What is a will writing service?
A will writing service provides customers with support in drafting a legally valid will. This ensures customers’ assets are distributed according to their wishes after their death. Will writing services in Derby have experienced, qualified will writers who understand estate planning laws in England and Wales. They can advise clients on how to structure their wills appropriately and ensure beneficiaries inherit as intended.
Why use a professional will writing service?
There are several important benefits for using an established will writing service over drafting a will yourself:
Legal expertise – Will writers are trained in inheritance tax law, intestacy rules, and requirements for valid will execution. They ensure all formalities are followed so the will holds up if challenged. An invalid will can result in unintended distribution under intestacy rules.
Impartiality – Will writers provide impartial advice without emotional attachment to beneficiaries. Clients may feel pressure from family members that could influence decisions if drafting their own will. Professionals ensure fair treatment of all beneficiaries.
Updates – Life changes like marriages, divorces, births and deaths may invalidate parts of a will or mean assets are left to people who have predeceased. Will writers provide an update service to amend wills to reflect clients’ current wishes free of charge.
Value for money – One-off fee will writing services work out more cost effective than hourly solicitor rates for drafting, executing and storing multiple will versions. Prices start from around £90-100 for a basic single will.
Storage – Many will writing services securely store original will documents and supply copies. This gives clients peace of mind their final wishes will be carried out. Original wills can otherwise get lost or destroyed over time.
Home visits – Housebound clients can have wills drafted in their own home by appointment through some will writing services. This provides convenience for elderly or disabled clients.
Support – experienced will writers are available to answer queries and make amendments if clients’ situations or wishes change after execution. This provides ongoing reassurance.
How does the will writing process work?
Most will writing services in Derby follow a similar process:
Initial consultation – Clients meet with a professionally qualified will writer to discuss their assets, wishes for distribution and appoint executors. This helps the writer understand clients’ circumstances.
Drafting – Taking notes from the consultation, the will writer drafts bespoke legal documents to match clients’ requirements. Wills typically cover areas like property, possessions, money and guardians for children.
Review – Clients review draft copies and discuss any changes needed. Testators check all details are correct before signing.
Execution – Wills must be properly executed in clients’ presence and signed by two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries, executors or their spouses.
Storage – Original signed wills are securely stored by the service, often for free. Copies are kept by clients for their records.
Updates – Changes can be made free of charge to reflect life events like births, deaths, marriages or divorces. Review periods are recommended, usually every 5 years.
Some trusted will writing services in Derby:
Lawsons Wills – Established local firm offering wills from £99 with home visits. Free storage and unlimited amendments.
Will Aid Derby – Join scheme where qualified solicitors draft basic wills for donation to charity. Helps those on low incomes plan estates.
Co-operative Legal Services – National brand providing wills from around £110 plus optional trusts. Online and postal execution services.
Will Store – Online will writers with video meetings. Packages from £59 include two original wills and full updates for life.
Farewill – Digital platform wills starting £79 with online signing. Storage and unlimited lifetime amendments included.
Making a will is a responsible step to take care of loved ones after death. Using an accredited local service provides reassurance will wishes are properly documented and carried out. Initial consultations are often free, so it’s worthwhile speaking to a professional will writer to understand options. Taking action now can save family unnecessary hardship in the future.