Why You Need a Wills Solicitor to Write Your Will

A will is without doubt one of the most important legal documents you will sign in your lifetime. Yet despite the importance of this document, and the huge repercussions it can have for your loved ones, the will writing sector remains completely unregulated. 

You may find it hard to believe, but literally anyone can set themselves up as a will writing business. They don’t have to be qualified as a wills solicitor and they don’t need any formal training. There are no qualifications required and no testing or certification to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise of will writing.

Who do you trust?

There is a reason why we trust properly trained and qualified professionals with things that are important to us. For example, you wouldn’t ask an unqualified mechanic to fix your car, you wouldn’t trust an unqualified dentist remove a tooth, and you wouldn’t let an amateur vet anywhere near your pet. Yet far too many people put their estate in the hands of online or high street will writing firms with no training or qualifications.

Think about it; you are trusting your wills solicitor with potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds of your money, property and possessions. Your whole life’s work and savings. So you need to be sure that they will give you the right advice and draft your will correctly, so that your loved ones are cared for and your final wishes respected.

Why Do You Need a Qualified Wills Solicitor to Write Your Will?

Older and vulnerable people are often at risk from unqualified will writing firms who lack the right legal training and qualifications needed to draft a will properly. This can leave them emotionally and financially impacted, with a will that costs a lot, but means very little because it is simply not fit for purpose.

Qualified legal professionals, such as the wills team at Holdens Law, have the specialised expertise to work with vulnerable people, for example where there is a risk of financial abuse, undue influence and potential mental capacity issues. They can also advise in complex cases, such as those who are in second marriages involving stepchildren from one or both partners. These cases are often beyond the expertise of unqualified will writing firms, although they will never admit this to you.

Is Your Will Writer Insured?

Many unqualified will writing companies are also uninsured. That means that if your will is not completed correctly, if bad or misleading advice has been given, or if they are negligent in any way, your estate will have no protection and your beneficiaries will get no compensation.

Here at Holdens Law our wills solicitors work hard to ensure that your will is drafted correctly, that our advice is always good and appropriate, and negligence is simply not in our vocabulary. Nonetheless, we still have full insurance to give our clients complete peace of mind and protection.

Trust our experience 

The current system in England and Wales enables people to make decisions that can have irreversible consequences on their families, causing loss of wealth and creating emotional distress. At Holdens Law, we think you and your loved ones deserve better than that.

As qualified solicitors, the team at Holdens Law have trained for many years, gaining a deep understanding of the case law and legislation, so that they can offer you the best advice. Two of our solicitors are STEP qualified and have the letters TEP after their name (which stand for Trust and Estate Practitioner).  Obtaining this qualification involves rigorous study and numerous exams, so they have extensive knowledge of this area of the law.   

Why Choose Holdens Law For Your Will?

Making a will is incredibly important, and you should always seek the advice of a regulated, qualified will writing specialist, such as a TEP qualified wills solicitor. This will ensure your will is legally watertight, your wishes are accurately reflected and your legal needs are protected. 

Holdens Law wills solicitors have the experience and expertise to listen to you and give you tailored advice, ensuring that your Will is perfect for both you and your loved ones.

Give Holdens Law a call on 01524 32484 (Lancaster) or 01539 720629 (Kendal) or email us on advice@holdenslaw.com and we will be delighted to assist you in putting your affairs in order with a professionally drafted will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to make a will?

No, but it does need to be done correctly to ensure it is legally binding. The team at Holdens Law will walk you through each step with expert advice and guidance to ensure your will is right for you.

What do I need to consider before my appointment with my wills solicitor?

You should come to the meeting knowing what you own and who you would like to benefit after your death.  This can include cash gifts (a legacy) or a gift of personal possessions / property.  You will also need to know who is getting a share of anything else.

What qualifications should I look for in a wills solicitor?

For the most comprehensive service and breadth of knowledge, look for a wills solicitor that is a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP).

Can Holdens Law advise me on inheritance tax planning?

Yes. Our expert team will help you arrange your affairs in the most tax efficient way, to ensure you can pass on the maximum amount of your estate to your loved ones.