Over 70% of the UK's population do not have a Will. If this applies to you, there is a risk that your wishes for your loved ones may not be met. In this situation, the government will ultimately determine who benefits from your estate.
How to draft a Will
There are a number of different ways in which you can draft your Will.
Choices available for making a Will
Do it yourself
We strongly advise you not to write your own Will. Although you may feel that it is quite straightforward, homemade Wills can too often create expensive estates.
We recommend that you:
Do not use pre-prepared packs
Do not select a company that does not use a solicitor to draft your Will
Use a Will writing and probate specialist company such as itc.
The largest probate company in the UK
Solicitors will take your instructions over the phone
They will not insist that you appoint them as executor
They will keep you informed when you should update your Will
For further information on itc's service please click on the following link: http://www.itclegal.co.uk/
Use a solicitor
They will agree to a fixed price for drafting the Will and do not usually insist on being named as executor. Make sure you choose a firm that specialises in Wills and probate.
Use a bank
Although the fees for drafting a Will are often reasonable, the cost of the bank acting as executor can be more than a solicitor. However, if you already have a close relationship with your bank, you may prefer to use their service.
Page Last Updated : 19/03/08