Bargain Hunters Share Tricks For Saving Over £600 On Will Writing
- Solicitor quotes for wills can be expensive
- One bargain hunter was quoted as much as £675
- Savvy shoppers share how to get cheap and FREE wills
- Tricks include teaming up with charities and browsing deal sites
Nobody wants to think about what will happen after they die, but the reality is that having a will in place can offer peace of mind - knowing that your loved ones will be protected should the worst happen.
However, the current skyrocketing cost of living may be putting consumers off looking into this service, as solicitors are known for not being cheap. The good news is that bargain-savvy members of money-saving community LatestDeals.co.uk have revealed the best places to get wills done for as cheaply as £9 - or even free.
Posting to the Latest Deals, Extreme Couponing & Bargains Group, Heather S asked: ‘Are these offers from charities to write your will for £19.99 a good idea? Is it better to go to a solicitor and pay £400+ or do they both serve the same purpose? Are there any pitfalls in doing it ‘on the cheap’ with a charity?’
She added that she’d been quoted £100s from solicitors, saying: ‘The price [from] local solicitors [was] anything from £400 to £675.’ However, several people quickly told her she could save several hundred in a variety of ways. Consumer Expert Tom Church said: ‘Creating any kind of legal document can be daunting, and it’s tempting to just go with whatever price a solicitor gives you. However, shopping around for different quotes can get you a better deal - and there are also ways to get it for a fraction of the price or even free. Here’s what our bargain hunters advised.’
Get a FREE Will From Solicitors With Charity Services
Did you know that you can get low-cost and free wills from charity-based services? Debbie C said: ‘We did ours that way, it was easier for us because the guy came to our house. They don't insist you leave anything to their charity but we did, as it was a charity close to our hearts. Very pleased with the service.’
Becki C added: ‘As far as I am aware they are just as good, they do it cheap because they hope you'll leave a donation to them in your will.’ Tom added: ‘Going down this route is a way to save money, but as the charity could be paying several hundred on your behalf, it’s worth returning the favour and leaving them a donation. Some good places to check out are Guide Dogs, Alzheimer’s Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support - there are hundreds of charities signed up for the scheme via the National Free Wills Network.’
Grab A Basic Will Without Paying If You’re In A Trade Union
You could be eligible for a free will if you’re part of a trade union. For example, those who are in Unite, Unison, the Fire Brigades’ Union and the NASUWT Teachers’ Union to name but a few should all be able to claim free wills.
Tom said: ‘People may not know about this cost-saving deal, but it’s worth taking advantage of. For example, those in the Fire Brigade Union can claim a free simple will writing service, along with discounted rates for family members. Similarly, those in Unite may be eligible for a free basic will if they meet the qualifying criteria.’
Do Your Research With Mirrored Wills
Some couples may like to go for mirrored wills to save money. Plus, if you’re in a trade union their free will offer could also include this type of will for partners. Vicky F said: ‘My husband and I went through Will Aid, it cost £180 for 2 mirrored wills,’ However, some bargain hunters weren’t so keen on this idea. Jane N replied: ‘Be careful with mirrored wills - my family have been stung with these twice. The party who outlives can change their will and do whatever they like after one party has died.’
Tom added: ‘Mirror wills are cost-effective as you are essentially getting two wills for the price of one. The argument for this type of will is that it’s better to have one than no will, but one argument against is that if the remaining partner remarries, the children from the original marriage risk being disinherited from the estate if the will is changed.’
Pick Up A Will From As Low As £9 - Wowcher, Law Depot & More
If you’re a dedicated bargain hunter, you may already have seen deals for wills online and wondered if they’re worth pursuing. Hazel B said: ‘I got a £9 Wowcher voucher. Our wills were so simple. Not much to actually leave tbh.’ Other options are also available - Lynn L said: ‘If it's a simple will you can do it for free on Law Depot. I have done mine my sister's and her husband's with no problem.’
Rachel C advised exercising caution: ‘Be very very careful that the cheap company do not force you to have them as executors or any other role. This can cost your estate dearly later. Just as well getting a blank form from newsagents or Amazon. As long as you appoint executors, name your beneficiaries and it’s signed, dated and witnessed it will be ok.’
Go With A Local Independent Solicitor If Your Estate Is Complex
If you have a straightforward estate, going with a cheap or free option could work well for you. However, if you have a fair bit to sort out, going down the solicitor route may be wiser. Tom said: ‘You don’t have to settle with a solicitor you’ve been to before or go with the first quote you’re given - shopping around for the best price is always wise. You can check out resources such as the Law Society database, or Solicitors For The Elderly for those who are older or vulnerable.
Lisa C added: ‘If you have a large estate or family that may contest then make sure your will is done with a solicitor. Online or DIY wills are legal but much easier for someone to contest.’ Shaun C gave some insight: ‘I used to charge £120 plus VAT for a basic will. The only issue…is changes in circumstances.’
Ensure Your Will Is Valid - Avoid Hassle & Cost Of Redoing It
Tom concluded: ‘According to Age UK, there are a few simple rules to ensure your will is valid. ‘If you’re making your own, ensure it’s written and signed correctly. You have to sign it with independent witnesses present for it to be valid. Plus, it needs to be safely stored - with executors knowing where it is.
‘The will has to be made voluntarily and without pressure from others. Plus, you need to have the mental capacity to make it and understand its effects. Once it has been put in writing, you’ve signed it and two people have witnessed it, it’s valid. Just make sure beneficiaries aren’t also witnesses, or they won’t have the right to the inheritance.’
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