Anyone used -- Exclusively Wills ?

wallofbeans

Hi All,

We are looking at getting wills done, and have quotes from local solicitors as part of Will Aid, so a little cheaper than usual.. but have also heard that this company 'Exclusively Wills' are okay.. has anyone heard of them or used them? They are local so would come to us and get all the details.

I want to get these done properly and so am unsure about these kinds of companies... Advice?

Thanks all...

McKneff

Sounds like they would be more expensive than your local solicitors.

Time for them to come out to see you would cost to start with,

Are you sure they arent one of these companies who look after your wills and take a fee every month for doing so.

Sounds a bit iffy,

I would stick with a local to be honest.

jackyann

Broadly speaking - see the Death & Probate board on here - most MSEers think that 'will writing companies' are a waste of money.
extremely simple = DIY
Anything else = use a proper solicitor who has the knowledge & skills you need, and professional insurance should anything go wrong.

Once the will is done, you can leave it with the solicitor, take it home to keep in a safe place (and tell your executors!) or (I believe, but this may have changed) you can lodge it with the Probate Office.

wallofbeans

McKneff wrote: »

Sounds like they would be more expensive than your local solicitors.

Time for them to come out to see you would cost to start with,

Are you sure they arent one of these companies who look after your wills and take a fee every month for doing so.

Sounds a bit iffy,

I would stick with a local to be honest.

They are cheaper than any local solicitor.. some sort of deal for members of NCT (National Childbirth Trust) so £99 including visit and that's for two of us... Emails with them haven't mentioned of any other costs... But yes, it does sound a bit iffy.. and that's why I'm here!

Here's there website, which doesn't help my confidence...
http://www.ewltd.com/

Although saying that, not many solicitors websites fill me with confidence either.. all these types seem a bit iffy if you ask me.. which is why its seems best to go on recommendation...

wallofbeans

Any other thoughts on this?
Is the general rule to avoid these types of companies?

rudkilou

I've just had the same offer through NCT - did you go with them in the end? How was the experience?

ed1178

Might be a bit late in the day, but personally if there is property of significant cash involved I'd use a solicitor every time. A good solicitor can assist with inheritance tax mitigation and all sorts of other complex issues. i doubt that will provided by some internet company are drafted by solicitors who have taken the time to understand your unique circumstances and consider how they might change in the future. A smile will at a solicitor can cost as little as £150. You might save £50 with an online company, but in the long run it could cost your family thousands.

Browntoa

Will writing companies hit you with huge probate fees etc

Flugelhorn

Browntoa wrote: »

Will writing companies hit you with huge probate fees etc

Do you mean the fee for getting probate ? that is nothing to do with he will writing company - it is £215 for an estate over £5K. Or is there another fee you are thinking of?

Browntoa

No , the big percentage fee they take for administration when executing.

And the long list of other possible fees.

And the fact that anyone can call themselves a"will writer" without any training , it's unregulated

Exclusively wills web site is totally lacking in information about fee structure , charges and costs

Flugelhorn

Browntoa wrote: »

No , the big percentage fee they take for administration when executing.

Of course that is another matter altogether - many solicitors get named as executors in the will which ends up costing £££ for the estate as well as leading to a much more drawn out process.

Best to avoid anyone other than family or friend being executors at all - they can always pay for help if needed, but if a professional is named then it is hard to get them to stand down