1. Why choose Almond Wills instead of a Willwriter?
Our staff have been legally trained to write Wills. The drafting of a Will is a complex matter and correct drafting skills need to be applied in order to ensure that every clause in the Will carries out your wishes and furthermore, avoid negligence claims in the future.
2. What are your opening hours?
We work around you. If you would prefer an evening appointment, or an appointment during the weekend, this can be arranged at no extra cost.
3. What happens once I’ve decided I do want to make a Will?
One of our consultants will meet with you in your home (depending on location) and will take your instructions. They will explain the best type of Will based on the information you give.
A draft Will will then be sent to you for your approval. Once you are happy with the Will, a formal Will will be drawn up. The consultant will then visit you again in order to supervise the signing and witnessing of the Will.
4. I’m in a same sex relationship, are you able to draft my will?
We are able to draft Wills for everyone including those who are single, married, cohabiting, in a civil partnership or in a same sex relationship.
5. How much does it cost?
We operate a fixed fee system. Please have a look at our fees page or contact us for further details.
6. I have a Will but I think it needs amending, is this possible?
We offer a free Will checking service. We will look through your Will and check if any amendments need to be made. If amendments are necessary, these can be done at a reduced fee.
7. Can I use my Will to appoint guardians of my children?
Yes, it’s very important to think about who you would want the guardians of your children to be in the event of your death. Anyone appointed in your Will as a guardian is given Parental Responsibility.
8. Can I leave everything to my children, even though they are minors?
You can leave everything to your children however a trust will need to be created where the trustees appointed in your Will (normally the executors) look after the money until they reach 18 (or a later age decided by you). Children under 18 cannot have direct access to inherited funds.
9. What type of things do I need to consider before the initial meeting?
We will need to see both passports or driving licences for identity checks.
It’s useful to have an idea of how much everything you own including the house is worth. You should also have a think about who you want to have as your executors as well as substitutes if they are unable to act.
It is also important to consider guardians for any minor children and substitute guardians.
Have a think about any specific gifts of items or money you want to leave in your will, whether you want to leave money to charity and a list of full names and addresses.
It’s horrible to think about but you also need to think about a situation where something happens to you and those who would inherit, who you would want your estate to go to?
10. Is there a benefit in leaving money to charity?
Inheritance tax is currently payable at a rate of 40% for estates valued at over £325,000. If you decide to leave 10% of your estate to charity, the amount of Inheritance tax payable reduces to 36%.
11. Who can be a witness when I sign the will?
The witness needs to be independent and cannot benefit from the will in any way. If a witness is also a beneficiary in the will, the will is still valid however the gift to that beneficiary will fail.