Will-writing with a reputable firm 'cheaper in the long run'

Will-writing activities carried out with a reputable firm are likely to be cheaper in the long run, according to one legal expert.

Published on Cambridge Network, Peter Ayling notes hidden charges associated with a small number of disreputable will-writing firms can add up to large expenses over the long term.

Holding a testament is one legal service the expert advises should not cost extra, warning a charge of £50 per annum to keep a will safe translates to a large amount of money over a number of years.

Lost wills can make estate administration very difficult, as a special dispensation order may have to be sought from a court and family members might dispute its contents, potentially leading to unpleasant feuds.

Mr Ayling adds: "There are also examples of wills not being signed properly, which can result in serious consequences, even the will not being admitted to probate."

A recent Panorama programme documenting a minority of unscrupulous will-writing firms brought the small, but potentially serious problem into the public eye.