on line will's

slowrunner

I want to write my will and I don't want to pay rip off prices solicitors charge, mine quoted me £400 ish. I have looked on line and seen a few options. 10 minute will and another one that do it over the phone, it takes about 30mins and the charge is £89 I think they were called Will Drafters
Has anybody done it on line and is it recommended?

mrs_moneyspinner

I am thinking the same as you, but our financial advisor (and best friend) has said they can get us one for about £100 so maybe you should check some other solicitors. The advice we got was that the online/by post ones rely on you knowing what you want, where as a solicitor is giving you advice and ensuring you don't leave anything out that might be important - i.e. distant relatives making a claim on your estate, ensuring guardians/caretakers in the case of children, etc. I will watch this post with interest - good luck.

mah_jong

Is your will to be straight forward?

I ask because, a problem that we dealt with that took 3 years to sort out. It destroyed family connections, years later some wont speak to others and probably never will now. I would not wish that on anyone.

I did my will through a solicitor when I bought the house, its basic but does allow for what would happen should my beneficiaries die before I do.

I think 400 sounds dear, is it reasonable and competitive? Shop around get a couple more quotes.

Gers

Same as before - we are dealing with huge (emotional and financial) problems caused by a very unclear and old will and it's tearing family apart. Greed will always out when there are no clear instructions.

I had my very basic will done by solicitors at a cost of £125.00 plus VAT. Painless and swift.

We're having the same problems with pension and life insurance all set up badly or with bad advice, or worse, no advice at all - we can't quite clear that one up. Take time to do things properly. If you have an 'in service' death benefit make sure you have your 'expression of wishes' form is up to date and that your pension provider knows who gets your money too. Don't leave it to others to sort out after you're gone

formerchamp

I found this really informative as part of my studies for my law course:
http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/family_parent/family/wills.htm

Simple wills can easily be written by you and so long as you fulfil the "requirements for a valid will" and make sure people know where it is, in theory, you can do it yourself. That said, in theory I have a qualification that says I can do wills but I wouldn't do my own.

Ask around your friends for who knows a solicitor they trust, or look around, sometimes solicitors do a "will week" and offer deals. There is some help towards legal costs but it is very restrictive. The above link will give you the details.

And always remember, if you don't make a will someone you don't want to inherit, might and, worst of all, it could all go to the government.

Best of luck.

liitleblackcat

We used an online will service about 3 years ago for £99 for mirror wills with no complications. There was a questionnaire to complete and then a phone interview. I think you could easily do it yourself if it is straightforward (i.e. each partner inherits the other's and if both die at the same time (or within 30 days of each other) then children inherit equally. The hard part we found was deciding who would become guardians for our children as we didn't get on with anyone from either of our families that well...........but that's another story!

localhero

Your Will really ought to be tailored to your specific requirements via a face to face consultation.

An alternative to avoid paying excessive solicitors fees is to consider a professional Wilwriter.

Most should be avoided, but visit www.ipw.org.uk to find a member in your area who is properly qualified, regulated and insured.

Their fees will vary slightly, but most will visit you at home inclusive of the fee. :T

I must declare my interest here, as I am a member myself.