What's the difference between will writers and solicitors?

[meboo]

I am currently booked in via will aid to see a solicitor next week to set up wills for both myself and my husband. After talking tonight about our wishes I think that it is not going to be straight forward and could possibly cost us more than the initial 'donation'. I just don't have that money. I have since seen people recommending a will writing service, but I have been led to believe that a solicitor is the best option for us.

Why should I see a solicitor over a will writing service or vice versa, is there really much of a difference?

[Alad]

If your needs are simple a DIY will or will writer might do. If they are even slightly complex, get advice from a lawyer. They (usually) know their stuff and you have recourse if things go wrong. Lawyers spend much time sorting out the mess created by will writers.

[Chubfuddler]

Solicitors write wills but not all will writers are solicitors. If your situation is too complex for the charity will scheme it's probably too complicated for a will writer, unless you strike lucky and get an ex solicitor

[Collaborate]

Mumblechum is a will writer but also a qualified lawyer. She has an advert in the small business section and good feedback.

[MOSagain]

I would also highly recommend Mumblechum who is a very experienced lawyer and wills writer. She has her own business and charges significantly less than a High street firm of solicitors would charge.

[milti]

I would always advise using a solicitor, making a will is a serious business so worth getting it right. It's not that expensive, usually about £100. Money well spent.

[milti]

I'm doing the Legal Practice course, studied wills and would not dream of using anyone but a solicitor for such an important task. They will guide you through the whole process, heavily regulated and highly qualified.

[mumblechum1]

Depends. I've recently retired from private practice where I charged £320 inc VAT for standard mirror wills but now charge £150 as a will writer.

You do have to be careful about will writers and check that they're a member of either the Institute of Professional Will Writers or the Will Writers Guild, as they will be qualified, regulated and hold indemnity insurance. Not all will writers are members of either organisation and there are some cowboys out there.

[emsyj]

Please please please don't use a 'make a Will kit'. I have NEVER seen a self-written Will that has been prepared correctly. It is worth noting that conveyancing and Will writing are the two areas of law that generate the most negligence claims (according to my STEP tutor back in the day). Even a simple, straightforward Will should be prepared by a professional. It is much more expensive to sort out a badly-written Will post-death than to do it properly in the first place.