So, you've decided to get a will prepared. What are your options and why use us?
You could buy a pack and prepare your will yourself;
You could use a cheap will writing company that fill your TV schedule with adverts or cold call you; or
You could use a qualified, regulated and expert Solicitor.
Why use a solicitor over the other two options?
Get it right
Using the wrong language and terms can be fatal to the will or cause bitter, expensive and very lengthy litigation after your death for your close family and friends. A will is supposed to make things easier after your death, not harder. All so often, wills prepared by unqualified will writers or at home end up with court proceedings. A solicitor has to have had years of training before being able to prepare a will. At Carreg Law, both Meinir and Carys have over 10 years’ experience each and can ensure your will really does what you want it to do.
Things you may not know
Solicitors also look behind the wishes placed in the will to ensure that you don't pay any more inheritance tax than you should or to ensure that vulnerable friends or family’s are cared for after your death. A will can also help protect other family members against nursing or care home fees. Meinir has this in-depth knowledge and experience and will ensure your will is prepared according to your personal needs and circumstances.
Clarity
An executor, the person who is entrusted to administer your estate in accordance with your will, needs clear instructions to understand exactly what it is they are to do. Very often it is important to use certain words or phrases that have been tested in court and to avoid any ambiguity. Wills that are drawn by a professional solicitor understand the terms and use them carefully.
Formalities
There are strict rules on how wills are to be signed and who the witnesses are and how they sign. It is very easy, too easy, to make mistakes at this point making the whole will invalid. Our team ensure that this important part is completed appropriately and validly.
Independence
Solicitors are entirely independent. We do not have connections with banks, building societies, charities, supermarkets or pension companies. We must operate independently and ensure that you get the correct advice and appoint the correct people or organisations as executors and beneficiaries.
Insurance
If, in the rare event we make a mistake, we have insurance to compensate you and a regulatory body (the Solicitors Regulation Authority) to complain to. This is important. Will writers are not always regulated and don't have to have insurance in place.
Safe storage
We are obliged by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to ensure we have safe storage for the wills we keep. Will writers do not. Again, this is important because it is the original rill that is required to get probate, not a copy. Keeping the original will safe is vital to your family and friends after your death.
Find out more about our will preparation service on our wills page.