Why make a will?
It is important to make a will whether or not you consider you have much to leave. Many people never make a will because they assume everything will go to their spouse, partner or children - but this isn't always the case. If you die without a will, there are certain rules which dictate how the money, property or possessions should be allocated and this may not be the way you would have wished your money and possessions to be distributed. It is essential you make plans for the money you leave when you die, however large or small the amount may be. To make sure your money and possessions go to the people and or organisations you choose, it is important to make a will.
How much does making a will cost?
Making a will is quite straightforward. A solicitor can help you draw one up - you can find solicitors' names in the Yellow Pages or by visiting the Law Society website and searching for wills and probate solicitors in your area. The fee for drawing up a will vary between solicitors and also depend on the complexity of the will. Before deciding who to use it is always advisable to check with a few local solicitors to find out how much they charge.
If you are a member of a trade union, you may find that the union offers a free will writing service.
In England and Wales you may qualify for help with the legal costs of making a will under the legal help scheme if you are eligible on financial grounds. Further information about the scheme can be provided by your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Why consult a solicitor?
It is generally advisable to use a solicitor to prepare your will to make sure it will have the effect you want. This is because it is easy to make mistakes when preparing your own will. If there are errors, it can result in the will being invalid and having no effect or considerable legal costs are likely to be incurred in sorting out the problems and any disputes. Above all you are going to want your wishes carried out exactly as you intended. You will want your will to be watertight and free from legal snags. That is why we always recommend using a solicitor.
Can I change my will?
If you already have a will, you can make minor changes by way of a codicil. Your solicitor will be able to help you with this. A codicil is a supplement to a will and must be signed and witnessed in the same way as the will, but the witnesses need not be the same as for the original will. If anything substantial needs to be changed you should make a new will. It is important to never make alterations on a will. Any change must be by codicil or a new will should be made.
