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Why Use A Professional Will Writer?

Why would a person use a professional Will Writer when they could do it themselves for free? Or, to put it another way, how does a professional Will Writer add value to the process? Under English law, there is no requirement for a person to be legally qualified to write a Will. This enables a person to write their own Will if they choose to do so.

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Components of a Valid Will

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Preparing a Will has two elements, They are:

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• the document itself, i.e., the words used and the way it is made legally valid; and
• the person whose Will it is known as the testator

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Extras for Expats

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When an expat prepares a Will there are two additional elements that need to be considered. They are:

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• The assets owned outside of the testator’s home country; and
• The interaction between the law of the testator’s home country and the country where their assets are based.

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Many expats have assets in multiple jurisdictions, such as real estate in their home country, offshore bank accounts, and investments as well as personal possessions in their country of residence. Each of which has a different set of laws applicable to them.

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Benefits of Using a Professional Will Writer

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Using a professional Will Writer provides you with the following benefits:

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• A professional Will Writer’s training will enable them to highlight any potential legal problems which may arise from your wishes and offer potential solutions.

• The Will Writer also acts as an independent witness to your testamentary capacity and that you are not being coerced into preparing the Will.

• Your Will Writer oversees the execution of your Will to make sure it is done correctly. This also limits potential challenges.

• Professional Will Writers can help with tax and financial planning matters to minimise death duties, where applicable.

• In the event of your Will being challenged, the professional Will Writer’s notes of your meeting can be used as evidence. Giving you greater peace of mind, your wishes will be carried out.

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• You benefit from the Will Writer’s years of experience in preparation of Wills. This will enable the Will Writer to prepare your Will more accurately and quicker which means you have a legally valid Will in place sooner.

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Summary

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A professional Will Writer can save you time and money in the long run. They provide greater peace of mind and are more likely to identify potential problems than the layperson. UK Government-sponsored Money Advice Service recommends using a professional if you have assets overseas or want to limit your UK inheritance tax liability.

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To see whether we can help you prepare your Will, call 06 574 9244 during office hours or 050 594 5217 outside of office hours. Alternatively, contact us and we will be in touch. Please click this link for testimonials from some of our clients.

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