When it comes to planning for the future, one of the most important things you can do is write a will. It ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes, preventing confusion and potential disputes among your loved ones. However, while DIY wills—available through online templates or will-writing kits—are becoming increasingly popular, they can often lead to costly mistakes. Let’s explore the risks of DIY wills and why enlisting the help of a solicitor is essential to avoid making errors that could have serious legal consequences.
The Risks of DIY Wills
Although DIY wills might seem like an affordable solution, they come with significant risks. The main issue is the legal language. Wills need to be precise in order to be valid. Unfortunately, many DIY templates use imprecise or outdated language, which could result in ambiguities about what exactly your wishes are. Even a minor mistake in wording could lead to your will being declared invalid, meaning your estate may not be distributed the way you intended.
Another major risk is the failure to meet the legal requirements for a will. In the UK, a will must be signed by the testator (the person making the will) and witnessed by two people who aren’t beneficiaries. A DIY will might overlook these requirements or use outdated guidance on how to properly execute the document. Without proper signatures or formalities, the will could be challenged in court.
DIY wills can also leave behind plenty of grey areas. For example, what happens if you forget to include a particular asset, or if your beneficiaries aren’t clearly named? These kinds of uncertainties can cause serious issues for your loved ones, leading to disputes or confusion over your estate. Know that you can get expert advice at https://www.skylarkhill.co.uk/.
Common Mistakes Made in DIY Wills
Even well-meaning individuals who attempt to write their own will often make simple mistakes. One of the most common is the omission of assets. You might leave out property, investments, or valuable items without realising it. If these assets aren’t included in the will, they could pass to people you didn’t intend, or worse, end up in the hands of the state.
Another mistake is choosing the wrong executors. The executor of your will is the person who will manage your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out. Often, DIY will writers choose someone they trust but may not fully understand the responsibilities involved. A solicitor can help you choose an executor who is capable of handling these duties, especially if your estate is complicated.
Inconsistent beneficiaries can also pose a problem. If you’ve made multiple versions of your will over the years or included conflicting information in your DIY will, it can cause confusion and lead to legal disputes. For instance, if one version names your children as beneficiaries but another excludes one of them, it can result in lengthy and expensive court proceedings.
Lastly, many people fail to consider inheritance tax planning when writing their own will. Inheritance tax can significantly reduce the value of your estate, and without proper advice from a solicitor, you may end up paying more tax than necessary. A solicitor can provide tailored guidance to ensure that your estate is structured in the most tax-efficient way.
Signs You Have Found a Trustworthy Wills Solicitor
Is it about time that you had a will written? This is a task that a lot of people delay. But, if you have certain wishes for your estate, it’s important to have them written down in case something happens to you. This ensures that your loved ones get what you want them to have. It’s recommended that you find a reliable solicitor with plenty of experience for this task. Here are some signs you’ve found one for your will.
Introduce the Team
When you’re dealing with something like a will, things get personal. You’re going to be sharing a lot of sensitive information and for your wishes to be talked about with someone else. So, you want to feel like the solicitor is approachable, helpful and understanding. A good solicitor is going to introduce the team and provide you with information about them. They want you to feel part of the process and know that you’re going to be supported. Indeed, it can give you reassurance when you know more about them and even what they look like.
Clients Recommend Them
Every solicitor is going to tell you they’re the best. What you need is to hear from the clients. This is real evidence that the professionals are as good as they say they are. So, make sure you read client reviews before contacting a solicitor. You can read them on their website or head to Google and other third-party sites to clarify. You want to look for plenty of positive feedback that indicates the solicitors know what they’re doing with wills and that clients are satisfied with the process.
Easy to Book a Consultation
There’s nothing worse than finding a solicitor you like, but they’re hard to get in contact with. It makes you feel underappreciated as a client and that they aren’t taking this role seriously. Thankfully, trustworthy professionals know that having a good relationship with clients helps the process and makes it easier. So, they’re going to make sure it’s simple to book a consultation with them. This can be through an online form, providing an email address or telephone number. You shouldn’t have to search far to find this information.
Conclusion
While it might seem tempting to write your own will to save money, the risks involved can outweigh any potential savings. From invalidating your will to unintentionally creating family disputes, DIY wills can cause more harm than good. Hiring a solicitor ensures that your will is legally sound, protects your assets, and guarantees your wishes are followed. So, if you haven’t already, consider contacting a solicitor to get your will written correctly—your peace of mind and your loved ones will thank you.
