Why DIY wills are riskier than you think

Drafting your own Will using an online template (or bought from popular high street stationers) may seem quick and cost effective, but the stakes are high, and the complications can be severe. Writing an accurate and enforceable legal document is not a simple task, so it’s no surprise that DIY Wills frequently lead to legal challenges, delays and, in the worst cases, substantial financial losses for loved ones. So, should you take the chance? In this article, we explain why a professionally drafted Will is the safer, smarter choice.

Mistakes can invalidate your will

The popularity of DIY Will kits may have exploded; but their accuracy and reliability remain a concern. Online templates, and those from stationers, for writing Wills often lack clear instructions on basic legal procedures that must be followed, which means that many self-made Wills can easily become invalid by failing to meet legal requirements.

Common mistakes include mis-signing, improper witnessing, outdated terminology, missing substitute beneficiaries, and failure to revoke earlier Wills. For a Will to be valid in England and Wales, it must be signed by the testator in the presence of two independent witnesses, neither of which can be named as beneficiaries.

A template cannot account for all a Will’s complexities

DIY templates are especially problematic in complex circumstances. For those with stepchildren, blended families, overseas property, inheritance tax (IHT), or pension arrangements, the risks of making a mistake are amplified.

As even small errors can render a Will void and make its contents unenforceable, a DIY template can never guarantee that all details are fully considered. Omissions can quickly trigger disputes and drive-up legal costs; indeed, probate conflicts have risen by nearly 40% since the Covid-19 pandemic, coinciding with a rise in the number of DIY Wills.

Probate pitfalls

How bad can it get with a DIY Will? If the validity of a Will is called into question, contests and probate delays frequently follow. It is estimated that 38,000 families face prolonged probate headaches due to substandard Wills each year. In these cases, costs consumed as much as 10% of an estate’s value – or around £21,000 on a £210,000 estate.

Professional standards deliver peace of mind

By choosing a professional team of legal specialists rather than a DIY kit you found on the internet, you can be sure that you are getting a Will that adheres to rigorous professional standards.

At Attwaters, our expert team is on hand to provide any help and advice you require throughout the Wills process, ensuring accurate legal drafting that avoids ambiguity, proper witnessing and signing procedures, guidance on substitutes, taxes, contingencies, and safe storage of the original Will.

A wise investment

While DIY Will kits may cost less initially, hidden fees, poor drafting, storage charges, and dispute risks add costs and leave you exposed to legal risks down the line. In contrast, a solicitor-drafted Will may cost more now, but it can save you tens of thousands of pounds in the long term.

Don’t leave your family exposed to preventable legal risks and expenses. Let our Wills, Trusts & Probate team help you craft a clear Will designed for your unique needs. Get in touch today on 0330 221 8855 or email wills@attwaters.co.uk to find out more.