What is a will and why is will writing so important?
A will is a legal document that states your wishes for how you want your property, money and possessions to be distributed after you pass away. It is an important document because it ensures that the people of your choice can inherit your estate in accordance with your wishes.
While it's not required by law to have a will, it's one of the most important documents you can create. Without a will, state laws will determine how your property is distributed, which may not be in line with your wishes. A will also makes the probate process—the legal process of distributing your assets—much simpler for your loved ones.
John Barkers solicitors are a trusted firm of solicitors based in the UK who have been providing tailored services and solutions to their clients since 1873. We specialise in wills, trusts & estates law, so we know what is required when writing a legally valid will. With our experienced solicitors on hand, you can be assured that John Barker's solicitors will take care of all aspects of the process from drafting and execution of the document to making sure it is properly registered with the relevant probate court. We have a deep understanding of how to best protect you, your wishes and your beneficiaries’ interests when writing a will, you can be sure that your estate will be distributed according to your wishes when the time comes.
What does writing a will cost?
Writing a will in the UK doesn't have to be expensive, with our £214 will service. Our service offers quality and peace of mind at an affordable price, so you don't need to worry about the cost when it comes to ensuring your wishes are taken care of. With us, you get a professionally written and legally valid will, tailored specifically for your needs. We understand that everyone's circumstances are different and we take time to ensure that all potential issues are considered. By choosing our service, you can rest assured that your loved ones are taken care of according to your wishes - without having to pay over the odds. So if you're looking for an affordable option for writing a will in the UK, look no further than our £214 service. Get in touch now to get started.
Who are executors?
In the UK, an executor is someone who is appointed to manage the estate of a deceased person. They are responsible for carrying out the instructions laid out in the will and distributing any assets or property according to the deceased’s wishes. Executors also have a duty to pay off any valid debts from the estate before administering it and can be held liable for any negligence or misconduct in their role. It is therefore important that care is taken when selecting an executor – they should be reliable, trustworthy and competent enough to carry out these duties. If there are multiple executors named in a will then they must act jointly on behalf of the estate. This means that all decisions must be made unanimously and no single executor can take unilateral action. Executors can be relatives, friends or professionals such as solicitors. Some executors may choose to appoint a professional to carry out the estate administration on their behalf if they feel unable to do so themselves. It is important that an executor understands their duties and takes them seriously – failure to do so could lead to penalties from the court. Ultimately, an executor has a great responsibility and should take care when carrying out these duties.
We can help executors, or we can be the executor to take over the diffucult tasks of administration. Get in touch to find out more
What do executors do?
Executors of a will have the responsibility of carrying out the wishes outlined in the will. In the UK, this involves submitting a copy of the death certificate and grant of probate (or letters of administration) to relevant organisations such as banks and HMRC. They are also responsible for gathering information about all assets and liabilities, obtaining valuations and distributing these amongst beneficiaries according to what is stated in the will. Executors may be faced with complex tax issues or disputes among the beneficiaries which they must work through, ensuring that all relevant paperwork is completed correctly and on time. Finally, executors should provide accounts to all beneficiaries detailing their decisions and how any estate money was distributed. This process can be lengthy so executors need patience and dedication to ensure that the wishes of the deceased are carried out properly.
Executors should keep records of all decisions so that it can be referred back to in case any issues arise in future
Where to keep a will?
it is recommended that a will should be held in a secure place such as a solicitor's office or bank. It is important to keep the original copy of your will in a safe place and not to make any changes without having them witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries of the will. It can also be helpful to have multiple copies of your will so that there is an easily accessible version available if needed. Additionally, you may wish to inform your executor(s) of where they can find the original copy should something happen to you. Ultimately, keeping your will safe and secure is key - making sure it cannot get lost, damaged or altered in any way. This ensures that its instructions are followed when needed
How to change a will
In the UK, making changes to a will can be a complicated process. It is important to understand the legalities and regulations that apply when changing or revoking an existing will before taking any action. Generally speaking, it is not possible to simply cross out parts of a will and initial them - nor can you write up a new document completely replacing the original one. In order for your changes to be considered valid and enforceable in court, they must be made through a specific set of steps outlined in legislation.
