Contentious probate cases have increased by 56% over the past five years, latest figures show, with 11,362 applications to block probate in 2024, compared to 7,268 applications in 2019.
According to the analysis, Q4 2024 saw 3,061 applications to enter a caveat to prevent a grant of probate, the first time there have been over 3,000 applications in a single quarter.
While an ageing population, higher death rate, and more mental capacity issues have all contributed to the increase in inheritance disputes, the rise in homemade and do-it-yourself Wills is also to blame.
Many people are tempted to try to write a Will themselves by using a template they find online or by using a Will writing service offering to draft a Will for free, usually in a misguided attempt to save money.
However, DIY and poorly drafted Wills leave the door open to more challenges, often being invalid, containing conflicting instructions or lacking the protection of a solicitor-drafted Will.
Solicitors for Wills Near Me
Getting proper legal advice from a specialist solicitor to help draft your Will is the best way to ensure your wishes are set out legally and clearly, avoiding issues that may not be apparent until after your death.
Here, our experienced Wills Solicitors in Alton give five top reasons why you need a solicitor to write a Will.
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Legal knowledge and experience.
For a Will to be legally valid, it must meet certain criteria, and be signed and witnessed correctly.
An experienced solicitor will ensure your Will is drafted accurately to reflect your wishes and dated, signed and witnessed in accordance with the correct procedures.
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Tailored to your situation.
A Will is not one-size-fits-all. Everyone’s family and financial circumstances are different, and their Will must reflect this.
Generic templates found online or Wills that are drafted without the input of an appropriately qualified and skilled legal professional are not tailored to suit an individual’s circumstances, assets and needs.
Concerns remain over the quality of Wills produced using DIY kits, online services, or other non-professional methods, which suggest a common failure to account for complex family or financial situations.
A solicitor understands the complexities of UK inheritance law and provides personalised advice to meet your requirements and objectives.
Your Will can also be part of wider estate planning, as a solicitor can advise on any other steps you need to take to protect yourself, your family and your assets.
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Reduces the chances of future claims.
Poorly drafted Wills lead to family disputes or costly legal challenges, and the courts hear many cases relating to Wills that have been drafted without the help of a legal professional being contested after the testator’s death.
Using a solicitor to write your Will minimises ambiguity, reducing the likelihood of it being open to misinterpretation or challenges later on.
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Provides better protection.
Solicitors are regulated and have the qualifications and training required to accurately draft a valid Will.
Regulated professionals have professional indemnity insurance, which provides an extra layer of protection in case of any errors or negligence.
An unregulated Will writer does not have the same level of protection, leaving clients with limited or no recourse if mistakes are made.
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Safely stored.
At Bookers & Bolton, we store your Will for free for life. Our history in the local Hampshire community dates back to 1893 so you can rely on us to be there for you and your family in the future.
Whilst other firms come and go and may offer the promise of low-cost legal services, we remain committed to providing you with the best.
Find out more about how to make a Will by reading our previous blog here.
Wills Solicitors Alton
While it may be tempting to use cheap unregulated online services or create a DIY Will at home, a Will is an important document and should be prepared by a specialist.
Without the advice of a regulated specialist, a homemade will can easily fall foul of complex legal and tax rules, creating unexpected problems and, in some cases, severe consequences.
Our Will Writing Solicitors in Alton, Hampshire have vast experience in helping clients write their Wills.
We understand that people lead busy lives, which is why at the start of this year we launched a new Wills service for working homeowners, enabling you to make your Will in your lunch break.
If you want to write a Will, or need to update an existing one, Bookers & Bolton can help. To speak to one of our approachable team, call 01420 558335 or email enquiries@bookersandbolton.co.uk.
