making a will

[Kent Ref]

Can i suggest that people make a will asap.

One of my family died without a will and it's caused mass problems. Epsecially as a house worth £550K and savings of £300,000 are involved.

My wife and i recently re-did our wills to include our grandchildren and a trust arrangement if one of us goes into care.

I would advise that people ring around for a quote first. We were quoted £1200 plus VAT to £300 plus VAT for the same thing.

One firm locally quoted £450 + VAT but their office 15 miles way quoted £700 + VAT. The same firm but 15 miles away. £300 difference.

Never take the first quote.

 

[es1]

Plenty of firms out there will do one for free (followed by attempted upselling).

But yes, get it done

 

[OnlyUseMeWhistle]

Your employer may offer a service too that will often be cheaper (mine was £120)

 

[Hilly1618]

Lots of charity organisations provide the service as well for free and a voluntary donation

 

[RefereeX]

One firm locally quoted £450 + VAT but their office 15 miles way quoted £700 + VAT. The same firm but 15 miles away. £300 difference.

Feels like this is a trap waiting for someone to incorrectly correct you...


Oh, and I would do a will, but I've literally nothing to give. Poor old me.

 

[Kent Ref]

Feels like this is a trap waiting for someone to incorrectly correct you...


Oh, and I would do a will, but I've literally nothing to give. Poor old me.

I incorrectly thought law firms charges would be regulated but they are not.

It pays to get quotes.

 

[RustyRef]

There's a good guide here. Solicitors absolutely are regulated, and you have protection if it goes wrong. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills/

This is a good option as you complete a questionnaire for the will to be created but it is then checked by a solicitor. Probably not the best option if you have a complicated estate, but fine for most people and only £60 or £90 for a couple. https://www.makeawillonline.co.uk/

 

[Kent Ref]

There's a good guide here. Solicitors absolutely are regulated, and you have protection if it goes wrong. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills/

This is a good option as you complete a questionnaire for the will to be created but it is then checked by a solicitor. Probably not the best option if you have a complicated estate, but fine for most people and only £60 or £90 for a couple. https://www.makeawillonline.co.uk/

I think you missed the point.

I know the work i ask to be done is regulated but what they charge is not regulated. They quote you and you either pay it or don't bother.

The same as a house for sale is worth "whatever somebody is willing to pay".

Our will was only complicated by the protective property trust we have set up and that costs more money than "mirror wills" which we had before.

 

[RustyRef]

I think you missed the point.

I know the work i ask to be done is regulated but what they charge is not regulated. They quote you and you either pay it or don't bother.

The same as a house for sale is worth "whatever somebody is willing to pay".

Our will was only complicated by the protective property trust we have set up and that costs more money than "mirror wills" which we had before.

Ah OK, I misunderstood. That's the same as anything in the legal profession though, some charge more than others. The quotes for the legal work we needed to buy our freehold varied by a huge amount, they were all offering the same service but the costs were vastly different.