Probate advice for elderly offered

 A legal group has revealed that people can apply for probate and handle an estate without professional help, although they will be taking a risk by doing so.

Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) said that when people make a will that is professionally drafted it often features trusts, so that tax is saved and will beneficiaries do not have to pay care home fees.

In addition, the organisation said that a professionally-drafted will is also likely to reduce the chances of disputes during the probate process.

Members of the SFE also said that they had spotted that those writing DIY wills often sought professional advice as they found the paperwork hard or had made a mistake.

However, the importance of making a will has not been realised by some. Research from Standard Life showed that over 50 per cent of people in the UK have not compiled this document.

Published by Hannah Carr