will writing

Written by Abigail Bird - 18.05.20

As we contemplate the easing of lockdown and start to edge back towards normality, there is still time to do the things that we have tended to put off when life was moving at full speed.

Few of us would discount the importance of having a Will in place, but for many the prospect of actually creating a Will can be seen as a chore – and inevitably this can lead to it becoming one of those tasks that often gets pushed to the bottom of the pile.

But, just like reorganising the furniture, clearing out the wardrobes, and trying out the various cookbooks you’ve been given and never used over the years – the advantages can become apparent soon after you get started.

Most of us realise that we’re unlikely to reach the age of Captain Tom. And we have different motivations for writing a Will, from leaving money or possessions to specific people, to determining who will help raise our kids or decide how to educate them. We may have charities to support or specific funeral preferences.

The bottom line is that we won’t have a choice, if we don’t write it down.

This terrible crisis is having a profound impact on how we live, and how some are dying. It is also allowing some people to spend time on other things – important things.

People who have successfully completed the drafting of their Wills have described a feeling of relief and a weight off, especially those with children.

It’s not all about what might happen in the future, or the people we leave behind. Like clearing out the wardrobe, or knocking up an authentic Pad Thai, the benefits can be felt right now. My clients have described a sense of accomplishment, contentment, and relief

One of our clients said “Abigail Bird and her team have been fantastic. A highly professional service. A will is not something you want to be thinking about but they have made it extremely easy for me and my family. I highly recommend this firm to anyone! Thank you Laurus Law.”

So, if you’ve decided you want to get on with it, here’s how we can help you:

Will writing is an integral part of what we do to ensure the legal well-being of our clients. I will be your direct point of contact and guide you through the process. I aim to make the experience thoughtful, efficient, and convenient. Some clients have gone so far as to say, it was fun…

Contrary to what many people assume, creating a Will does not have to be a longwinded process and is something we are able to offer remotely, respecting the need for social distancing at this time.

Our Process.

I will take your instructions and spend time understanding and discussing your wishes, face-to-face, via video conference using Zoom or FaceTime. Should you prefer, we can also run the process through email and phone calls.

Following the video call I plan to have your draft Will ready within 7 -10 days together with an explanation of the contents of the Will and its clauses. We will schedule a follow up call to answer any questions and agree amendments ahead of drafting your final version.

Once approved, I will send you the final version for signature together with a step-by-step guide for signing - including safe ways to do this whilst social distancing.

The completed Will can be returned to us for free storage and we will issue a Storage Certificate. We will also retain a scanned copy for ease of reference, should you need it.

From start to finish, depending on how much time you need to consider your wishes, the process should take between 3-4 weeks. If you require an expedited service, please just let us know and we will endeavour to meet your time scale.

Finally, I have been asked if it’s possible to leave a legacy to NHS Charities in response to the incredible work they continue to do during this crisis. The answer is yes. Many people like to recognise charities in their Wills and we are able to do this for you. We may not have the chance to do 100 laps, but charities rely heavily on donations through gifts in people’s Wills and this is one way that people can leave a legacy for generations that follow them.