Have you done the sensible thing and made a Will yet?
Well, you might be surprised to learn that the majority of UK adults haven’t. According to figures from Will Aid Research 2014 for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, although the proportion of adults making Wills has increased by around 4% the last 12 months; 52% of adults haven’t yet signed on the dotted line.
Although the 2014 survey shows encouraging signs that people of all age groups are finally getting the message; the sad fact remains that it is only in the over 55 age groups where a significant majority make a Will. The figures for the 25-34, 35-44, and the 45-54 age groups have shown a greater take-up year-on-year, but the figures remain disappointing none the less coming in at 26.3, 31, and 42% respectively.
It’s all too easy to put off making a Will: we understand that.
After all, who likes to contemplate their mortality? But as difficult as it might be; it’s a problem we will all have to confront at some stage. Otherwise the alternative is that someone else will make the difficult decisions for you: someone else will decide how your estate is divided, and who will get what after your death. Given a choice would you prefer to assign your assets personally, or would you prefer the law to do it for you? The chances, we suspect, are that you’d probably prefer the personal touch.
If you do decide that the time is now right to make a Will, why should you choose to have it drafted by a solicitor? Well, although Wills may appear to be straightforward and simple at first sight, they have a habit of developing a life of their own. At worst, Wills can be fiendishly complicated, so it makes sense to have an expert help you through the process and avoid the pitfalls. If you really want your express wishes carried out to the letter, then our advice to you is to use a qualified and regulated solicitor.
Don’t just take our advice for it either. The legal Services Board also recommends using a solicitor for drawing up Wills. The LSB believes there are far too many fraudulent firms exploiting loopholes in the sector and offering badly drafted Wills and a substandard service. After carrying out extensive research into the subject, the LSB found that there were systemic problems with the current levels of service delivered by many different types of provider. During investigations it found that the service delivered by firms in the sector was systematically poor, sloppy, and dogged by simple procedural errors. Customers were subjected to unfair and pushy sales practices, while some had simply stolen property.
If you’re considering making a Will, why should you choose Harold Stock & Co?
Well, that’s a simple enough question to answer. Harold Stock & Co Solicitors are a respected legal firm with a proven record of delivering a complete and professional Wills, estate administration, and Probate service. All of our solicitors are fully qualified and work under strict guidelines, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
The greatest advantage of using Harold Stock & Co Solicitors to draw up your Will is the peace of mind it will bring you and your family. It’s a great comfort to know that our solicitors will construct your Will in precisely the way you want and ensure that all of your wishes are carried out following your death. Our solicitors will ensure that no technical mistakes are made, and that there will also be no inadvertent potential disputes stored up for the future.
Making a Will is one of the most important things you will ever do, so it’s better for all concerned if you consult an expert. A properly constructed Will guarantees that your loved ones are looked after and cared for in the way you would want and expect. Wouldn’t your family’s future be safer in the hands of a qualified, experienced and regulated solicitor who fully understands the complexities of inheritance law? For guaranteed peace of mind call Harold Stock Solicitors on 01457 835 597 or email info@haroldstock.com.
June 2015 Special Offer!
During June 2015, Harold Stock & Co will draft or amend a Will for you free of charge when you instruct us to prepare a Lasting Power of Attorney on your behalf.
Offer Closes 30th June 2015