The most common way to change an existing will is by using a deed of variation. This document outlines any amendments that have been made and must then be signed by all parties involved (including witnesses). Once the deed has been signed, it must be stored alongside the original will in a secure location
It is also possible to revoke an existing will completely, although this can only be done with a valid document known as a ‘revocation deed’. This must be signed and witnessed in the same way as a deed of variation, but no new will needs to be created in order for the revocation to become legally binding.
It is important to remember that not all changes are considered valid under UK law. If any amendments have been made that are deemed invalid or inappropriate by a court, they may not be enforceable - meaning the original will remains intact and unchanged. Therefore it is advisable to seek professional advice before making any changes, so you can be sure that your wishes will be upheld in the future.
Making changes to a will is never an easy process, but understanding both the legal requirements and the implications of any amendments you make can help ensure that everything runs smoothly. Our Wills team can help you with a wide range of Wills services, get in touch today to learn how we can help
Challenging a will
In the UK, there are certain grounds upon which a will can be challenged. These usually involve demonstrating that the deceased did not have testamentary capacity when they created their will, or that they were subject to undue influence or fraud when making it. In some cases, an omission might lead to a successful challenge. The burden of proof generally lies with the person challenging the will and any claims must be supported by documentation as well as witness accounts and relevant testimony.
If you believe someone’s will should be contested in court then it is important to seek legal advice from an experienced solicitor who specialises in contesting wills and estates law, the Wills team at John Barkers have a great deal of experise in these areas. They can assess your case and advise on the best course of action for achieving a favourable outcome. It is also important to note that there are time limitations for initiating such a claim, so it is best to act quickly if you believe the will should be challenged.
At John Barkers Solicitors we understand that contesting a will can be an emotionally challenging process and our team of experts will do their utmost to ensure your case is handled with sensitivity and care. We will draw on our extensive experience in this area of law to guide you through the legal process and provide reassurance along the way. Get in touch today if you would like more information about contesting a will in the UK.
Are unregulated will writing services legal?
Writing a will is an important part of planning for the future, but the legalities can be confusing. Are unregulated will writing services legal in the UK? The short answer is yes, they are; however, it's highly recommended that you use a solicitor to write your will. Solicitors must obey strict rules and regulations and are held accountable for their work so you can rest assured that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes.
At John Barker’s Solicitors, we offer comprehensive will writing services designed to make life easier for individuals. We understand how complex the process of creating a legally binding document can be and provide everything you need from start to finish. Our team of experts are on hand to guide you through the process and ensure that everything is dealt with in a professional manner. We also provide regular reviews of your will to make sure it continues to reflect your wishes. With John Barker’s Solicitors, you can feel confident knowing that all the legal details are taken care of for you.
When it comes to planning for the future, there's no substitute for using a qualified solicitor for will writing services. You can have peace of mind knowing that your assets will be distributed as per your wishes, making life easier for those that remain after you're gone. Contact John Barker’s Solicitors today to discuss our will writing services and find out how we can help you secure a brighter future.
Having a legally binding will in place is an essential part of planning for the future. With John Barker’s Solicitors, you can rest assured that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes. Contact us today to find out more about our comprehensive will writing services and get started on the road to peace of mind.
Will writing for NHS staff
John Barkers solicitors are proud to offer will writing for NHS staff in the UK. With decades of experience in providing legal services to individuals and organisations, our team are well-placed to provide expert advice on this important matter. We understand that NHS staff take their responsibilities seriously and want their intentions clear in the event of any eventuality. Our comprehensive service covers all aspects of the process, including but not limited to: helping you make a plan; considering your assets; drafting a Will; setting up trusts; dealing with executors and protecting vulnerable beneficiaries. We believe that having a valid Will is essential for everyone, but especially so for NHS employees who need to ensure that their wishes are carried out without delay or cost should anything happen to them while on duty. Our team of experienced solicitors are here to provide the guidance and support you need to make sure your wishes are respected and honoured. Contact us today for more information about our will writing services for NHS staff in the UK.
