instead . Ensure you read the terms and conditions for any campaign before signing up .
For more information on ‘ free Wills ’ refer to our article , ‘ Is there such a thing as a free breakfast ?’: https :// www . willwriters . com / blog / thing-free-breakfast /
Contesting a Will
To contest a Will , you are likely to need legal advice . If you feel like you ’ ve been disinherited or haven ’ t inherited as much as you should have then speak with a solicitor who will provide you with advice .
They ’ re likely to start by looking into the case files held by the Will writer who produced the documents . They will be looking to identify what advice was given and what the intentions of the testator were . This letter is known as a Larke v Nugus letter . For more information on a Larke v Nugus letter then refer to this article written by the SWW : https :// www . willwriters . com / blog / larke-vnugus-2 /
Meeting your Will Writer
One of the key differences between a Will Writer and a Solicitor is that the Will Writer is more likely to meet with you in your home or place of work to take your Will instructions . As a result , any engagement you have with them will be governed by the Consumer Contract Regulations . Having the appointment in your home should put you a little more at ease and having your address before the meeting , the Will writer will be able to make checks with the land registry as to how the property is held .
Before the meeting you may
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The Society of Will Writers
also want to compile a list of how you would like your estate to be distributed and also what assets are comprised in your estate . You might want to list what life insurance policies you have , what pensions you pay into and what online accounts you have that might be valuable .
Who to choose ?
This is probably one of the most difficult things to decide and careful thought should be given to this . Don ’ t be frightened to ask questions to Will writers you propose to use .
Ask them if they subscribe to a Code of Practice and if they are a member of a self-regulatory body like the Society of Will Writers . Even if they say yes , don ’ t take this for granted . Feel free to ring our team and check . Check our website to see if they ’ re listed on there ( not all members choose to have a web listing ).
We would advise doing a web search for the company in question to identify what other people ’ s experiences are .
If you choose to use an SWW member , you should understand that we regulate individuals and not the company . As such the company is not a member . If you have a specific individual coming to see you check that the person is a member . They should be able to provide you with an up to date certificate of compliance and a membership ID card .
Don ’ t allow yourself to feel pressured by your Will Writer . Take time to think about the advice , remember you have a 14 day cooling off period if you ’ ve met the Will writer in your home . We would also encourage you to read all documentation through carefully before signing . Anything you don ’ t understand , you should ask about .
If you would like us to put you in touch with a member of the SWW then give us a call on 01522 68 78 88 .
Can I write a Will myself ?
The short answer is yes . Anyone can write their own Will in the same way that anyone can hold themselves out as a Will Writer . There are no formal qualifications needed but the subject of succession is an incredibly complex one and you should acknowledge the risks of writing your own Will . For more information on the dangers of ‘ DIY ’ Wills take a look at our article : https :// www . willwriters . com / blog / danger-diy-wills /
Members of the SWW undertake regular training to ensure their knowledge is up to date . The legislation governing our profession is complex and has wide reaching effects . Before you decide that you have a simple estate and therefore only need a simple Will speak to a legal professional for free and independent advice . Remember that you don ’ t need to proceed straight away .
How much is a Will or estate plan ?
People often think that they only need a basic Will and this is rarely