Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Isn't it cheaper to do it myself or buy a Will off the shelf?


Buying a cheap online Will or one prepared by an unregulated company could be a false economy and may offer you a one-size fits all solution or sell you something you would never need. One in five Wills prepared by unregulated Will writing companies and solicitors, were failed by expert assessors, in a mystery shopping exercise carried out by the Legal Services Consumer Panel * This means that 80% of solicitors and Will writers are providing an excellent service, but of those, the Will writers are providing the same great service for less. At Expert Wills I will create a document that is tailored to your specific circumstances, in order to secure your personal assets and protect the future of your loved ones. I offer a face-to-face consultation to ensure I fully understand your wishes and circumstances and write a Will to suit. By coming to Expert Wills you can be assured of a fully regulated service, meeting high standards of quality, ensuring your wishes are carried out.


• Isn't it a bit morbid, thinking about Wills and I won't care once I'm gone?


None of us know what tomorrow holds and making a Will won't change that. However, a Will is an important way to secure the future of your loved ones and ensure your property and possessions are passed to the people you care about. In fact, statistically, if you have a Will you will live longer – another good reason to get your affairs in order today.


• What qualifications do you have?


I am a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers and got 96% on the entrance exam. I do regular professional development workshops to ensure my knowledge is up-to-date. I used to be a barrister and have full, valid, legal qualifications (Graduate Diploma in Law and Bar Vocational course both with honours).


• Don't Will writers just make things complicated so you have to pay more?


It doesn't need to be. It costs just £179.00 including VAT for a couple to get their wills done at Expert Wills. However, the more complicated your needs, the higher the price, particularly combined with Lasting Powers of Attorney. But the stress and money you can save on lawyer's fees and IHT makes a will a valuable investment in the long-term.

By choosing Expert Wills you can make a 30-50% saving on most solicitors' fees. I also visit you at least twice to ensure everything is done correctly, in terms of the law and according to your wishes.


• I already have a solicitor, so isn't that the best place for me to go for my Will?


Expert Wills offers a specialist service that focuses solely on ensuring anyone who comes to me gets a document tailored to their specific needs. My attention and expertise isn't spread across a wide range of legal areas. I am here to focus on your will and meeting your needs and wishes. Solicitors will push you into appointing them as executors of your estate. This could see up to 7% of your net estate going to the solicitor and not your loved ones. I never name myself as executor of a Will.


• Does everyone need a Will, I thought it was just for rich people?

A Will allows you to declare who will receive your property and possessions, leaving clear instructions for your loved ones. It also reduces heartache for those left behind, by preventing complications, disputes and unnecessary stress. A professional Will can also protect your assets from inheritance tax or care fees. And for those with dependents, you can decide who will look after them if the worst should happen – securing their future.

*Legal Services Consumer Panel 2011