Online wills
When it comes to writing a will, there are many avenues that can be taken. It seems in this day and age that everything needed in life can be bought online for a fraction of the price compared to other options. Online wills can be popular, however it is hard to know who to trust when allocating a whole lifetime’s worth of money and possessions. There are both advantages and disadvantages of making a will online and thorough research should be conducted before a decision is made.
There many different varieties of online Wills and it is important that the client picks the most suitable method for themselves. For some, specific circumstances would mean it is advisable to get legal advice from a solicitor before making a Will online. These circumstances include:
- Sharing a property with someone that is not a spouse
- If care needs to be arranged for someone that is unable to care for themselves and dependent upon the client
- If there are many claimants on the will, i.e. A second spouse or children from a previous marriage
- The client does not permanently reside in the United Kingdom
- Overseas property may come into the will
- There is a business involved
Many companies will offer a writing service for the customer if they are considering making their Will online. This approach is relatively popular as it involves talking to someone on a personal level and usually relatively affordable. This means the will can be fully tailored to meet specific needs, particularly in tricky circumstances like trying to avoid inheritance tax. If the circumstances of the client are particularly tough, it is suggested that making a Will online is avoided and that legal advice is sought from a solicitor.
Apart from the writing service, there is another option for making a Will online; this usually includes downloading a template or submitting details with an online form. The upside of this method is that it is a fast service; the downside is that errors are easily made and specific needs are not so easily met.