Query re willwriters

PaulLuke

Morning,

Not really sure where to post this question as it's not specifically about money saving but thought I'd ask anyway.

A relative passed away a couple of years ago and a new will came to light which had been executed a very short time before her death in hospital.

The individual who organised the new will (and benefited quite heavily from it) insists that the new will was drafted by a will writing firm and then e-mailed to her, so she could print it off and take it to the hospital for execution. However, she won't reveal the name of the firm.

I'm assured by a solicitor friend that she has never heard of profesional will writers emaling wills and has never seen a will where the drafter/company is not identified somewhere on the will.

My question to any will writers out there is does this sound correct and would it be as unusual as I'm led to believe for the will writers identify not to appear on the will?

Mojisola

I don't think it matters that there isn't a company name on the will. After all, you can write a will yourself if you want - not recommended but possible.

Sometimes there can be a problem with how the will is signed and witnessed. Make sure that was done properly - signed by your relative in the presence of the witnesses.

Do you feel that undue pressure was placed on your relative or that he/she may not have realised what they were signing? Have you spoken to the medical staff caring for him/her at the time?

Baggysdad

Get yourself down to a solicitor who knows what they are doing with wills and probate - and, with respect, that's not your friend.

From the information given, I can't tell whether anything is wrong, but the procedures followed have been sufficiently sloppy for someone who knows what they are doing to have a good go at this one.

B