My wife and I have recently completed new wills which mirror each other. They were drawn up by our Solicitors but before we signed them I queried one clause which I was dubious about, but was assured it was correct and met our wishes.
On checking the copy wills which we received a week or so later, I still had doubts about that clause and so queried it again with the Solicitors. They are adamant it is correct but I am equally convinced it is not.
I should perhaps add that although the person who drew up the will and with whom we are dealing may well be experienced , as far as I am aware they have no legal qualifications.
Any suggestions as to next course of action would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Thanks to you both. As far as qualifications are concerned all I can say is that the person concerned is a legal assistant over whom a qualified solicitor has responsibility which I think is quite aboveboard. She herself is not a solicitor or a legal executive.
re CAB, Yes,I had thought about that but from my initial impression it seems I would have been directed to a solicitor. Having already paid one bill for the wills I am somewhat reluctant to pay another just to have them checked!
re Which - No I am not a member.
Thanks again to both of you.
Put your concern in writing to the Head of Private Client Department. Say in detail what your concerns are and why and ask for a full written explanation.
Because will writing is an unregulated activity anyone can do it within a firm - although it will have to be overseen by a qualified fee earner for insurance purposes.
I have now had a chance to sit poring over the wills for a couple of hours (they weren't long ones!) to get them straight in my mind and I am now happy to say I agree with the Solicitors and freely admit I was wrong in my previous interpretation of them.
Thanks again to you all.