Can you write your own Will?

In the UK, you can write your own UK Will. A self-made Will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people. The new Will must state your previous Wills are now revoked. To write your own Will, you must have mental capacity and have written the Will voluntarily.

However, there are lots of considerations you must be aware of when deciding to write your own Will. In this insight, we tackle the question, 'can you write your own Will?' and include all you need to know about your options around professional Will writing.

Key Takeaways

• Writing your own Will is possible, although it is recommended to get help from a professional Will Writer.
• If you don't write your Will correctly, you open your wishes up to easy legal challenges.
• There is plenty to consider about when writing a Will, not just what you leave behind, but your wishes for people and pets.
• Will writing services can start at £150. 

Writing your own Will

You must write your Will in accordance with Law. If you make a mistake on your Will it could make it easy to legally challenge. It can be a stressful time to lose a loved one and it can add additional stress if settling an estate involves a legal challenge. Having a legally tight Will can prevent that headache for your family. Its crucial to have a Will written correctly, especially as you may not always be around to correct it.

There are certain rules to follow. Such as:

• The Will must be signed correctly.
• Beneficiaries cannot act as witnesses.
• It is also not advisable to ask an executor to act as a witness. If a beneficiary is acting as a Witness, it can make their entitlement invalid.
• The witnesses have to be two people and must sign in person.

There is a lot to think about when writing a Will. If you do choose to write your own, you must remember to include details that are important to your estate and how it's looked after in the future.

Should You Write Your Own Will?

Before you write your own Will, you need to consider the complexities of your cicumstances. Consider the following factors to help you make a decison on a DIY Will.

Complexity of Your Assets:

If your money and property are simple and you want to leave them to one person, DIY kits or online will services might work. But if you have lots of stuff, businesses, or special requests, a solicitor can help make sure your will is clear and follows UK law.

Legal Know-How:

Solicitors know all the rules about wills and what's allowed in the UK. They can give you smart advice on things like how to reduce the tax your heirs might have to pay. If you're worried about people fighting over your stuff when you're gone, a solicitor can create a will that's strong and less likely to cause arguments.

Changes in Your Life:

If big things have happened in your life, like getting divorced, getting married again, or having kids, you should update your will. Solicitors can guide you through these changes and make sure your will always says what you want.

Peace of Mind:

Using a solicitor can help you feel more relaxed because you'll know your will is done right by someone who's an expert in the law. That way, you can be sure your wishes are carried out when the time comes.

What to include if Writing your Own Will

No two Wills are the same. There are many different wishes you can include in your Will which you may not have been aware of. People often think that if they do not have many assets, they do not need a Will. In some cases, this can make the need for a Will more important.

What to consider when writing a Will:

• Are your Children under 18? Who would you choose to look after them?
• Should your Children's inheritance be kept in Trust until they reach a certain age?
• What wishes do you have for your Funeral?
• If you are not married to your partner, are they included in your Will?
• Will you be able to make a Will in later life should you suffer from mental capacity illnesses?
• Will the administration of a Will become more difficult as you age?
• Who do you want to deal with your Estate?
• Do you want to leave anything to charity?
• Who would you want to look after any pets that may outlive you? For Example the family tortoise.

You also need to consider post will writing maintenance:

• How you will store your Will safely?
• What happens if you need to make a change?
• What happens if something happens to your Executor?

The reason for writing a Will is to ensure your Estate is safely looked after when you pass away. If this is important to you, it is advisable to seek professional help. Not only will they assist with the initial Will writing process, but they can also assist with amendments or Will storage.

Avoiding Will writing mistakes

There is no one size fits all Will template you can use. Your Will needs to be bespoke, structured correctly, and work for you. Wills can quickly become outdated. So much can change from the day you write your Will to teh day you pass away. As you get older, you may find the administration for amending a Will to be complicated. For that reason, to avoid Will writing mistakes, it is best to seek help from a professional Will Writer.

What Is A Professional Will Writer?

Professional Will writers are experienced Will writers who aren't necessarily solicitors. They may not be regulated in Law. However, they are still well-placed to assist in writing your Will. Before proceeding with a Will writer It is important to check they are a member of the Institute of Professional Will Writers (IPW). The IPW is the professional body regulating and promoting the profession of Will writing. They exist to safeguard the public from unqualified practitioners and unethical business practices.

Generally, professional Will Writers are cheaper to deal with than Solicitors.

If you choose to discuss your needs with a Will Writer, they tend to also be Later life advisers who can consider other areas of your finances and future which may need reviewing. This could be estate planning, probate services, or Power of Attorney. It may be a good use of time to consider reviewing all of these areas at once.

How much do professional Will Writing services cost?

Will writing services can begin from £150 depending on the complexity of the Will required and the time spent to write it correctly. Will writing services are normally charged as a Flat fee, so you can know exactly what you will pay before you commit without any unexpected fees.

If you are unsure where to start with later life advice, complete the Sunny Fact Find for later life advice. We use your answers to help us find the most suitable adviser for your needs. The adviser then contacts you for a no obligation conversation around how they can help. You decide how to proceed.