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