how long does
it take to write?
This can depend entirely on the complexity of the estate and the advice
needed but for the sake of argument lets suggest the average Will is often
completed and returned ready to sign in 28 days. Where your circumstances
dictate, it may be done a lot quicker. Your Will Writer will need to take your
instructions, consider your estate plan, provide advice, provide a draft Will
(if their terms and conditions state this), get this checked by you, make any amendments and then provide
the final bound copy ready for signing.
How often
should you
review it? It is the advice of the Society of Will Writers that you review your Will every
three to five years to take into account changes in personal circumstances.
For example, the addition, or even exclusion of any children, grandchildren,
property, or even businesses Some people review it more regularly than
this and others less often.
where should
you keep it? This is entirely up to you. You are not obliged to store your Will with your
Will Writer but often, if they use a facility like The National Will Archive, then
this can be a good idea. If you store your Will at home make sure that your
executors will know where to look when you’re not around. Make sure it’s
not in a place where it can be easily lost or damaged.
Someone with an ulterior motive (perhaps wanting to destroy the Will) shouldn’t be able to access the Will
from a professional store.
How do you
change a will?
If you have a letter of wishes (for low value gifts) this can be rewritten
and stored with the Will. Changes to the Will however, are a little more
complicated. Minor changes can be made by way of a codicil. Your Will
Writer can advise you of this. Often you might be better completely rewriting
your Will. Remember – a new Will shall supersede/revoke a old Will.
Important note
Remember that if you meet with your Will Writer in your home or place of
work you will be entitled to a statutory cooling off period of 14 days. That
means you have 14 days within which you can cancel and are entitled to
a full refund. Please note that this might be slightly different if you give your authority for the work to begin
straight away – see their terms and conditions.
Your Will is made valid by the attestation/signing process. Certain legal formalities must be met and they are
listed under S.9 Wills Act 1837. When signing any new Will it will need to meet this criteria. If your Will Writer
is an SWW member then they will help you with this or provide signing instructions.
For help locating a Will Writer in your local area visit:
www.willwriters.com or call 01522 687 888
The Society of Will Writers
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