Feeling emotional when we think about our family and the future is a natural human response.

When you make a Will, you reflect on your life, its inevitable conclusion, and the people you care about. You may be making some tough decisions, airing some heart-breaking memories. It can be a little uncomfortable but doesn’t need to be painful. The process can be straightforward if you have a qualified professional’s knowledgeable support.

Sensitivity and compassion

You’ll have to think about some sensitive subjects. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll need to consider the possibility of dying before your partner or being a widow. Who would inherit if all your family died before you? What’s the likelihood of your children being financially sensible at 18 or 21? Thinking about your future grandchildren when your children are toddlers can be tricky. These questions can be a lot to process. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and perhaps even anger.

Professional help

This is where a professional Will writer can help you navigate the tougher questions. An experienced and compassionate expert can help you navigate the legalities. They’ll make the process feel less stressful.

I can hang wallpaper, build a wall, and assemble flat-pack furniture. I’m not good at those tasks, but I can have a go. If it goes wrong, there’s not much harm done. When something is important, or I simply don’t have the skill or knowledge, I always ask for help.

DIY Wills

Most homemade Wills I’ve reviewed over the past 15 years contained minor errors. Sadly, I’ve found inaccuracies and oversights that could have been catastrophic. Many would have created unnecessary delay, hassle, and expense. Some DIY Wills I’ve seen were invalid because they didn’t meet the legal requirements of the Wills Act of 1837. We don’t know what we don’t know, even if we watch a video or follow instructions. For something as important as your family’s future, professional help is a must.

An estate planning expert can make the process much more straightforward. You can be confident that your Will is legally valid, easy to understand and reflects your wishes. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your Will is legally sound and your wishes will be carried out after you die.

The benefits of using an estate planning expert

A professional Will writer will:

1.     Help you ensure that your Will meets all the legal requirements.

A Will is only valid if it is properly executed. This means that you must sign it with two independent adult witnesses. In England and Wales, Wills Act 1837 is still good law. The legal case of Banks v Goodfellow sets out the test for capacity to make a Will. The Inheritance Act 1975 is relevant where family members are excluded. A professional Will writer will understand succession law in your legal jurisdiction as it applies to you and your family.

2.     Ensure you avoid any potential problems.

Several potential problems can arise with Wills, including conflicts of interest, challenges, and the potential for loss of valuable tax reliefs. A professional will writer can help you avoid these issues.

3.     Answer any questions you have about the Will writing process.

Making a Will can be complex, and there are a few pitfalls to avoid. A professional Will draftsperson can answer any questions about the process and ensure you understand everything.

4.     Be cost-effective.

The cost of using a Will writer is likely to be cheaper than you imagine. Using a professional can save you time and stress in the long run.

5.     Help make the process less emotional by providing support and guidance.

An estate planning expert can help you to focus on the practical aspects of writing your Will. There’s bound to be some emotion, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Choosing an estate planner

Here are my tips for choosing a professional Will writer:

1.     Ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues.

This is an excellent way to find a Will writer who is qualified and experienced. Check out their website and reviews on Google or Trustpilot. A little time spent researching will help you find someone you feel comfortable talking to.

2.     Check the Will writer’s credentials.

If they’ve studied the law and have relevant qualifications, they won’t be surprised or offended to be asked. Ensure that your Will writer is a member of a recognised professional body with indemnity insurance.

3.     Ask about fees.

Will writing costs vary, so ask for a quote before you engage a lawyer or estate planning consultant. Modern legal practices will have a fixed fee guarantee. Knowing what you’ll pay can take some of the stress out of the process. You’ll find it easier to work out if you’re getting good value for your money.

4.     Meet with the Will writer in person (or use video chat).

Ask questions until you’re sure you understand everything. Your Will writer needs to know all about your personal and financial situation. If you have tricky family relationships to consider, you may be unsure what to do. An expert Will writer will have plenty of experience in similar cases. They’ll support you as you work through your choices.

Next steps

Making a Will can be emotional because family is everything, but it doesn’t have to be an emotional rollercoaster. You’ll find the team at Carisma Wills are friendly, calm and compassionate.

We’d love to help.