Do I Need a Solicitor for My Estate Planning Needs?

INTRODUCTION

Estate planning can undoubtedly be a complex and cumbersome task, but you can manage your Estate with or without a solicitor.

This article highlights how you can effectively manage your Estate planning needs through the services provided by Squiggle, as well as specific areas where you might wish to bring in the additional assistance of a solicitor.

CAN YOU WRITE A WILL YOURSELF?

Theoretically, anyone can draw up a will simply by writing one on the back of the proverbial napkin.

You can also obtain a 'DIY form' from any stationary outlet such as WH Smith.

This is known as 'DIY Will Writing' and can be a simple process if your Estate isn't complicated.

BE AWARE OF THE RISKS WITH DIY WILLS

If you write your Will independently, you'll need to ensure it's legally binding and fulfils all your objectives. While DIY Wills can certainly be appropriate for simple Wills and Estates, they come with risks that could lead to complications after your death.

Here are some common mistakes in DIY Wills:

• Not providing a complete and accurate picture of all assets.
• Not being aware of the rules governing how dependents can make a claim from your Estate if they feel they weren't properly defined in the Will (provisions in a will can sometimes be overturned).
• Ignoring the effects of changing relationships or circumstances on a Will (e.g., marriage, divorce, registration/dissolution of a civil partnership etc.)
• Ignoring the possibility that a beneficiary may die before you make or change your Will.
• Failing to update your Will or properly signing and witnessing it.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE SQUIGGLE FOR YOUR ESTATE PLANNING

• Squiggle specialises in providing high-quality estate planning and will writing services. Our state-of-the-art, secure online platform provides a more user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to traditional solicitor services.
• Our team have designed these services for clarity and simplicity. We've removed complex legal jargon, making the entire estate planning process accessible for everybody.
• Squiggle meets the highest quality control standards, ensuring your estate plan is thorough, legally sound, accurately reflects your wishes, and is tailored to your unique circumstances.

  
  

WHY SQUIGGLE'S APPROACH IS DIFFERENT

Ease and Assurance

• Squiggle has designed our services in a way that puts you in control of your estate planning by writing your Will yourself in a cost-effective manner without the high costs usually associated with solicitors.
• Once you've completed your Will, we're on standby to provide comprehensive support, guiding you through each step and addressing any potential concerns or challenges you may have.

SCENARIOS WHERE WE ADVISE SEEKING FURTHER LEGAL EXPERTISE

• While Squiggle has the expertise and experience to provide comprehensive estate planning advice and services, we recognise that certain complex situations may require additional specialised legal expertise.
• In the first instance, Squiggle aims to help you understand your unique circumstances and the range of available estate planning options. After presenting these options, most of our clients usually feel confident in making their own informed decisions.

  
  

IF YOU WISH TO SEEK ADDITIONAL LEGAL INSIGHTS

• In those rare instances when you require a second opinion or specific legal advice beyond our remit, we'd be happy to connect you with one of our trusted legal partners.
• Our legal partner recommendations are usually helpful for those who don't already have a personal lawyer and are confronting some potentially complex legal scenarios requiring specialised legal advice.

Need to know more or you’d like to discuss your options?

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