Free will vs paid will

Olinda99

the link was 'dies without a will'

Marcon

GSTAR said:

Hi all,

I'm looking to help my mum arrange a will for herself.

Her circumstances are not that complicated. She is married, but separated. She owns her own property outright (as a sole owner). All of her possessions are her own. We're looking at a total estate value of max £300k. She wishes to leave her estate to her 6 children in equal shares.

She is a pensioner receiving pension credit. I was wondering whether it would be a good idea to get a free will (from somewhere like https://www.freewills.co.uk)? Or is it more "safer" to get a paid will from a solicitor's firm? The only issue there is the cost involved, which she might struggle to afford. 

Appreciate any advice on this matter.

Judicially (aka legally) separated (ie was there a court order), or simply not living together any more?

FlorayG

Take no notice of people asking for details of your mother's situation. The answer to your question is, use a solicitor. That doesn't mean you can't get a will for free ( although if it turns out to be complex there may be a charge on top of the 'free' amount, they will tell you if you ask before you start) but do NOT use the 'free will' companies that advertise online, these are only suitable for the simplest wills that say " I leave everything I own to X"

Olinda99

FlorayG said:

Take no notice of people asking for details of your mother's situation. The answer to your question is, use a solicitor. That doesn't mean you can't get a will for free ( although if it turns out to be complex there may be a charge on top of the 'free' amount, they will tell you if you ask before you start) but do NOT use the 'free will' companies that advertise online, these are only suitable for the simplest wills that say " I leave everything I own to X"

I think Elon Musk has enough money

FlorayG

Olinda99 said:

FlorayG said:

Take no notice of people asking for details of your mother's situation. The answer to your question is, use a solicitor. That doesn't mean you can't get a will for free ( although if it turns out to be complex there may be a charge on top of the 'free' amount, they will tell you if you ask before you start) but do NOT use the 'free will' companies that advertise online, these are only suitable for the simplest wills that say " I leave everything I own to X"

I think Elon Musk has enough money

Made my day, thank you for the laugh 

Guzzibear916

I have recently arranged a new will using the National Free Wills Network and would like to point out that whilst I could have received this for no financial outlay it was always my intention to provide my chosen charity with a suitable one- off donation. What I was surprised to discover is that whilst the solicitors do this at a reduced cost this cost is then passed on to the charity with the anticipation that the recipient will donate at least the cost of the will or leave the charity a more substantial gift in the will. I would still have used this service even if I had known about the financial aspects and maybe it was naïve of me to think it was all done for "free" but I think others should be made aware of this.