A group of solicitors in Preston are waiving their usual will writing fees in exchange for a donation to a Lancashire hospice.
St Catherine’s Hospice second annual Wills Week will be taking place from November 12th to 18th and six solicitors across Preston, Leyland and Chorley will be providing their will-writing services for free for this worthy cause.
Trusts and legacy officer at St Catherine’s Hospice, Michelle Whalley, said: “Many people believe if they don’t have many assets, or if they’re married or are parents, they don’t need a will.
“The truth is, almost everybody needs a will to stave off unforeseen circumstances and expenses.
“Under the rules of intestacy, when a person dies without leaving a valid will, their property – the estate – must be shared out according to certain rules.
“Only married or civil partners and some other close relatives can inherit under these rules.”
66 year old Les Latham from Chorley drew up his will during Wills Week last year following the tragic loss of his wife. Les’s wife Patricia died just three weeks after being diagnosed with lung cancer and had no will in place.
Les said: “The experience following my wife’s death inspired me to get my own affairs in order.
“Forbes, the solicitors who were sorting out the probate, mentioned Wills Week and suggested I might like to take advantage of it.
“When I heard St Catherine’s would be the charity benefiting from it, I was even happier. One of my wife’s last wishes was for donations to be made to the hospice in lieu of flowers at her funeral.”
The solicitors firms who are taking part in Wills Week are: Forbes in Preston, O’Riordan & Co, Chorley, John Whittle Robinsons, Preston, Harrison Drury, Preston, Vincents, Preston and Lee Rigby, Leyland.
For an entitlement voucher and information pack, call Michelle on 01772 629171.