Legal eagle goes worldwide to give advise

Just eight years after legal eagle Edna Richardson set up her company as a mobile Will consultant she is launching a new venture on the Internet.

With over 30 years experience in legal work, Edna decided to go solo in 1992 by forming her Accrington-based business Wills on Wheels.

Edna said : "I saw a gap in the market and decided to fill it. We help many vulnerable people who would be intimidated by going to a a solicitor's office.

"But it's not just older people who need our services. We've drawn up Wills for disabled people and busy professionals who can't spare the time during normal working hours."

After traveling across East Lancashire to advise people on how to draw up Wills, Edna realised how many people prefer a personal one-to-one service.

This gave her the idea to commission a website to enable people to e-mail her with queries so that she can draw up their wills via the post - wherever they are in the world

A fifth of the Wills she draws up are as a result of recommendations from clients and while there have been occasions when she's been called in to do death bed wills, Edna is quick to point out that making a Will is not morbid. She said :"It's possible to draw up your own Will but it can be minefield. I've seen some horrors and of course in a lot of cases the problems don't start until it's too late.

"I recommend that all people make a Wills as soon as they have an estate, whether money or property. But the most important thing is that people with children sort their Wills out. It's not just about money -- parents should let people know about who should be their children's guardians should anything happen to them."

She added that other people who should draw up Wills sooner rather than later are couples living together, because legally they may not be entitled to any of their partner's estate, and people who do not have any family, who risk dying intestate when instead they could leave their money to charity and friends.

"I believe in honesty and being friendly, and in this job that is very important. The people I visit have to be safe in the knowledge that they can trust me to do the best job.

"Ninety-nine percent of people say they've meant to make a Will and that most important thing I can do for them is give them peace of mind".

For further details telephone 01254 395765
or visit the web site at www.abcwills.com