Wills

[JudyCoolibar]

Current circumstances have made me realise I really need to redo my will. Previous one was done years ago by a solicitors' firm that is no longer in existence.

Can anyone offer tips on finding the most reliable solicitors/will writing services when starting from scratch? I realise most firms will be closed or closing, but I assume they'll have remote working arrangements.

I can give you a referral. I have PMd you

We had great service from @mumblechum0

https://www.marlowwills.co.uk

Initial phone calls, sent us the copies we signed and are sorted. Brilliant for peace of mind.

You could get yourselves sorted with power of attorney forms meanwhile.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/make-a-lasting-power-of-attorney

Personally I would go with any law firm who will take your custom if it's a straightforward will.

My friend who does wills is snowed under.

Mumblechum at Marlow Wills is a regular Mner, gets good feedback from MNer customers and always gives excellent advice on Wills threads so I’m sure she’s good (I assume she’s a she).

Yes my parents also used Mumblechum on my recommendation
When my mum passed away having a will made it so much easier

Any local solicitor can do a simple Will for you. They will chat through what you want, look at pros and cons and you have to think about executors. If your affairs are complex you really do need expert advice. Also give possessions away if you want someone special to have something. I’m giving my jewellery collection away long before I pop off. I don’t want it in my Will. DH will give his watches.

Thanks everyone for your kind recommendations to Marlow Wills.

The business is extremely busy at the moment, as you'd imagine, but I'm offering phone or Skype appointments to everyone.

Priority is going to anyone in the vulnerable categories first, and I'm extending hours into the weekend where necessary.

How does it work for witnessing the will, Mumblechum?

If your estate is straightforward you can use an online provider like Beyond.life or Farewill then you can print at home and have witnessed by neighbours.

How, without breaching social distance ? Not trying to be awkward but to think it through. Our immediate neighbours are very elderly and anyone else would have to make an unnecessary journey.

Well witnessing of anything has to wait doesn’t it!! The advertising going on here is a bit blatant.

I'm sorry if anyone thinks that I am just advertising here.

It first became clear to me, how important it is to have a will, back in 2013 when I did probate for my father. At a time of heightened emotion, in the aftermath of a death in close family, the last thing anyone needs is to have things made more complicated than they need to be.

Having a will removed one complication, for which the executors really will be grateful.

Executing a will, making sure that the estate is distributed according to the deceased will (literally) is a service. I really think that it is important for whoever asked that advice if someone, that they make the process as simple as possible. Having a will does exactly that.

Ever since, I have encouraged everyone to make a will. In these unprecedented times, it seems to me to be more important than ever.

It matters not a jolt to me who you use, the important thing is that everyone actually does make a will.

Mumblechum is excellent, we have used her services for our wills (twice over the years) and also recommended her to several friends who have been very happy. I like that she is a qualified solicitor.

People could probably witness a will at 2 metres distance, and you could wear gloves to sign, I suppose.

I would always recommend doing a will as it makes administering your estate so much easier for those left and a good will writer will also ask questions about your setup that you may not have thought about which might be important to document in your will.

There is an MNer who is a will writer who is often recommended on here so if you search for threads you may be able to find them.

My DM added something to her will afterwards called a codicil so yes that can be done.

@RubbishDay

I would always recommend doing a will as it makes administering your estate so much easier for those left and a good will writer will also ask questions about your setup that you may not have thought about which might be important to document in your will.

There is an MNer who is a will writer who is often recommended on here so if you search for threads you may be able to find them.

My DM added something to her will afterwards called a codicil so yes that can be done.

Ignore as added to a zombie thread as meant to add this to a different one.

The British Legion are offering a free will writing service.

www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/free-will-writing