and decide which is right for you?

The options you have are:-

  1. You can write it yourself.  There is no legal requirement for you pay someone to write your Will.
  2. You can purchase a DIY Will pack.  This contains guidance notes to help you complete a template.
  3. You can employ a Will writer who will prepare a Will for you.
  4. You can employ a solicitor.

With so much choice, it can be confusing for the consumer to know which approach is best for you.  

Every decision we make in life, there’s always a cost’ – Brad Meltzer

Without any guidance, often the basis for the decision is purely cost.  

It is very common to hear comments such as:

‘I used a Will writer – they are cheaper than a solicitor’

‘Write it yourself, it’s just filling out a form’

‘I don’t need a solicitor – my life is very straightforward’  

Whilst not always the case, a low fee can indicate a low level of expertise.  As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.

An assumption has arisen in consumer consciousness that Wills are straightforward and can be done by anyone, without the requisite technical expertise.  

This could not be further from the truth. I believe that this lack of understanding by the consumer regarding this point has led to a generation of deficient Wills – documents which are harboring a legacy of family disputes and disappointment.  

You get a wonderful view from the point of no return’ – Terry Pratchett

And this is the essential point – the effectiveness of a Will is not tested until death.  They are almost unique amongst legal documents insofar as you won’t know if they work (or not!) until it is too late to change it.  

A consumer can have a wonderful experience with the preparation of their Will, a lovely meeting, a sympathetic ear, and a fast and efficient service.  They can give this professional a five-star review and tell all their friends about them.  Their friends can then go and see the same professional and everyone can be delighted with the service that has been provided.

But none of that matters.

What really matters is the quality of the Will itself.  

If the Will doesn’t work, then your legacy will be one of family disputes, legal costs, delays and stress.  

This is not the legacy you want.

It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill’ – Wilbur Wright

A Will is a legal document.  It has legal ramifications, and it starts and ends a full legal process (the administration of your estate).  In order to prepare an effective and efficient Will, it is imperative that the writer has full knowledge of all the law and processes that flow from the document itself.

A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing, as the saying goes.  Make sure that whoever writes your Will is well qualified and in a position to prepare a document for you. Only then will it achieve all of your objectives and protect your legacy, so that your assets and loved ones are protected after your death.

 

At Legacy Law, we have the experience and expertise to provide you with the best service for your Will.  If you would like to discuss the creation of a new Will, please call Catherine on 0118 40 50 131, or send us an email on catherine@legacy-law.co.uk.

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