A SOLICITOR in Worcestershire is warning people about the pitfalls of using wills on the internet after reports of difficulties with cheap or free wills services automated online.
Angela Scott, a partner with Thomson & Bancks in Pershore, is concerned that people may think making a will online is a cost-effective and easy way for ensuring that their wishes are carried out.
However, in reality, they can store up problems – some of which may only be discovered after that person has died. Miss Scott said: “Making a will is an important step and one that needs a great deal of thought. It is something which should be carried out with an expert who can understand your circumstances and what you want to accomplish from your will. They can guide you through the law so that this can be achieved.
“Solicitors are governed by the Solicitors Act and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and will have undergone many years of training to qualify.
“Any lawyer will want to see a client face-to-face to ensure that he or she understands what they want to do and that they have the mental capacity to sign a will.”
Miss Scott leads the private client department at Thomson & Bancks.
Her comments come after Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE), a national association of lawyers who specialise in acting for older and vulnerable adults, said there were increasing reports about problems concerning cheap or free wills services automated online. Some services will make money by charging high sums for storing a will – something solicitors generally never charge for.
A recent business model claims that the online will will be checked by a solicitor – something SFE and its members are concerned about.
“Solicitors are being asked to check these wills free of charge, yet we have never met the client and so can’t ascertain the person’s identity, their mental capacity, any conflicts, pressures or undue influences,” Miss Scott said.
“Also, I understand that many online systems do not ask for financial details so they can’t check the inheritance tax and other legal implications.”
She added the advantages of seeing a qualified lawyer face-to-face were that identity checks could be carried out on the person, no one is forced into making a will, and lawyers will also provide advice.
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