How much does it cost for a solicitor to draw up your Will? The answer is not as much as you may think.

Having your Will prepared by a solicitor gives you peace of mind and could save your estate a good deal of unnecessary hassle and expense.

Ian Woodhouse, a Director of Hodgkinsons Solicitors in Skegness who specialises in the preparation of Wills and the administration of estates, says, “It’s completely understandable in this economic climate that people are seeking to keep their spending to a minimum. It’s very tempting to have a go at drafting your own Will but unless very strict rules are followed it’s likely your attempt won’t be worth the paper it’s written on. In those cases, the law decides to whom your estate is distributed which is often not what you would have chosen.”

Wills advertised at a bargain price by non-solicitors aren’t without their problems either. Ian says, “Very often so-called Will Writers aren’t legally qualified and we along with many other firms of Solicitors have come across many examples of bad drafting and mistakes in the Wills they have drawn up. Often, but not always, there are also hidden costs so the price in the advert isn’t necessarily what you will pay at the end of the day”.

Ian says that recent data released by Title Research shows that the Probate Registry in 2011 received over 15,500 Wills which failed to appoint an executor or the executor was unable or unwilling to deal with the estate . According to Ian, “The failure to appoint an executor again means that it is the law that decides who deals with your estate. If you appoint someone who doesn’t then want to act or dies before you do and no replacement is named in the Will this can cause a good deal of delay and extra expense to your estate.  You can do without that sort of upheaval at an emotional time when funds may be needed by the surviving spouse or other members of the family.”

Other problems can arise too. Ian explains, “DIY Wills and Probate, except in the very simplest of cases, are fraught with potential pitfalls. If someone is appointed as an executor where property or inheritance tax is involved it’s often wise to consult a solicitor who, after all, does the work for a living. I’ve always said that DIY dentistry is cheaper but you’re best leaving it to specialists!”

In 2011 Hodgkinsons Solicitors celebrated 30 years as the leading law firm in Skegness and the surrounding area. Wills are drawn up professionally, efficiently and at a fixed cost with no hidden charges. In the vast majority of cases a single Will costs £75 + VAT and a pair of so-called ‘mirror Wills’ cost £110 + VAT which is perhaps less than you might have thought.

Why not give us a ring today – we’re here to help.