Why Make A Will?
Without a will, your estate might not be managed according to your wishes.
By doing so, you can make concrete decisions about what you want for both your finances as well as for the future of your loved ones.
Drafting your own will may be less expensive but is it right for your specific situation?
If you’re considering writing a will on your own (the legal term is a “do-it-yourself will”) you may be wondering what you need to do and where you should look for help if you need it. Here is some guidance, including the situations when it’s perfectly fine to go DIY and when it’s time to call in a pro.
Without a will, your estate might not be managed according to your wishes.
By doing so, you can make concrete decisions about what you want for both your finances as well as for the future of your loved ones.
With a will, you can even name guardians for your children and provide for your dependents, keeping them financially safe no matter what.
Having a will gives reassurance. It eliminates doubt and ensures your wishes are carried out to the letter.
Writing a will may seem simple, but there are some key things you should make sure to include in your document. Here’s what you should know before you take the DIY approach.
There are many types of wills simple, joint, mirror, or complex and the one that’s right for you will depend on your family, your estate and your goals.
A poorly conceived will may not be recognized as valid, so you want it to suit your own needs and be clearly and accurately written. If you’re unsure where to start, professionals who can write a will Chelmsford residents can trust are available to guide you through the process.
A will need to be signed with two witnesses, who do not receive under it. Otherwise, your will could be found to be invalid.
You must be of sound mind to create a valid will. If a question arises about your capacity when you sign the will, it may be challenged later.
You’ll need to consider local inheritance laws if you own property or assets in another country. Different countries deal with foreign wills in different ways so it’s important to get advice and guidance to prevent problems arising later.
If your finances are fairly simple, you may not require legal help. But unless your estate comprises trusts, foreign property, complicated arrangements, professionals are strongly advised.
Of course, after you’ve written your will, be sure to store it in a secure, accessible location and keep reviewing it especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce or children.
Some people elect to place their will with a solicitor or with the will-writing service that drafted it to help make it easier to find when it is needed.
Maintaining it and updating it as necessary will minimize confusion and keep your wishes accurate.
If your estate is simple and your desires are uncomplicated, it is feasible to write your own will, using online templates or will kits.
But nothing beats professional legal advice to ensure everything is on the up and up.
Creating your own will is an alternative, but only if you really feel comfortable with the legal process. Errors may create unnecessary anxiety for your family and/or costly litigation.
A DIY will may be valid if done right. But it does have to be signed and witnessed correctly. If not, your desires may not be fulfilled.
Will Writing Services And Valuation Of Property
Our Chelmsford will writing team is also able to advise on estate planning and property and inheritance issues.
Whether you need assistance writing your first will or you’re ready to review existing documents, we’re here to help at every step.
One Question We Are Regularly Asked When Considering To Make A Will Is “Can I Write My Own Will?”
The short answer: Yes, you can but you shouldn’t.
Unless your affairs are extremely straightforward, writing your own will is a risk. And small errors have a way of snowballing into major problems later.
If you’re thinking about creating your first will, or revising an older one, it helps to have a second pair of eyes on the document. And then you can be sure, that way, that your wishes will be carried out just as you’d specified.
Do You Require A Solicitor To Write A Will?
You won’t always require the services of a solicitor but there are situations where obtaining expert advice is a wise move.
If your will is complicated because you have trusts, a blended family, international assets or a large estate, professional help can save you from making crucial mistakes.
A solicitor or regulated will writer can advise on complex decisions, ensure that your will is legal and bring you peace of mind.
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