What’s in it for them?

[carreauchompeur]

A while back I took up an offer from a national company offering free wills for keyworkers. There was a long online form which I didn’t get around to completing fully, and other priorities have taken over.

They’ve been repeatedly emailing me, I had a call offering assistance and they seem exceptionally keen for me to get it done.

What’s in it for a company like this?!

[barryrs]

Are they nominated executor by using the free service?

If they are I suspect the fee payable by your estate will be sizeable.

[carreauchompeur]

barryrs said:

Are they nominated executor by using the free service?

If they are I suspect the fee payable by your estate will be sizeable.

Ah, that may be it

[knk]

Farewill?

They have very low overheads and the £10/yr update service + some paying £90 for an initial will provides their income.

Very suitable for a uncomplicated will.

[knk]

And they do provide a service as executor, again, low cost but probably suitable for a simple will.

[anonymous-user]

The key reason for cheap or free Wills is offering to keep the signed Will in the firm's safe so that it doesn't get "mislaid". Then, when the person dies, pretty much whoever the executors are they'll be likely use the same firm to deal with probate etc. After all, "They were Aunty's solicitors so I'm sure it's what she would have wanted". But yes, avoid appointing a solicitor or other professional as executor if you can. And if they are appointed, try to do as much of the legwork as possible yourself. No point paying £200 and hour (plus VAT and expenses) for someone to do administrative stuff with banks, utilities, insurance etc.

IMO if you want a cheap Will you can buy a kit from W.H.Smith or online from Amazon to cover the ground. If you want a decent Will then pay a solicitor to do it properly, not as a loss-leader exercise in the hope of more business later.

Free MOT for your car, Sir? Free safety check? Not if I can help it...

[chip*]

rockin said:

The key reason for cheap or free Wills is offering to keep the signed Will in the firm's safe so that it doesn't get "mislaid". Then, when the person dies, pretty much whoever the executors are they'll be likely use the same firm to deal with probate etc. After all, "They were Aunty's solicitors so I'm sure it's what she would have wanted". But yes, avoid appointing a solicitor or other professional as executor if you can. And if they are appointed, try to do as much of the legwork as possible yourself. No point paying £200 and hour (plus VAT and expenses) for someone to do administrative stuff with banks, utilities, insurance etc.

IMO if you want a cheap Will you can buy a kit from W.H.Smith or online from Amazon to cover the ground. If you want a decent Will then pay a solicitor to do it properly, not as a loss-leader exercise in the hope of more business later.

Free MOT for your car, Sir? Free safety check? Not if I can help it...

Yes, any mention of "free" offer or advice raises my spidery senses especially involving the legal or financial services. That old saying, there's no such thing as a free lunch..

Edited by chip* on Sunday 19th July 14:32

[JulianPH]

chip* said:

Yes, any mentions of "free" offer or advice raises my spidery senses especially involving the legal or financial services. That old saying, there's no such thing as a free lunch..

Here you go!



Or if you don't fancy this, and it is a Sunday, then here is another!