The Dangers of DIY Wills

Recent media reports have been filled with numerous examples of botched wills and the dangers that can come from trying to create a will at the cheapest rate.

While one of our recent blogs focussed on challenging wills, too often there are unreported cases of people unable to leave their inheritance or have proper access to an inheritance due to a DIY will or a botched will from a will-writing service.

DIY Wills

DIY wills are attractive to many because of one major aspect. Cost. DIY will kits can be purchased online and on the high street for less than £20. However, there is a reason that said wills are so cheap. DIY wills fail to take into account complexed of difficult circumstances and often do not include an executor of the will meaning that it can be difficult to ensure those you wish to inherit your estate do.

Figures from the Co-operative Legal Services (CLS) suggest that poorly drafted or ineffective DIY wills are to blame for a prolonged probate ordeal for 38,000 families a year.

According to the study, 10% of the value of a person’s estate can be absorbed in additional fees as a result of an ineffective will. With the average estate in the UK standing at £160,000, more than £16,000 could be lost in fees alone.

Will-writing services are also similar and although they are just under £100 the vast majority use a template that does not suit your family or property circumstances.

Contact Us

By using our team of skilled solicitors, you are ensuring that your will is legally bound and is correct for your circumstances. By having your will checked over by a trained expert, you are ensuring that your family will not need to pay more for your estate. Get in touch with our team of solicitors today using our online contact form.