You may have seen the Panorama programme revealing that many people are misled by Will Writers offering a cheap service to write their Will: yet ongoing fees sometimes escalated to thousands of pounds.

 

 Will Writers are not regulated and frequently do not have indemnity insurance or appropriate qualifications, often resulting in Wills that are poorly drafted and confusing, with a risk that the estate may not pass to intended beneficiaries. It may be difficult to locate the original Will if the firm has disappeared or gone out of business. This lack of regulation means that your family may have no professional body to complain to or any ability to seek compensation if a problem arises.

 

Unregulated Will Writing companies try to sell Probate service packages. Some charge for storing Wills, where Solicitors do not. Will Writers may offer to administer your estate for a fixed fee paid in advance, sold as a complete Probate service. Beware of hidden additional charges which may arise after your death. You cannot know the value of your estate, or what it will consist of, and it may be considerably cheaper (sometimes thousands of pounds cheaper) to allow your executors to arrange the administration after your death. Any solicitor will be happy to advise your family on the process involved to ensure that your beneficiaries receive their inheritance quickly.

 

All Solicitors are legally trained, robustly regulated and covered by indemnity insurance. At Crellins Carter we can provide you with a valid Will considering your domestic and financial situation for the cost of £175 plus VAT for a single straightforward Will or £300 plus VAT for similar Wills for a couple. We store the Will free of charge, are always available to discuss amendments should your circumstances change, and can advise on related subjects such as tax planning, trusts and powers of attorney.

 

Above all, have a Will. Then you can be sure that your estate is distributed precisely as you want. Without a Will, the law dictates the division and distribution of your estate, which can lead to confusing and unintended results, even hardship. Take care when preparing and signing one of the most important documents of your lifetime.

 

Please contact Jane Miller to discuss your Will in confidence on 01932 833906 or at jmiller@crellinscarter.co.uk