Writing your own Will

Writing your own will can be very risky. Talk to our Wills team for full advice

It is possible for you to write your own will, as you can buy a will writing pack from a stationery shop or off the internet. Typically these packs will include:

Will writing templates
Will writing software
A sample will
Will forms

'Do it Yourself' Will - A Risk?

If you are considering writing a will yourself via one of these DIY packs what is important to remember is not what they include, but rather what they do not include.

What the pack will not do is:

Ensure that you have completed everything correctly
Ensure the will has been witnessed properly (a common error)
Advise you on how to place property in a trust
Advise you how to reduce your inheritance tax bill

Unfortunately you will never know if the will writing pack was suitable for your requirements and if it was not then the people who are left to sort it out are your loved ones.

Making a Will at home

Generally wills made at home do not include wording to deal with a person's estate in full, leaving a "partial intestacy". This results in the introduction of different beneficiaries and increased costs of administration.

There is an old English proverb, which states, "if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well"; it is worth bearing this in mind when you make a will. This is especially important if you are considering one of the many free online will writing software packages that are available.

Sorting out the situation after the event will result in expense and stress for your loved ones. Utilise our will writing service and ensure you have all of your assets covered.

For assistance or advice on writing your own will call our Wills team on
0121 746 3300 or fill in our online enquiry form.