Why use an Independent Will Writer?

A common question asked is ‘Why should I use a Will Writing service to write my Will?’, the short answer to this comes down to 2 factors, cost Vs perceived risk. Lots of people automatically assume that if they pay lots of money for a solicitor to create their Will, they are more ‘protected’ than if they either did it themselves or went with an Independent Will Writing company. Being the owner of an Independent Will Writing Company (ORCA Will Writers), I come up against this argument daily. In my opinion, going with the right Independent Will Writer will ensure you get the best advice, at a fraction of the price of a solicitor.

How is this possible? Well, let me break it down into 2 elements Cost & Advice.

Keeping down the cost

An independent is able to keep overheads to a minimum as the majority of the work we do is in client’s homes, this means that we can keep our prices low as we do not have to fork out for irrelevant office space. 

Advice from a dedicated professional

When dealing with a solicitors firm, you may well be dealing with their ‘dedicated’ Wills and Estate Planning department, however the firm itself will likely have many other products and services, it is unlikely that Will Writing is the TOP/MAIN aspect of their business, for an Independent Will Writer, their daily focus is on estate planning and your estate planning needs, not blurred by the ‘upsell’ of other services. 

Don't just listen to me - shop around

My advice, shop around. Don’t just take my word for it, if you are looking to write your Will, speak to both an Independent Will Writer and a Solicitor, compare the advice given and the price; you make the decision on what feels more comfortable with you. With regards to ‘protection’ if something was to be drafted incorrectly or you get ill advised, as long as the Independent Will Writer is a member of either the Society of Will Writers or the Institute of Professional Will Writers (which ORCA is), they will be insured to cover any legal costs if the Will is challenged (no more or less likely than with a solicitor) and they also follow a code of practice approved by the Trading Standards Institute.

Don't DIY - ever!

However tempting it may be to try to do it on your own, for the sake of a free meeting with me, please do not try a DIY Will, there is no way of knowing you have written the Will or witnessed it correctly; often this is only found out when it is too late. 

Of your three options which will you decide? 

1. DIY – HIGH risk but lowest price.
2. Solicitor – HIGH cost with differing levels of advice.
3. Independent Will Writer - Best of both; Great price with dedicated advice in the comfort of your own home. 

Please, whatever you do, take the time to give me a call should you have any questions regarding writing a Will or any estate planning advice. It starts with a conversation.