Talk to me about a Will

[Rick101]

Think it's about time I got a Will sorted. 2 kids (12 & 13) to a horrible ex (not married and no parental responsibility) and a long term GF I should look after.

Phoned round a couple of local solicitors. Receptionist usually less than helpful and just states rough price (£3-400) rather than telling me what it actually includes.

I've also seen banks offer Will's in the past on a £99 deal though aware this may be some slimmed down option.

Can anyone advise what the important points are, what a reasonable about to pay is etc.

Thanks

Rick
34 and overweight.

[A common lawyer]

Rick101 said:

Think it's about time I got a Will sorted. 2 kids (12 & 13) to a horrible ex (not married and no parental responsibility) and a long term GF I should look after.

Phoned round a couple of local solicitors. Receptionist usually less than helpful and just states rough price (£3-400) rather than telling me what it actually includes.

I've also seen banks offer Will's in the past on a £99 deal though aware this may be some slimmed down option.

Can anyone advise what the important points are, what a reasonable about to pay is etc.

Thanks

Rick
34 and overweight.

Local sols are a good place to start, but I would definitely get a recommendation from someone if you can. In fairness to the receptionists, people's circumstances can vary massively, and the level of complexity can greatly affect difficulty and thus cost, so a vague figure is all they can really do. That budget sounds vaguely sensible though.

People on here may have local recommendations for a probate specialist, I can recommend one in the south west if that's your neck of the woods.

[anonymous-user]

From your description of your circumstances, you should definitely seek advice from a good local solicitor who specialises in such matters.

As above, the cost can vary considerably, depending on your circumstances, but the cost is likely to be small beer, when compared to the heartache, and possible unnecessary tax that would be incurred if you died without a will, or with a will that doesn't adequately reflect the complications involved, and there clearly are some complications, by the sound of things!

[davek_964]

I did mine last year - cost me about £200 to a local solicitor. That was for a will which was about as simple as possible - leave everything to my g/f.
My local solicitor also keeps a copy of the will (for free) which I don't think is always the case.

[Ozone]

OP if cost is important, and if you can wait until November, it is Will Aid month where the Will writing prices are reduced and what you spend is donated to Charity.

[Claudia Skies]

Inkyfingers said:

From your description of your circumstances, you should definitely seek advice from a good local solicitor who specialises in such matters.

^^^ This is sound advice. Do it.

[Rick101]

Thanks all. Regards the tax efficient Will, if the rules change in the next 50 years, do I have to redo it to suit each time?

Gf is also interested in doing one. Worth getting both done by the same person at the same time. It's unlikely that our wishes will reflect so won't be a mirror Will.

I'm in York if anyone can offer a recommendation.

Thanks

[Claudia Skies]

Rick101 said:

Regards the tax efficient Will, if the rules change in the next 50 years, do I have to redo it to suit each time?

Yes. Unfortunately the rules change with monotonous regularity so you need to keep an eye on things. However, "something" is usually better than "nothing".

[dalenorth]

We refer many of our national clients to a firm we've used for years, the girl is really personable and efficient. Let me know if you want her details.

[ClaireWS]

dalenorth said:

We refer many of our national clients to a firm we've used for years, the girl is really personable and efficient. Let me know if you want her details.

Hi Rick

I'm the girl referred to above! If you want to PM me your contact number I can give you a call to talk you through the process. We charge £200 plus VAT for a couples Will irrespective of whether they mirror each other or not and will provide all the advice you need free of charge - then it's up to you what you decide to do.

[Rick101]

Hi Claire, yes will do. Half term this week so a bit tied up but will be in touch.

Thanks