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17/08/2009
Warning over badly written wills |
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The need to have good legal advice when will drafting has been emphasised by a lawyer noting the additional costs arising from a document that was badly constructed by the deceased, leaving a huge bill to resolve the matter.
Writing in the Press and Journal, Aberdeen-based lawyer Paul Lewis noted that the late publisher Desmond Elliott had sought to put together his own will on a DIY form bought for 50p.
However, errors on the document after his death in 2003 left the estate trustees with a legally unsound document that has cost over £100,000 to untangle - a process that has only just been completed - Mr Lewis noted.
He added that the case showed trying to avoid solicitor's costs can lead to much more expense in the long term.
Last week midlands-based lawyer Martin Green said people should reassess their wills as a result of the recession.
He told the Birmingham Post the downturn has reduced asset wealth by 30 per cent and people should alter their documents to reflect this.
Written by Anthony Dyson
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