If you own a property jointly with at least one other person, you may own it together as “Joint Tenants” or you may own it together as “Joint Tenants in Common”, as a leading Devon Will Writer I can help. What is the difference? Owning a property as Joint Tenants means that the co-owners are …
Why do I Need a Will?
Why do I need a Will you may ask, well apart from the widely accepted consequence that a person or people may not inherit from you if you do not have a legally valid Will, let us also look at some less obvious reasons as to why having a VALID Will is so important. Are …
A Day in the Life of a Devon Will Writer
My name is Michael Cotterill, and I am a professional Devon Will Writer. What does an average day look like for me? Although no two days are the same, I outline below some common occurrences. Of course, taking client instructions then creating their resulting Wills and Will documentation is part of most days. Most people …
Solicitor v Professional Will Writer for Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney & Probate
A Will is either legally valid, or it is not. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is either successfully registered with a court, or it is not. Grant of Probate is either obtained or it is not. Therefore, the choice of how these are achieved is one solely for a potential client wishing to arrange either …
Solicitor v Professional Will Writer for Wills, Lasting Power of Attorney & ProbateRead More
Property Ownership – Joint Tenants or Joint Tenants in Common?
What is the difference between owning a property JOINTLY with another person, and JOINTLY as TENANTS IN COMMON? If you own a property JOINTLY with another person, regardless of whether you have a Will or not, in the event of either death, the survivor inherits the deceased’s share of that property. If you own a …
Property Ownership – Joint Tenants or Joint Tenants in Common?Read More
Having a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney is a Good Idea, but these Don’t Apply to me.
Why doesn’t everyone protect against the problems which result from not having a valid Will or Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? The answer is three-fold. Firstly, many people believe that ignoring the problem means that it will go away. Secondly, some people believe that they have already done everything that they need to do, and …
Having a Will and Lasting Power of Attorney is a Good Idea, but these Don’t Apply to me.Read More
Excluding an Estranged Spouse or Child from your Will
Undesirable though it surely is, people do become estranged from their spouses and children for many reasons. This then leaves the dilemma of whether or not to provide for such family members upon our death. If you do wish to do so, then you need not take any additional action. However, if you wish to …
Excluding an Estranged Spouse or Child from your WillRead More
Trusts – A Little Knowledge is Dangerous
Beware the curse of advice casually provided by a self-taught “expert” at a bus stop, in the pub or over the garden fence. A few years ago, I advised married clients to incorporate protective “Trusts” in their Wills. The purpose being that in the event of the first death, the survivor would benefit fully from …
Using a Will Writer vs The Dangers of D.I.Y.
There is a reason why most of us don’t undertake dentistry or surgery upon ourselves, or build our own houses. It would most likely be much cheaper and certainly more convenient, however I would not be very confident of a successful outcome. Likewise, you may consider not to use a professional Will Writer and that …
Devon Wills for anyone in England & Wales
For centuries, when people wished to arrange a Will, they would use a local solicitor. Originally, Wills would be handwritten, then progress lead to the typewriter, electronic typewriter and now the word processor. Devon Wills Writer, Michael Cotterill created TRFWills in 2005 and is a member of the Society of Will Writers. Do you need a …
Avoid Solicitors for Non-Contentious Divorce
When a person is facing divorce, this can be a very disorienting and lonely time for them. It is also a time when they may well be more vulnerable and suggestible. If you are facing divorce, and there is no fundamental dispute or you have already agreed a financial settlement, it would generally be more …