Although it's not the cheapest way of doing it, asking a family lawyer to draw up your will can certainly save you and your family a whole lot of stress. Here are some reasons why you should use a family lawyer to write your will, rather than doing it alone.

Why use a family lawyer?

If you own considerable assets like property, stocks and shares, you may be liable to pay inheritance tax on your estate. An experienced family lawyer will be able to advise you on the complicated taxation system, and will handle payment of what's due on behalf of your estate when you die.  

Some family situations can be complicated, particularly if you have children from a previous marriage or wish to make specific arrangements for the distribution of your assets when you die. Perhaps you own part of a business and wish to leave that to your family in your will, or maybe you own property overseas. 

These situations are best dealt with by an experienced family lawyer who will ensure that your will is written correctly and clearly, giving you peace of mind that when you're gone, your family won't be faced with a messy and complex probate to sort out.

Protection and peace of mind

Unlike when you draft your own will, you can rest assured that there will be no errors in one drawn up by a family lawyer. In the unlikely event that you find a mistake, lawyers are regulated. This means that you have full legal protection if something goes wrong and you have to make a complaint. 

Your lawyer will take care of all the complicated legal aspects of drafting the will for you. This means that your family won't have to worry about problems in getting the document through probate when you die as your lawyer will handle all this on your behalf. 

A common problem for bereaved families is that their loved-one's will becomes misplaced during the course of their lifetime. If you use a family lawyer to write your will, they will store the original for you in a fireproof safe so that you know it will be there for your family when you die.

What to expect from your lawyer

Your lawyer will explain all your options to you, and will help you to make key decisions about the contents of your Will. Their advice is confidential.  He or she will also listen carefully to your instructions and will write and check your will accordingly, especially if circumstances require any changes. 

Before the drafting process begins, your lawyer will provide a clear estimate of likely costs together with an explanation of how they are calculated.

If you wish, you can instruct your lawyer to act as executor on your estate when you die. This means that the lawyer will handle all aspects of probate, rather than a member of your family having to do so.

The process of writing and drafting a will can be very complicated; resources like Marino Law can help. Ask your family lawyer for advice on how they could help you.

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