April 16, 2025
reading time: 4 min
Finding Local Will writing Services: A Comprehensive Guide
April 16, 2025
reading time: 4 min
Finding Local Will writing Services: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding Local Will Writing Services: A Comprehensive Guide
More than half of people aged 60 and over in the UK do not have a Will. There are various reasons for this, some feel confident that even without a Will their estate will be distributed exactly as they would wish. Many people believe this will happen without a Will in place, but this does cause a problem. Passing on an estate to a spouse, children or grandchildren would seem to be the natural order of things but there can be complications with this. Others believe that Will Writing and Estate Planning are complicated and expensive and unnecessary for their personal circumstances. Many simply do not know where to start and who to trust with such an important matter and do not understand all the pros and cons of the options available on the market. This guide will help you find the best local Will Writing services to get the ball rolling.
Why Writing a Will Matters
Without a Will, the law decides who gets your estate, and sadly the system isn’t always as fair or as logical as you might hope. Writing a Will enables you to:
- Decide who inherits your money, property and possessions.
- Decide who will manage your estate on your death and ensure your wishes are actioned.
- Avoid family disputes.
- Name guardians if you have children under 18.
Plan ahead to possibly reduce Inheritance Tax. There are DIY kits available, but working with a professional Will-Writing service means fewer mistakes, expert advice and peace of mind.
Where to Start?
There are three main ways to have your Will written: hiring a solicitor or professional will writer, using online platforms and DIY templates. Each has its perks depending on your needs.
Before making your choice between these options, we recommend paying attention to the following important Tips for Finding Reliable Local Services:
1. Testimonials
Word of mouth is key: ask friends, family, or even your neighbours if they’ve used a service they’d recommend. If anyone can recommend a solicitor or Will writing service near you, based on past positive experiences, it can save you a lot of time and effort.
2. Do Your Research
If you are not able to find a recommendation, a quick online search can reveal reviews, testimonials, and ratings for local Will writing services. Look out for those with strong reputations and critically check negative reviews. Carefully examine whether they relate to the service or business you are looking for. Membership in professional organisations like the Society of Will Writers (SWW) or the Institute of Professional Will writers (IPW) can also be an indication that you will receive good quality service.
3. Check Qualifications
Make sure any solicitor you hire is registered with the SRA and that Will writing companies have professional accreditation. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
4. Ask About Costs
Be upfront—ask for a clear breakdown of fees. Ask about hidden costs or extra costs which could accrue. You do not want any surprise charges cropping up halfway through.
5. Look for Flexibility
Many services now offer home visits, which can be especially valuable if getting out and about is tricky for you.
Your Options
1. Solicitors or Will Writing companies
When things get complicated for instance you would like to exclude a child from the Will, have a complicated relationship, a family business, or expect an Inheritance Tax liability – professional help is your best bet. DIY templates or online Wills are not able to perform a complex analysis and consider all the risks that may arise. Getting your Will to deliver what you want may not always be as straightforward as you would naturally think; someone with experience in navigating complex cases, who will be able to draw out of you exactly what you want and make it legally binding can help no end.
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Will Writers by the Society of Will Writers (SWW) or by the Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW) to ensure they meet industry standards.
They can also help with things like Inheritance Tax planning and Trusts.
Of course, all that expertise comes at a price. Fortunately, we have created very affordable prices for our clients and extra special price packages for our clients aged over 60.
2. Online Will-Writing Services
For the tech-savvy, online platforms offer a fast and budget-friendly way to get your Will drawn up. These services usually guide you through a series of questions and provide a simple Will based on your answers. Some even offer optional expert reviews or consultations for an added fee.
While these may suffice for straightforward estates, they might not cut it for more complicated cases.
Thinking Beyond a Will
Writing a Will is a very important thing to do. However, there are also other parts of estate planning that are important to address.
1. Inheritance Tax Planning
If your estate exceeds a certain value, Inheritance Tax will come into play. A solicitor or professional Will Writer can help you explore ways to address efficient tax planning.
2. Choosing Executors
The Executor is a person who carries out the wishes of the testator in accordance with the terms set out in the Will. The testator can choose relatives or friends whom he knows and trusts to do the job well, and who will already know the family and beneficiaries and therefore be able to communicate easily with them.
3. Lasting Power of Attorney
When planning your estate, it is important to also consider Lasting Powers of Attorney. These essential documents enable trusted individuals to assist you in situations where you may lose the mental or physical capacity to act on your own. Both the Property and Financial Affairs and Health and Welfare Lasting Powers of Attorney cover critical aspects of your life and provide invaluable peace of mind.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it is easy to trip up when writing a Will. Here are some typical pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Procrastination: Life is unpredictable, but Will Writing is not a complicated matter; don’t put it off any longer.
- DIY Errors: A poorly written Will can lead to disputes and legal issues.
- Forgetting to Update: Major life changes like a marriage, divorce, or birth in the family might mean you need to update your Will. We recommend reviewing your Will every 3-4 years.
- Not Communicating: Make sure your executors know where your Will is stored and understand their responsibilities.
Writing your Will might not be the most exciting item on your to-do list, but it is one of the most important. Regardless of whether you decide to use a solicitor, a Will Writing company or an online platform, taking this step ensures that your wishes are honoured.
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