Will writing services

[GimmeAy]

Hi there
I'm looking to get a will written.
So far I've called 4 companies - one gave me a mobile number of their will writing dude (they're the solicitors I've used in the past), so I've left a message with him

2nd Didn't answer phone

3rd quoted £120 + VAT

4th quoted 27.49 but read out a load of waffle stating that they're paralegals rather than solicitors - they're called 'Simpler Wills'.

Should I keep searching or what would you do?

We used Co-op legal services recently. I think we paid about £250 for mirror wills. Really good service, all done over the phone with lots of information and guidance and they will store them too.

Exactly the same as above. We used co-OP for mirror wills and it couldn't have been easier. 1 45 min phone call where she asked us all the questions hen they sent us a draft which we wrote any ammendments/ spelling errors on etc and sent back. We then got a final copy sent to us and we have lifetime storage with them too. All in all took about 5 weeks.

250 seems extortionate

I used mumblechem on here. Reasonable and great

£250 for two wills is cheaper than one of the quotes that you had.
How much per hour do you expect to pay a solicitor?

If your will is relatively simple, the paralegal option may be a good one - they will be writing wills day in, day out, but is probably to a formula - no reason to say it's not thorough, but they might struggle if there's anything slightly odd or complex.

Glad I clicked on here.

I've been needing to get my will written for years, since my divorce many years ago actually, and have been putting it off as not sure who I should go to: solicitors, local will writers.

Just had a look at CoOp legal services website and it looks very interesting.

Not sure how their prices compare to a regular solicitor but will definitely look into them further. Thank you.

Your will is probably the most important document you will ever sign. I would wait to speak to your solicitor who will be able to advise you fully. Most will writing services don’t actually provide any advice, they just do what you tell them to do which might not be for the best.

120+ VAT is extremely reasonable for a solicitor’s time. As a PP pointed out this is one of the most important documents you will obtain, more so depending on the size and complexity of your estate, don’t cheap out.

I also used Mumblechum on here, and have updated through her subsequently. Excellent fast service and very personable

£120 + VAT is very good value if properly drawn up by a solicitor.

I wouldn't go near an offering under £50.

I would wait for a reply from 1 since you have used them before and then go with 1 or 3.

I had a quote for 2 will £850 plus VAT!

So I went with one of the online ones, ours are really straightforward.

I used Yvonne from Marlow Wills - she is/was Mumblechum on here. I'd recommend - fast, efficient service

Another vote here for Yvonne @Marlow Wills!!

Last dude I spoke to said my best option is getting a DIY will from WH Smith as I don't have assets in the value of 50k plus (I have zero assets).

My concern is how people know when you die that there is even a will in place!

I don't mean this rudely but if you have no assets why do you need a will? We got ours through our union, but my parents used co-op wills and were very impressed

Register the will with the probate service, costs about £20

HowLong - you need a will, because if you don't it's a nightmare for those you leave behind. My cousin died intestate and my Aunt had to grieve her son while dealing with an unnecessarily difficult legal process.

£250 for mirror wills is not extortionate.

We used Farewill - really happy with the service (all online and easy to do) and it cost £120 for a mirror will (I think)?

There is a will week at some point where you can have your will written for free if you leave a legacy gift for a charity. Not sure when it is.

It depends on how complicated your affirs are, if it's a straight forward 'I leave all my estate to A' then it shouldn't be expensive. We paid £120 for 2 mirror will 13 years ago so £250 seems reasonable.

Familiarise yourself with the new rules regarding inheritance tax, in a simple situation where it all goes to the next in line, children and/or grandchildren, you can leave almost £1 million without paying tax where a property is involved.

I don't mean this rudely but if you have no assets why do you need a will?

Because, and I don't mean this rudely, I have pensions and life assurance. @HowLongCanICallitBabyWeight

A simple will writer may not advise on life assurance and pensions which is why it is better to go to a solicitor who should advise you on everything.

I suggest co-op as others have noted, or the solicitor you used for your last house move (if recent).

I commend you for wanting to have a will, or an updated one, incidentally.