John Barkers solicitors take a personal approach when providing will writing services for NHS staff, and we’ll be there to answer any questions or queries you have throughout the process. We understand that making arrangements for your loved ones is an important and daunting task, which is why we strive to provide a friendly and approachable service with flexible appointment times so that you can fit it around your busy schedule. With a focus on ensuring your Will is legally sound while being tailored to meet your needs
Unregulated Will writers versus solicitors
When writing a will, it is important to ensure that your wishes are properly respected and that the document will hold up in court. The UK government recommends using a solicitor when drawing up a will instead of an unregulated will writer as there are many risks involved with using someone who is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
John Barkers Solicitors offers a comprehensive service for preparing wills, trusts and other estate documents. We have been regulated by the SRA for many years and we are constantly monitored to make sure quality standards are maintained. When you choose John Barkers Solicitors, you can be assured that your legal rights and interests are fully protected.
We provide clear advice and explanations of the legal process to ensure that all aspects are understood by our clients. We also take extra care in preparing wills and other estate documents, making sure that any bequests or wishes detailed in the document are properly recorded and valid.
By using a regulated solicitor instead of an unregulated will writer, you can be assured that your wishes are respected and the document is legally binding. We strive to make sure all relevant information is included, so you can rest easy knowing that your estate planning needs have been taken care of correctly.
Will writing and estate planning
Writing a will and having an effective estate plan are essential steps to ensuring that your family and assets are taken care of after you pass away. A will is a legally binding document that outlines how you would like your property and possessions to be divided among your beneficiaries upon your death. It can also be used to appoint guardians for any children or dependents, as well as make provisions for funeral arrangements. An estate plan is the process of determining how best to manage your assets during life – such as taxes, medical costs or other financial obligations - and then passing them on seamlessly when you die.
It's important to note that any wills or estate plans need to comply with UK law should they wish to be implemented. Professional advice from a solicitor or financial adviser can help ensure that your plans are up to date and legally sound. This is particularly important if you have larger assets, such as property or investments, that need to be passed on after death.
Having an effective will and estate plan in place can bring peace of mind for both you and your family. It ensures that any possessions or property are distributed according to your wishes, minimises the risk of disputes among beneficiaries over inheritance, and helps protect against unexpected costs or delays in transferring ownership after death. In short, having a comprehensive will and estate plan can help provide reassurance during life and beyond.
Will writing and power of attorney
It is possible to make a will and grant power of attorney to someone else. A will allows you to specify how your assets should be distributed upon your death and a power of attorney gives another person the legal authority to manage your affairs if you are unable or unwilling to do so yourself.
Making a will ensures that your wishes are fulfilled when you die and having power of attorney in place means that decisions can be made on your behalf in case something happens that prevents you from making decisions for yourself. It is important that these documents are created and updated regularly in order to ensure they accurately reflect your wishes.
It is advisable to seek professional advice when creating a will and granting someone with power of attorney as there are many legal considerations that must be made in order to ensure the will is legally binding and the power of attorney document is valid.
By will writing and assigning power of attorney, you can rest assured knowing that your loved ones are taken care of and that your wishes will be carried out no matter what happens.
It is important to note that UK law states that wills must be drawn up by people who are 18 years or older, mentally competent and acting voluntarily. Similarly, when granting someone with power of attorney, they should have full mental capacity and not be under any duress or undue influence from anyone else. It also may be worthwhile to appoint more than one person for both a will and power of attorney and create clear instructions for how the assets should be distributed in case of your death.
