comparison of will writing options
The foundation of adeus is built on trust and integrity, so we want you to know about the various options you have, so you can make an informed choice.
Here are some of the key options, we encourage you to research them, and compare them to adeus.
We’re confident you’ll choose us, but if you don’t and you get a will elsewhere, we’ll be happy that you’re taking the first steps to protect your legacy, and your loved ones as our mission is to help move the needle, to make having a will something everyones sees as important.
| Where to buy | Advantages | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Will Kits | Available in the UK from newsagents and can be ordered online. | - inexpensive - can be done at home | - quite complex; lots of reading required - Rigid paper format that’s difficult to complete properly - Not checked by anyone so easy to make a mistake |
| Charity Wills | Some registered charities offer will writing twice per year, in March and October | - free of charge - usually carried out by professional will writers or online will companies - credibility as partnered with a charity that you respect or support | - difficult to schedule - long waiting times - only cover very simple cases - qualification criteria for many (i.e. over 55s only) - will provider may try to upsell you - implicit expectation that you leave a financial gift to the charity |
| Online Wills | There are a number of companies available. | - convenient - most provide basic checking of wills - more flexible than a DIY Will Kit | - only suitable for straightforward cases - no digital vault to complement your will - additional costs to update your will - customer support can be hit-and-miss |
| Professional Will Writers* | Many available. Usually operate in your local area. We only recommend those that are Members of IPW or SWW (will writing associations in the UK). | - provide expertise and guidance - generally friendly and professional service - good for more complex family or personal situations - good ones are certified and have required insurance coverage | - more expensive - can be difficult to schedule appointments - usually require in person meeting - additional cost to update your will - additional costs for will storage and other services |
| Solicitors* | Many solicitor firms and individuals offer will writing and estate planning services. Look for one that is SRA regulated. | - excellent expertise and range of advice and services - can advise on complex estate planning and taxation - reputable and covered by SRA regulations | - most expensive - less convenient - sometimes less personal service than a will write - smaller firms or individuals may not be accessible when you need |
*We value the expertise provide by professional will writers and solicitors. We have people from these areas in our advisory team, and we regularly refer our customers to them when they have more complex needs, or are in need of advice.
We’re also partnering with some companies to provide support for their clients who want to supplement their will with the adeus Digital Vault, and use our secure cloud-based technology to store their professionally prepared wills electronically.