Although there are many websites that provide do-it-yourself legal services, creating a Will without the legal advice of an experienced solicitor can lead to serious problems in the long run. Depending on your financial and family situation, there are many scenarios you may not even think of that can affect the way your estate is distributed. Solicitors who handle Wills can give you a fresh perspective on maximising assets for your beneficiaries, choosing an executor, and including specifics about items you wish to pass on to certain people. If you are excluding a close family member from your Will, your Solicitor can ensure that this is properly documented so there is no confusion later.
Solicitors who specialise in Wills can also help you write other important estate planning documents such as trusts, powers of attorney and advance health care directives, all of which help to ensure your assets, finances, health care, and end-of-life decisions are carried-out according to your wishes. Trusts can be a valuable estate planning tool that may keep some assets from going through probate, and reduce your beneficiaries’ tax liability, protect them from your creditors and help them avoid other complicated issues.
