Lawson-West solicitors have previously written about the potential problems of using unregulated Will Writers to draw up your Will instead of solicitors.
A recent BBC Panorama programme investigated Will Writers and uncovered evidence of Will Writers visiting clients at home with the promise of a low cost Will, but then some Will Writers on a home visit will were also charging extra for additional services such as:
• Power of Attorney
• Protecting your home from being sold to pay for care home fees
• Conveyancing
• Will storage
• Probate
• Trusts
• Some were charging extra to be made an executor of your Will or were insisting on being made an executor.
The main problem with some Will Writers that they do not necessarily have indemnity insurance so if anything goes wrong, there is no means of redress.
At Lawson-West all Wills are drafted under supervision of a solicitor and we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and, for added peace of mind, also have indemnity insurance in the very unlikely event of something going wrong.
Lawson-West also offer the following services:-
• Will Storage – we will store your will for no extra charge if you make your will with us;
• Free initial consultation so you can talk through your Will with no obligation;
• Will signing – we will provide witnesses;
• Will copies – if you make your Will with us, we will give you a copy at no extra cost;
• Identifying problems – we will be able to recognise any potential pitfalls with the Will you want to make and will talk these through with you to find a solution;
• Clarity – we will draw up your Will to be as clear and jargon-free as possible. Sometimes it will be necessary to use a specific legal term but we will ensure that your Will is as clear and easy to understand for your executors as possible.
• Challenges to your Will – Wills can be challenged after your death if your relatives suspect you lacked capacity or were under undue influence by a specific person so we will make it clear that any doubts about your Will are removed so reducing the chance of any challenges;
• Choice of executors – we will not insist that you make Lawson-West an executor of your Will and will ensure that you have the executors you choose;
• We can also draw up a Living Will (advance medical directive) which outlines medical treatment you may wish to have or wish not to have or appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapable;
• We can also draw up Lasting Powers of Attorney if you wish to appoint someone to act on your behalf.
If you would like to make a Will, please call 01858 445480 now or complete one of the on-line forms. You can make an appointment at any of our branches in Market Harborough, Wigston or on Uppingham Road in Leicester. We can also arrange a home or hospital visit if you are unable to attend any of our offices due to your ill health.
