Should you use a Solicitor to write your Will?
As a law firm, our immediate answer would almost certainly be ‘Yes!’
However, there are genuine reasons you should instruct a legal professional to write your Will for you, as opposed to using a DIY Will kit or using an unregulated Will writer that may canvass your business door to door. Our Head of Wills, Trusts and Estates, Tim Bailey goes into further detail:
Using a Solicitor or a Chartered Legal Executive to write your Will offers many benefits:
Legal expertise: Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives are legal professionals who specialise in estate planning and wills and have years of experience behind them.
Our Will and Probate Solicitors possess in-depth knowledge of all applicable laws and regulations, ensuring that your Will is drafted correctly and is completely legally binding. We will guide you through the process, offer advice, and address any legal complexities or concerns that may arise.
Tailored advice: Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives will provide personalised advice based on your specific circumstances.
All our advisers here at Butcher & Barlow will take the time to understand your specific circumstances and your objectives. We will take into account factors such as your assets, liabilities, family situation, and any unique considerations you may have to ensure that your Will accurately reflects your wishes and addresses any potential issues or complications.
Comprehensive estate planning: Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives will assist you in considering various aspects of estate planning beyond just the Will.
Once we have considered your circumstances and objectives, we will help you understand the potential inheritance tax implications of each proposed scenario and explore strategies to mitigate tax liabilities. This could include advice on establishing trusts, setting up Powers of Attorney, and making provisions for incapacity or long-term care.
Clarity and precision: Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives will ensure that your Will is drafted with clarity and precision, minimising the likelihood of ambiguity or misinterpretation.
This can help prevent future disputes among beneficiaries and ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.
Regular updates: Laws and regulations related to Wills and estate planning can change over time.
By instructing Butcher & Barlow to write your Will for you, you can benefit from our expertise and stay informed about any legal updates that may affect your Will. We will help you review and update your will periodically to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your current circumstances.
Executor guidance: When you appoint an Executor in your Will, a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive can provide guidance to the nominated individual or act as the Executor themselves.
This can help streamline the probate process and provide professional support to your loved ones during what can be a challenging and emotional time.
Peace of mind: Instructing a Solicitor or Chartered Legal Executive to write your Will offers peace of mind that your final wishes will be legally recognised and properly executed. Knowing that your affairs are in order can alleviate stress and ensure that your loved ones are provided for according to your intentions.
At Butcher & Barlow we have a team of Solicitors and Chartered Legal Executives across the North West who can help you put your affairs in order and plan for your future and that of your family. We can offer home visits to those who are unable to get to one of our 11 offices.
Once your Will is properly signed and executed, we will store this for you at no extra charge, providing you with a copy for your records.
For more information on making a Will, you can read our blog: Making a Will – the steps explained.
If you would like an initial no obligation conversation regarding Wills, or would like to instruct us to write your Will for you, contact us on 0161 764 4062 or email us at enquiries@butcher-barlow.co.uk. Alternatively, you can use our contact form and someone will be in touch shortly.
