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MANTHORPE
LAW OFFICES* LAWYERS REPLY TO: Rosalyn D. Manthorpe Spring 2004 Why
should I spend money for a lawyer to prepare my Will when I could copy it from a
friend, do it myself for free from the Internet or produce one cheaply through a
“Will Kit”? As a lawyer, I am often asked this question, especially by people who have not previously dealt with a lawyer and are sure of the benefits of obtaining professional help. Generally I believe that people should handle as much of their own affairs as they can. Since Wills are such common and relatively short documents, people think that they are a prime example of something they can do on their own. However, there is more to preparation of a Will than simply a few pages of “legalese”. 1. When a Will is prepared by lawyer experienced in Wills and Estates, the clients also receives a good deal of advice on “estate planning” generally. That will include advice on holding assets in joint names, making gifts now, special provisions for children, and tax planning, to name a few. 2. A Will is not just a few pages of paper. It is intended to be a working document, to assist your Executor in administering your estate as you direct. A lawyer who has experience in administration of Estates will recognize many issues which need to be addressed, to smooth the path for the Executor and ensure your wishes are followed. 3. While notaries are permitted to prepare “simple Wills”, only lawyers are permitted to assist in estate administration. This experience in estate administration helps in avoiding unintended and costly mistake in preparation of the Will. 4. If you have young children, handicapped or “wayward” children, a separated spouse, a second marriage, business assets or other unusual circumstances, responsibilities, or wishes, the situation no longer is “simpler” and calls for sound legal advice. The wrong wording in a Will can have long-lasting and irreversible consequences which may completely contradict your actual wishes. It is very easy to make mistakes in the formalities of preparing and signing a Will which can automatically invalidate the Will. Similarly, if you do not receive appropriate legal advice for the contents of the Will, the problem would not be discovered until after your death – too late to fix it. The advice you receive from a lawyer has a value greatly exceeds its cost. The legal fees are very small compared with the value of your estate which you are trying to protect. You have worked hard to achieve your financial success; the cost of legal advice for such an important matter is a small investment in continuing care for your loved ones. Manthorpe Law Offices has built a strong reputation as a reliable, client-oriented firm. We pride ourselves on our ability to respond to our clients’ needs in a straightforward and timely manner, for reasonable fees. We produce Wills and other documents for our clients which are clear and easily understood. We use plain language, not “legalese”, to ensure you understand your rights and obligations under the law. Please call Rosalyn Manthorpe to discuss your individual planning needs. 102, 15399 – 102A Avenue SURREY, BC V3R 7K1 Telephone: (604) 582-7743 Fax: (604)582-7753 |
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