Yes, you can legally write your own will in the UK. There's no law requiring a solicitor. However, DIY wills are responsible for countless family disputes and failed inheritances every year. The money you save could cost your family far more in legal fees and heartache.
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The Legal Requirements
A DIY will is legally valid if:
- It's in writing (typed or handwritten)
- You're 18 or over
- You're of sound mind
- You sign it in front of two witnesses
- Both witnesses sign in your presence
- Neither witness (nor their spouse) is a beneficiary
Sounds simple enough. So why do so many DIY wills fail?
Why DIY Wills Go Wrong
1. Ambiguous Language
Legal documents need precise wording. Phrases that seem clear to you can be interpreted multiple ways.
Example: "I leave my money to my children" - Does this include stepchildren? Adopted children? Grandchildren if a child has died? Money in bank accounts only, or all assets?
2. Witnessing Errors
The witnessing rules are strict. Common mistakes:
- Signing in front of witnesses separately (must be together)
- Witnesses signing before you do
- Using a beneficiary as a witness (they lose their inheritance)
- Not having witnesses sign
3. Missing Crucial Provisions
DIY wills often forget to include:
- What happens if a beneficiary dies before you
- Who inherits if your whole family dies
- Guardian appointments for children
- Executor powers and authorities
- Trust provisions for young beneficiaries
4. Invalid Revocation
New wills should revoke old ones. If done incorrectly, you could have two partially valid wills causing chaos.
5. Not Accounting for All Assets
Forgetting assets or not understanding how they pass (joint property, pensions, life insurance) creates gaps in your estate plan.
Real DIY Will Disasters
When DIY Might Work
A DIY will may be acceptable if:
- Your estate is very simple (no property, modest savings)
- You're leaving everything to one person
- You have no children
- You're not married or in a civil partnership
- You understand the witnessing requirements perfectly
But even then, a professional will costs from £99. Is it worth risking your family's inheritance to save that amount?
When You Definitely Need Professional Help
Get professional help if you have:
- Property (house, flat, land)
- Children (especially minor children)
- A blended family
- Business interests
- Assets abroad
- A complex family situation
- Concerns about inheritance tax
- Anyone you want to exclude
- Beneficiaries with special needs
DIY Will Kits: Are They Better?
Will kits from stationers or online (£10-30) are better than a blank sheet of paper, but they still have problems:
- One-size-fits-all approach
- No advice on your specific situation
- Easy to fill in incorrectly
- No one checks your work
- May not cover complex situations
Will kits account for a significant portion of contested wills.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
| Scenario | Potential Cost |
|---|---|
| Professional simple will | £99 - £200 |
| Rectifying an invalid will | £2,000 - £10,000+ |
| Contesting a will in court | £10,000 - £100,000+ |
| Family relationships | Priceless |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a handwritten will legal in the UK?
Yes, handwritten wills are legal if properly witnessed. However, they're more likely to contain errors and ambiguities.
Do I need a solicitor to make a will legal?
No, there's no legal requirement to use a solicitor. But professional help significantly reduces the risk of problems.
Can I use a will template from the internet?
You can, but templates don't adapt to your specific circumstances. Many are American and don't reflect UK law.
What if I just want to leave everything to one person?
Even simple wills benefit from professional drafting. What if that person dies before you? What if they're going through a divorce when you die?