Writing a will

That was next on my list.
To ask if a solicitor actually advises on situations, suggests alternatives, and that kind of thing.

CanadianGran

I concur that you should go to a lawyer/solicitor. They think of things that you may not, and aren't terribly expensive.

An aunt of mine, childless, left everything to be divided between 11 nephews and nieces. Which sounds all very straightforward, but the will stated that if any of us should have died beforehand, our share should go to any children, ‘whether natural or adopted, legitimate or illegitimate’.

I expect that a solicitor advised this, to save any possible arguments in future. I don’t think I’d have thought of it for myself.

A bit different, but a friend of ours wanted to leave a house he owned outright, to a particular charity. His solicitor advised leaving the actual house to them, not the proceeds of the sale.

Otherwise, he said, they’ll be hassling the executors endlessly - why hasn’t it sold yet, why hasn’t it sold for more money? He was speaking from previous experience.
Again, probably not something I’d have thought of myself.

Thanks for clarifying.
I did kind of figure that you would ensure it was all legal and binding before choosing, that's what swayed me to follow suit.

I concur that you should go to a lawyer/solicitor. They think of things that you may not, and aren't terribly expensive.

Miss A. I didn’t make it clear. It was a solicitor who drew up our wills for £40 each.

It's OK, cabbie I'll not avoid fees.
I'll pay for the privilege of wearing someone else's nighty before being packed off to bed at 6.30pm. 😬

Oh thank you, both.
This is really helpful to a total novice.

No will writing companies then, for definite.

Even if the cost of a solicitor has tripled, or quadrupled since jamesandjon33 went, that's still far more reasonable than I expected.

We went to our solicitor. A mine of information and good advice. Saw loopholes etc where we did not. £100 each, about eight years ago. Absolutely watertight.

I think the main difference is that Will Writers aren’t regulated, solicitors are, and work to agreed standards.
A friend used a Will Writer, who persuaded her to use an expensive Trust, which completely failed in her purpose, which was to prevent her estate being used for care home fees.

I think I may go for the sort of middle ground that pensionpat opted for.

Certainly not because I'm well off either.

It makes sense, how you've changed yours over time, BigBertha, too.

Thanks, you are all being very helpful.
Sometimes I need a sounding board. Now I've several. Even better!

No danger of my will being lost. It is in possession and my nearest son, geographically, knows it is in my “sad file”

MissAdventure we started off with a DIY will and then a more complicated one which we paid for where the flaws in our first will was pointed out to us which scared us a bit. Later on we redid it adding Power of Attorney and greater clarity re children, step children, estranged child. Since then we have begun to think we need to look again in terms of a Trust. This is not because we have millions quite the opposite its juts that the law is tricky and what we have needs to be dealt with leaving no problems for our daughter if possible. Nearly all the charities offer a will writing service, possibly expecting a small legacy, also some Funeral Directors and solicitors offer a fixed price option. Whatever way I would urge you to get some professional advice.

Ah yes, thank you.
You've answered two of my thoughts in one go.

I think my will will (that sounds odd!) be more complicated, and I have heard that some of the charity offers are just for the easiest ones, with charges for each more complex situation as its added.

Not that i mind that.

And my favourite cheap skate option - the d.i.y method.

As long as it's down on paper, done properly, signed and with a signatory...

I have been advised to at least do that until I make my mind up.

I know a friend and her DH used a will writing company years ago, then found they’d gone out of business and their will was ‘lost’. Luckily, it was a long time ago, so they were able to do them again through a solicitor.

My Dad did a handwritten will on a form from WHSmith. He had neighbours witness it - but it was very simple - I’m an only child, owned his house and his Bank was happy to transfer his balance to me on sight of that will, death certificate and my proof of identity.

Can I also ask, is there a difference between a will writing company, and a solicitors, in terms of the legality?

If anybody knows, please?

Then we'll get down to the nitty gritty.

Oh thank you for that.

Isnt it typical, I've not had a single ad pop up for "wills" here on gransnet.

Still got that same woman whisking her cake mix, as she was in the summer.

You can also download a template and do it yourself. I wouldn't, for peace of mind use a solicitor.

Many charities offer free will writing service through solicitors. Generally the wills have to be straightforward or there is a charge.
Age UK have a helpful website here's a link to Age Scotland (for some reason I think you're in Scotland?)

www.agescotland.org.uk/information-advice/legal-support/free-will-writing-service

If not in Scotland Google "Age UK free wills" or any charity you like.

Good luck

Ah, thank you.
I think I'll try and find something similar to what you used.
I don't use Facebook, but maybe there will be ads in other places.

Probably some charity ones this time of year, I'd imagine.

I don’t comment very often but I always read the posts. I always enjoy yours😉

By the way, it's nice to see you.

Thanks, pat
That's helpful, because that's the method I'm swaying toward.

I used a company I saw advertising on Facebook. They charged £40 for making a Will. The £40 was the donation to a charity which they supported and was payable on the day that a solicitor came to the house and did the business. I think most firms do this. Of course he did try to get some extra business e.g. Power of Attorney. But that is fair enough. They emailed a draft Will to check it was satisfactory and then sent the official, paper document.