Need to update will

lovethepuppies

We did a free will at one stage. Honestly, it's so much better to get a solid will done by a lawyer. That was our experience at least.

Can you define better please?

Georgesgran

I suppose it depends on your estate - I’ve just done a new will at my Solicitor and scrapped the old one. The cost was £495. Before I did it, I was asked several questions about my ‘estate’ and based on my answers, I think a Charity would’ve expected more than the £495!
Years ago, friends took advantage of a £99 will offer, only to find they couldn’t track down the Company later.

I think it pays to go to a reputable solicitor, especially if there are several bequests, etc. On the other hand, my Dad who had very little to dispose of, did his own on forms he bought in WHSmith and had his neighbours witness it.

Why did your friends need to track down the company? Didn't they have the documen tthemselves ? My mum has done a charity free one ....she's been given the document so will never need the firm again....or am I missing something?

It depends on if its a simple will then go for a free one. But if its more complicated only use a solicitor to make it air tight.

Did you know anyone can constest your will up to 2 years after you die.

Don't forget to do both powers of attorney. I did my last will and both powers of attorney through a solicitor. I will not alter my will again. I didn't want my will being contested so had to do several things I never want to do again. Parts will only come into force if a family member contests it and goes to court. But then again they will not know when I die.

I'd choose a local solicitor, though, rather than one which offers services online even if they do seem to be genuine.

Yes my daughter and I both did free ones through a solicitor with a donation to charity Seems all ok to me

Make sure you use a solicitor as they are regulated, whereas a Will Writer is not. Twice a year, normally March and October, some solicitors offer a ‘ free will month’ in return for a donation to charity. Good idea.

Thank you so much for your replies. Our local hospice has this service so I think I will use them as my estate is modest and uncomplicated.

Our solicitor did our wills free very many years ago with a donation to a charity. It was a reputable firm and they were done properly but they were simple mirror wills.

I don't know how it works if you need something more complicated.

I suppose it depends on your estate - I’ve just done a new will at my Solicitor and scrapped the old one. The cost was £495. Before I did it, I was asked several questions about my ‘estate’ and based on my answers, I think a Charity would’ve expected more than the £495!
Years ago, friends took advantage of a £99 will offer, only to find they couldn’t track down the Company later.

I think it pays to go to a reputable solicitor, especially if there are several bequests, etc. On the other hand, my Dad who had very little to dispose of, did his own on forms he bought in WHSmith and had his neighbours witness it.

Btw - the hospice later wrote to thank me for my donation.

My solicitor advertises "free" wills but suggests a donation to a local hospice - there is absolutely no pressure to donate . He raises a considerable amount of money. I think it's commendable and the service didn't differ from any will I've made in the past. Maybe see if there's a solicitor you trust that offers the same service.

We did a free will at one stage. Honestly, it's so much better to get a solid will done by a lawyer. That was our experience at least.