Professional will writing assistance is the best way to ensure that your estate planning documents, particularly your Will, are completed correctly. There are many do-it-yourself car maintenance, home improvement and financial projects that can be tackled at a reasonable cost, but when dealing with matters of such import as a professional will it is important to seek the help of experts.
When selecting a professional professional will writing assistance consider whether they have a high level of experience and are members of The Society of Will Writers. This organisation is non-profit making and self-regulatory, ensuring that its members have a minimum level of professional indemnity insurance to cover any problems.
Depending on the size of your estate, the number of people to include in your Will and any other legal documents you need to prepare, the cost can vary widely. Some services offer flat fees, while others charge by the hour. Most online services provide a free initial consultation, and you should ask about their payment arrangements before hiring them to draft your documents.
If you decide to hire an attorney, your fee will be based on how complex your estate is and how long it takes the lawyer to review and complete the documents. An attorney may also offer a flat fee for an entire set of documents, which will give you a clear idea of how much to expect in terms of costs.
A good quality professional will service should have a help center where you can find extensive information on how to use their templates and how to make changes after the fact. They should also be able to answer any questions that you have by phone or email. If they don’t, you should consider another service.
Once your documents are complete, you should make copies and keep them in a safe place. You should also give copies to your spouse, other designees and beneficiaries. In addition to giving them the document, you should also include any additional instructions about your wishes, such as where you want to be buried or what music you would like played at your funeral.
When naming your executors, be sure to select people who are trustworthy and willing to take on the responsibility, no matter how difficult it may be. The executors are in charge of collecting your assets, paying any debts or taxes and distributing the remainder to your beneficiaries.
If the executors are unable to follow your instructions, your family might end up in court over how to settle your estate and who should receive what. A professional will can help prevent this by clearly stating your preferences and laying out the powers and duties of each person.
It is also a good idea to include the names and contact information of any colleagues you wish to be notified immediately in case of an emergency, as well as a statement saying whether you prefer your current and former patients to be notified.