Getting a Solicitor to Write a Will
Most people who decide to write a will go to a solicitor. They most often arrive unprepared and with little idea of what they want in their will. This is understandable as most of us don’t want to think about dying and what will happen to our belongings when the time comes. However, if you have decided to get a solicitor to write your will there are many things you can do beforehand to make it easier all round.
You need to make several lists. The first list should be that of your estate. This is simply everything you own, including your share of anything you jointly own. Start the list with the most valuable and important items. This will most likely be your house, which you may own jointly with your spouse. Other items of importance and value will likely include savings in banks, other property, a car, etc. List them all, right down to the lesser items such as your favorite CDs.
Your next list should be one that places your intended beneficiaries in order. These are the people who will receive the items of your estate when you die. It is usual that your spouse and children will inherit the more important and valuable items. Give this list careful thought; you probably won’t please everyone, but problems and difficulties can be avoided if you give yourself time to think it through.
You may have a family solicitor and that is usually the first choice for most people. However, if you shop around you may find a solicitor who charges less and who may in certain ways be more suitable for writing your will. Remember that you are not tied to any one solicitor and it is in your best interests to find the one who is best for you.
Getting a solicitor to write a will, or help you write a will, has the advantage of making updates and amendments easier. Whenever any major changes occur in your life it is usually necessary to change your will to reflect this. A solicitor can make this an easy and inexpensive task.
Your solicitor will usually keep the original will for safekeeping. It is also advisable to have your will registered with a central will register. Make use of your solicitor’s expertise when writing a will, then relax knowing that everything has been taken care of.
Resources:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Death/Preparation/DG_10029800
http://www.certainty.co.uk/find-a-solicitor/