Updating Wills

[garreth64]

My parents made mirror wills back in 1991. Now, they want to make some changes.

The solicitors who produced them are no longer around, and my parents hold the paper copies themselves. The changes are only minor, and the wills are straightforward.

They are not sure how best to go about this, and have asked me for advice. I've never looked into this before and haven't even done one myself (yes I know I should).

Do they get the existing wills amended, or add a codicil I believe it is called, or start from scratch with new wills? They have also been looking at some of the online will writing services, but I have some scepticism re these.

They have also given me an advert from a local solicitor referring to leaving the half of their estate in trust to their children, but can be used by the surviving partner. This is called a property trust will and apparently has benefits.

Just looking for some advice as to how best to proceed and get things done properly?

[bad company]

The advice is obvious really. Get the wills re done by a proper solicitor experienced in will writing and private client work. Do not go to a generalist, a will writing firm or try DIY. Solicitors don’t charge much for wills but mistakes can be very costly.

Start your search here:-

http://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk

[loafer123]

Just updating ours at the moment, and couldn’t agree more, having had a 30 minute call on Friday with our solicitor advising on the best options for us.

[Jockman]

Just did ours. £300 in total. Brand new fresh wills, last ones done in 2005.

As a courtesy, new Solicitor wrote to old one to inform of the new Wills. Original copies of new Wills stored by new Solicitor.