Avoiding Will disputes ‘requires appropriate questions to be asked’

Posted 27/09/2011

Disputes over Wills can be avoided through appropriate questions being asked during the drafting of the document, which could lead individuals to take professional advice about their plans.

Keith Johnston, director of philanthropy at the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, stated that it is “essential” the person creating the Will asks the right queries during discussions about it.

He explained how it is necessary to “explain in full to the client the outcome of their wishes (including the tax side) and make very detailed notes of the instructions and advice given”.

Mr Johnston pointed out that this means if a dispute arises as a result of what is written in the Will after a person’s death, it can be resolved easily.

Battersea Cats and Dogs Home recently revealed that the average amount of money it is left in a Will is more than £50,000, with some of the animals kept at the location named after benefactors as a result, reported the Wandsworth Guardian.

Ashtons Legal has a strong team of lawyers who are able to help with all aspects of making a Will and, if necessary, tax planning.