I got a solicitor to make alterations to our wills, but I would prefer my executor to use a different firm when the time comes. The solicitor kept the original wills; should I ask him to return them? Do solicitors charge to store wills?
If your copy of the will shows that the solicitor is co-executor of your estate then your friend will not be able to go to a different firm when you’re gone. In that case you should make a new will ensuring that your friend is named sole executor. Then if he needs help with probate he can go to a solicitor of his choosing. A solicitor who is called on to wind up your estate is unlikely to charge for storing your will; otherwise it’s possible there’ll be a small fee chargeable to your estate.