Make a Will with a Solicitor
Two warnings to will writing solicitors have been issued of late:
1) A practicing solicitor says that solicitors should stick to what they know and not dabble in areas they THINK they understand. Both probate and will writing require specialists.
2) Solicitors are not all that good at Will Writing as they assume
3) Solicitors have been reminded that they must be totally honest when inviting clients to use their probate services:
- They must make it clear that there is no requirement to use a solicitor for probate
- They must make it clear that the client or their executors can go elsewhwere for help after your death
- THEY MUST DISCLOSE HOW THEIR CHARGES WILL BE CALCULATED – which will normally be an hourly rate (typically £200 to £300 an hour) plus a “responsibility commission” which can triple the hourly rate depending on the value of your assets and the amount of work needed.
- If they are appointed jointly with a family member, they must make it clear that this will not result in any savings, as the solicitor will still have to check everything as it is his professional reputation is at stake.
Our advice is ALWAYS leave the family in charge if at all possible, but encourage them to either go to your favourite solicitor or shop around (and come to us!!) This way round the FAMILY are in charge, the other way round you will never guess who is in TOTAL charge – or perhaps you will – it is the solicitor!