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Will Writing: The Dangers Of Free Will Templates, DIY, & Unqualified Drafters

Will Writing: The Dangers Of Free Will Templates, DIY, & Unqualified Drafters

Recent figures published by the Legal Ombudsman suggested that up to 180,000 Wills are created by non-lawyers every year.

This means that more people are asking Google ‘how to make a Will’, downloading free Will templates, or employing unqualified, unregulated, and uninsured people to draft these vital documents for them.

Our Will solicitors have outlined four issues that can arise out of making your own Will, or employing a non-lawyer to write it for you.

DIY Will Writing Issue 1: Family Disputes

Poorly drafted Wills or trusts can lead to difficult disputes between family members. If you write your own Will you run the risk of family members misinterpreting your final wishes and your estate being distributed incorrectly. Ultimately, misinterpretations can lead to disagreements.

DIY Will Writing Issue 2: Expensive Errors

When alternative dispute resolution techniques fail to resolve such conflicts they can escalate into civil litigation cases in the family court, which can be extremely expensive and drawn-out.

At Else we charge just £150+vat for a single Will and £250+vat for a pair of Wills for a couple. This is a small price to pay when you realise a dispute resolution solicitor’s hourly rate can be as much as £250+vat per hour.

DIY Will Writing Issue 3: A Growing Problem

Almost 15% of all the cases that the Legal Ombudsman resolved in 2013-14 were related to Wills and Probate complaints. 55% of these cases related to Wills that were drafted ‘informally’.

DIY Will Writing Issue 4: Lack Of Regulatory Protection

Although it is legal for non-lawyer Will-writers to practice (and there are some very experienced professionals) they are not subject to the same regulations as Will solicitors and may not be covered by appropriate professional indemnity insurance.

If you would like to discuss a matter with one of our Will solicitors please call 01283 526200. Alternatively, you can send us a message and we will get in touch at a time that suits you.

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Dispute Resolution Client

``I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent service provided to me by Kathryn Caple and an Else Solicitors team. I could not have completed my father’s estate and his Will processing without their
kind help while I am leaving in USA.

Kathryn is one of the shining examples of professionalism, caring and knowledgeable person. She listened, advised and kept me informed throughout the process dealing with my father’s estate. I am very pleased with the quality, responsiveness and extensive legal expertise of Kathryn.

A massive thanks to Kathryn and Else Solicitors Team! I would highly recommend their service.

On my personal note, I really enjoyed working with Kathryn. I could not be more satisfied.”

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Wills & Probate Client

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Wills & Probate Client

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Mr Terry Wills & Probate Client

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Russell Jeans Probate Client

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Construction Client Construction - Retention Monies

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Angelica Duncan Director - Chameleon School of Construction

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Debt Recovery Client

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A massive thank you once again! Would highly recommend!``

Debt Recovery Client

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Chris and his team,have been professional and supportive throughout and where needed have been prompt in their responses, often at late notice.
I was really pleased with their approach to helping myself and my Business Partner Paulene navigate the pages and pages of contracts and break them down into plain English where needed!
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Amanda Jarvis-Doyle Ethical Property Partners (Property Consultant)

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We would not hesitate to use their services again.``

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``Laura and the team have become an excellent asset to our finance department over the last year. They have helped us recover debts in full from 2 particularly difficult payers that we had no hope of recovering ourselves! They make the process simple and easy to follow, and always have a quick, helpful reply when we need something clarified. I would recommend Else Law to anyone who needs additional help with pursuing uncooperative customers because so far they have a 100% success rate with us!``

Debt Recovery Client

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We would highly recommend any business based outside of the UK, who has a troublesome UK client, to consider using Else Solicitors (Laura!) to resolve their issue quickly and efficiently.”

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Debt Recovery Client

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Wills and Probate Client

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Else offer an outstanding service which we have used for over 5 years. We would thoroughly recommend their service without hesitation.``

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