When someone dies, their loved ones must sort through their estate to distribute the property according to their wishes. Depending on the size of the estate, it can be a complicated process. It is important to plan ahead, and making a will helps with this.
There are a few different ways to make a will, including using a pre-printed form available from stationers and many charities. You can also write your own will, or get help from a solicitor. However, there are pitfalls when making a will yourself, so it is worth seeking expert advice from a solicitor to ensure your wishes are carried out correctly.
A lawyer can also ensure that your will meets all the requirements for validity. For example, it is necessary to have two witnesses sign the will in order for it to be considered valid in court. It is also important to update your will as your life changes. For example, if you marry, divorce or have children, your will should reflect these changes. If you do not update your will, your assets may end up going to people who you would not have wanted, such as your new spouse or children from a previous marriage.
Inheritance tax is another consideration, as is the need to update your will if you receive significant amounts of money through gifts or other means. A solicitor can assist in this, and their knowledge of the law may help you reduce or avoid inheritance taxes.
It is important to store your will safely, in a place that makes sense for your executor to find it after your death. This will prevent confusion or disputes over the contents of your will. You should also share its location with your executor, so that they know where to look. It is also a good idea to have a backup copy of your will, in case the original is lost or damaged.
There are a number of companies that offer will writing solicitors for will writing near me services, but they are not regulated by the Law Society and so there are few safeguards in case things go wrong. One option is to find a company that belongs to the Institute of Professional Will Writers, which isn’t a regulator but does have a code of practice that members agree to follow.
Choosing a solicitor for will writing near me can be a difficult decision. There are several factors to consider, such as a firm’s experience and reputation. Some law firms specialise in wills and probate, while others have a broader range of legal expertise. You can find out more about a firm by visiting its website and reading customer reviews. It is also worth looking at a firm’s accreditations, size, notable cases, Legal Ombudsman and disciplinary records.
The best way to choose a solicitor for will writing near me is to use an online search engine such as ReviewSolicitors. It will provide a list of firms that meet your criteria, and it takes into account things such as customer ratings, area of expertise, notable cases, Legal Ombudsman complaints and disciplinary records.
