Last week, a couple made headlines after spending just £19.99 on an online service and ending up £70,000 out of pocket. What started as a low-cost solution for handling finances spiralled into a costly mistake. It’s a cautionary tale we at APT Legal see all too often: cutting corners on professional advice can lead to serious financial and legal consequences. When writing this, we’re keen to point out that as professional advisers people reading may be thinking: “You’re bound to say that because you want people to pay you to write their Wills.” Here’s the thing…
Not all help is created equal
It can be tempting to choose cheap, DIY options online, especially for what seem like simple legal matters. But that £19.99 service only covered the basics. When more complex issues such as inheritance, overseas assets or changes in legislation came into play, the true cost became painfully clear. People don’t know what they don’t know. You’re not paying for the paper, you’re paying for the years of advice, training and for protection (being covered by our insurance).
As such, professional advisers, such as the team at APT Legal, bring a deep understanding of the law, personalised attention, and the foresight to anticipate complications before they arise.
The hidden perils
Low-cost advice often comes with serious limitations:
- Outdated templates: Legal forms bought online may be based on old legislation or fail to reflect recent updates.
- One-size-fits-all: These solutions rarely take your unique circumstances into account.
- No follow-up: If something goes wrong later, such as a Will being disputed, you are left to pick up the pieces alone.
How professional advice protects you
- Tailored solutions
We take the time to understand your situation, including family relationships, financial arrangements and your wishes, then draft documents to suit. - Ongoing support
When laws change or your life moves forward, we are already here to help you adapt your plans with confidence. - Risk mitigation
A professional can spot potential problems before they arise, from ambiguous wording to tax issues or gaps that could lead to disputes. - Peace of mind
You can rest assured that your affairs have been arranged correctly, with proper legal backing and professional care.
Wise investment vs false economy
While professional advice costs more upfront, it is a smart investment compared to the potential fallout of getting things wrong. That £19.99 mishap is a reminder that trying to save money in the short term can come at a very high price later on, both financially and emotionally. In this case, if you’d have been told that Mirror Wills costing as little as £350 (+VAT) would help you protect that £70,000, you would have jumped at it…
How APT Legal can help
- Wills and Trusts: Thoughtfully and carefully drafted to suit your family needs and your wishes.
- Lasting Powers of Attorney: Giving the right people legal authority to help you if needed.
- Probate support: Clear guidance through a complex and emotional process.
- Ongoing reviews: Keeping your documents aligned with your life.
When it comes to your future, your family and your finances, professional advice is not a luxury. It is a safeguard. If you would like to speak to someone about getting things in order properly, the team at APT Legal is here to help.
Contact Details:
Office: APT Legal Limited, Newark Beacon Centre, Cafferata Way, Newark NG24 2TN
Email: en*******@**********co.uk
Phone: 07771 868235
