Jones Gough LLP Solicitors – providing excellent advice and supreme service
Jones Gough Solicitors are one of the UK’s leading specialists in Wills, Probate and intestacy. We provide a valued and respected local service for our clients based in and around the Stockport region and throughout the rest of the country. We also specialise in personal injury claims, property law, commercial law, employment law, debt management and debt recovery. Whether you’re looking for expert advice on Will drafting, Probate or intestacy issues, Jones Gough LLP Solicitors can provide you with all the legal expertise and knowledge you will ever need.
Jones Gough LLP Solicitors– number 1 for Will drafting and Probate advice in Stockport
Why should you always use a solicitor to draw up a Will?
There is no legal requirement for a Will to be drawn up or witnessed by a solicitor. Anyone wishing to make a Will themselves is perfectly able to do so. On the face of it, DIY Wills are fine: they will let you draw up a simple Will with the minimum of fuss and expense. However, it’s important to note that do-it-yourself Wills will never be suitable for everyone’s circumstances. One size doesn’t, and never will fit all. There will be occasions, even with the most straightforward estates, where a bespoke Will is more suitable. Home Wills won’t necessarily address the issues that could have long-term consequences for your family’s wellbeing, like inheritance tax, powers of attorney, trusts or guardianship. Above all else it’s extremely important to remember that although do-it-yourself Wills may well be ‘cheaper’ in the short-term term, the slightest error or omission in this legal document could render the Will unenforceable, thus creating unnecessary and potentially expensive problems for the remaining family members and negating the very best intentions you wanted to express within the Will itself.
Which issues do DIY Wills often fail to address?
- Not being aware of the formal requirements needed to make a will legally valid.
- Failing to take account of all the money and property available.
- Failing to take account of the possibility that a beneficiary may die before the person making the will.
- Changing the will. If these alterations are not signed and witnessed, they are invalid.
- Being unaware of the effect of marriage, a registered civil partnership, divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership on a will.
- Being unaware of the rules which exist to enable dependants to claim from the estate if they believe they are not adequately provided for. These rules mean that the provisions in the Will could be overturned.
Which issues can home-made Wills never address?
- That no consideration can be given to trusts which could protect the property from future charges.
- No consideration will be given towards the effects of future inheritance.
- No consideration will be given towards Powers of Attorney.
- There will be no thought about life policies.
- There will be no thought over guardians and guardianship for any remaining children.
- No thought will be given about making monies available to the guardians who will care for these children.
Making a Will is one of the most important things you will ever do. If you want to ensure that your family will be secure, financially stable and properly looked after when you’ve gone, then surely it’s best to consult an expert. Doesn’t it make sense therefore to use the services of a fully qualified and experienced solicitor like Jones Gough LLP Solicitors?
For further information, why not visit our website www.jonesgough.com, or email us at info@jonesgough.com. If you’d prefer to speak to us in person, please feel free to call us on 0845 373 2585. We’re always happy to help.