Free Wills: The bankers’ ticking time bomb……


Free Wills seem to be offered everywhere these days. Whether it’s your pension company offering a bargain service, or leaflet in the back of the Radio Times, it appears that everyone is trying it and particularly doing it for free.

However all that glistens isn’t gold, and nothing in this world comes for free…….

Its recently been uncovered that in the late nineties and early noughties, many high-street banks were offering free or cut price Wills to their clients and staff. It is only now that many people who trusted their banks and wished for them to act as their Executors (ie the person dealing with the deceased’s assets) are realising the hefty costs they would be charged for administering simple Estates.

Although a lucky few have been able to spot the potential costs before passing away, many people have had a loved one’s Estate being ground down by bankers administration fees ranging from £7000 to £32,000. At an already difficult moment, it’s hard to imagine the thought of your loved ones then having to deal with an unscrupulous Executor charging thousands for administering a simple Estate. Unsurprisingly, this has left many people feeling that a free and simple Will has cost them much more than they could’ve ever imagined.

It’s sad to say that it’s not just the banks that have been accused of having such questionable fees. As Will writing in itself is an unregulated profession, there is the possibility that many “Will writing specialists” may also be charging similar eye-watering fees. Although these companies claim to be legal experts, when they have no form of accreditation, can you really be so sure of that?

Although you may be left thinking that even if you appoint a trusted Solicitor, there would nonetheless be charges for the work carried out, it’s important to bear a few point in mind. As Solicitors we are duty bound to provide our clients with cost updates throughout an Estate administration, and as well as this, we can advise on a range of budget solutions to keep our costs at a minimum.

If you feel that you may have been the victim of a free or cut price Will that appoints someone you don’t trust to deal with your Estate, then speak to Gamlins Law today.

Here we can offer a fixed fee Will writing service, which puts your wishes at the very heart of your Will. When taking your instructions, your Solicitor will take the time to advise you fully on the appointments in your Will, and also the effects of the document. This means that you know what your loved ones have in store whenever you pass away.  When it comes to costs, we offer an honest and up front approach. By instructing Gamlins Law to write your Will, whoever you appoint to look after your Estate, you will have a clear picture of the administration costs involved.

And finally, by instructing Gamlins Law, you have the peace of mind of knowing that your Will has been created by a regulated law firm at the heart of the community, and a firm with a pedigree for excellent service.

To discuss updating any part of your Will, or to make a new one, then call Gamlins Law today on 01745 343 500.
Samuel Amer

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