Britons encouraged to make wills, even in tough times
29 Dec 2011
The advice to
make a will as soon as you have assets to
leave behind has been reiterated by one organisation.
Paul Sharpe, the chairman of the Institute of Professional
Willwriters, explained that the number of people getting such
documents drawn up tends to fall during tough economic times such
as those being experienced by many families now.
"Households tend to have more pressing needs on their disposable
income," he pointed out.
However, this can be a dangerous approach to take, as it may result
in people dying intestate and their families having to get involved
in court cases to claim what should have been theirs in the first
place.
Despite this, Mr Sharpe suggested that Britons are heeding the
advice to only seek a professional when getting a will drawn up, as
he reported members being asked by customers about their regulated
code of practice.
Earlier this month, Brian McMillan from The Society of Will Writers
had warned it is important to look for credentials when choosing a
solicitor, rather than simply going for the cheapest
provider.
While this may cost more, it will undoubtedly give the client more
for their money too and reduces the likelihood of any problems
occurring with the document after it is drawn up, such as it being
contested.
He also suggested people ask to see credentials if they are at all
unsure about the person they have chosen, as a professional will
not hesitate to show them.
According to the Law Society, as many as one in three people dies
intestate.
