Five reasons you should use a solicitor to write your will

If you are thinking about writing a will, you may have considered doing it yourself. However, there are significant benefits to using a solicitor along with many pitfalls which can be avoided.

In this article, we look at five reasons to use a solicitor such as ourselves to write your will.

As solicitors we know what to ask?
The benefits of instructing us begin at the outset, it is not just the drafting of the will which is important. Writing a will is part of estate planning, and while it is a crucial part, there are many practical and legal matters you may also wish to get in order. We will consider all of the property and interests that make up your estate, ensuring that nothing is forgotten about. We will work with you to create a comprehensive will that accurately reflects your estate and your wishes. Did you know that in your will you can appoint guardians for your minor children?

Your will, will be properly drafted
A will is a formal legal document and, as a result, must meet certain legal requirements. While you may have read and understood what these legal requirements are, can you be confident that you will be able to meet them? If your will is not properly drafted, even the smallest error may render it invalid or leave it open to challenge. An invalid will would result in your estate being distributed in accordance with the rules of intestacy, which may not accurately reflect your wishes. This could result with people you would not wish to benefit receiving monies from your estate. You can save your loved ones difficulty later on and put your mind at ease by instructing us to draft your will properly.

As solicitors we can word the document correctly
Drafting a will is complicated. It requires careful wording and understanding to ensure that your wishes are reflected accurately. Many will disputes arise out of unclear wording, but by instructing Cullimore Dutton you can ensure that your directions are expressed clearly and not left open to interpretation.

As solicitors we understand how to draft a will for complex finances or family structures
If you have complicated finances, or you have even a slightly complex family structure, we would advise you to use a solicitor to draft your will. Drafting a will to account for stepchildren for example, can be complicated. If you prepare a DIY will, you could end up unintentionally leaving those closest to you with no inheritance. Did you know that if you are not married or in a civil partnership, your partner would not inherit from your estate unless you have a will which provides for them?

Inheritance tax planning and Powers of Attorney
As discussed above, writing a will is about more than just setting out where your property will go. With our specialist skills and knowledge you can also plan to mitigate your inheritance tax liability, allowing you to leave more behind for your loved ones. Similarly, when making a will, many people choose to make Lasting Powers of Attorney too. Lasting Powers of Attorney give you peace of mind that, should anything happen to you and you become incapable of managing your own affairs, you know your chosen attorneys will take care of your affairs as you wish.

If you would like a free initial consultation with one of our specialist Wills, Trusts & Estates team please call 01244 356 789 or email info@cullimoredutton.co.uk

Please note: This is not legal advice; it is intended to provide information of general interest about current legal issues.