With increasing numbers of charities offering free will-writing services, Andrew Bishop has shared his perspective in the Sunday Times on the legal risks involved.
The issue: Why a free charity will could cost your family a fortune
The amount left to UK charities in wills stood at £4.5 billion, a trend partly driven by the ease of writing a free will. The process can be more streamlined, but lacks the personalised and detailed touch of a specialist. This can lead to omissions and oversights, leaving families with expensive legal fights and unexpected tax bills, especially in relation to trusts.
Charities can sue the family member if they ignore the wishes of their loved one – Andrew Bishop
The article looks back at Heather Ilott’s legal fight. Her mother had left her £386,000 estate to three animal charities. Ilott’s initial challenge to the will was successful, but it was overturned in a Supreme Court ruling and her award was reduced from £163,000 to £50,000. Expanding on this, Andrew Bishop said:
