Planning the practical arrangements after your death is a matter that most people would prefer not to think about, but it’s vital that you consider what happens to your assets when the inevitable happens. The death of a loved one is a time of considerable emotional upheaval for family members and it’s as much in their interest as yours that your wishes are fulfilled about how your estate will be shared out.
Sadly, the number of inheritance disputes heard in the courts has exploded in recent years, often due to the popularity of so-called ‘DIY wills’. Available from stationers and High Street shops, these will packs, which are completed at home by an individual with no legal experience, pride themselves as a cheap alternative to qualified advice. Unfortunately, probate law is complicated and ‘DIY wills’ are frequently riddled with mistakes or omissions, making them legally invalid or open to challenge by family members who are supported by an expert solicitor. Quite simply, there is no alternative to a properly-written, legally-watertight will.
In most cases of probate, an individual’s property is the most valuable single asset and, with property prices rising rapidly, it is unsurprising that this is fuelling a surge in inheritance disputes.
An inheritance dispute is a costly, emotionally draining experience for all involved. Most importantly, it makes possible the scenario that your loved ones, to whom you wish to bequeath your assets, are forced into an expensive legal contest or, perhaps even worse, do not receive the gifts that you intended them to receive.
Writing a will with the expert advice and support of a solicitor need not be expensive but is one of the most important steps you can take now to ensure that probate passes smoothly after your death.
At Nalders LLP we offer simple, fixed fees for all wills and all but the most complex cases of estate administration. We can guide you through the process of writing your will, no matter how complex your personal or family situation, so that you can be confident that your wishes are fulfilled exactly as you desire.
Call us now to arrange an initial, no obligation meeting to discuss your needs and to see how we can help you.