How to choose between a DIY or Professionally Drafted Will

DIY Wills vs. Professional Wills: What’s Best for You?

Planning for the future is essential, and one of the most important steps you can take is drafting a Will. A will ensures that your assets and wishes are carried out after your death. 

But with options ranging from DIY (do-it-yourself) Wills to a professional Will drafted by a Solicitor, it can be difficult to know which approach is best for you. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between DIY Wills and Professionally drafted Wills, outlining their pros and cons.

What is a DIY Will?

A DIY Will is a Will that you create on your own, typically using templates or online services. These types of Wills are often written with little to no involvement from legal professionals.

Pros:

Cheaper: One of the biggest appeals of a DIY will is that it can be significantly cheaper than using a qualified Solicitor.

Convenience: You can create a DIY Will from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.

Simplicity: For individuals with straightforward estates, a DIY will can be an easy, quick way to ensure your wishes are formally documented.

Cons:

Possibility of an Invalid Will: The most significant downside of a DIY Will is that it may not comply with legal requirements, which could mean that your Will is actually invalid. Without expert legal knowledge, you might overlook crucial elements like proper witness signatures, correct language, or other nuances that could cause problems later on.

Limited Flexibility: If your estate is more complex, involving things like trusts, business assets, or blended family situations, a DIY Will would not provide enough flexibility to address these issues. Online templates are designed for simplicity, but they can't account for every scenario. You may also be unaware of issues that could arise from your Will, which wouldn’t be explained without a legal professional.

Not tailored to your circumstances: A DIY Will doesn’t come with the personalised advice a professional Solicitor could provide, leaving you to figure out complex decisions on your own.

Hidden or unexpected costs: Whilst the cost to drafted an online Will is fairly inexpensive, should there be any mistakes with your DIY Will, this is likely to end up costing you and/or your family much more in the future to put this right.

What is a Professional Will?

A Professional Will is a Will created with the help of a qualified Solicitor. In this case, the solicitor works with you to understand your personal, financial, and family circumstances and ensures your Will complies with all applicable laws.

Pros:

Legally Valid: With a professional Will, you’re guaranteed that your Will is drafted correctly. A lawyer will ensure all formalities are met, making sure your Will is valid and addresses all aspects of your estate.

Tailored to you: By speaking to a professional Solicitor, you can receive personalised advice tailored to address your specific needs. Whether you have young children, a large estate, or complex family dynamics (including blended families or vulnerable family members), a Solicitor can advise you properly and draft a Will that ensures everything is covered appropriately. It may be that you are unaware of the options available to you, or the possible outcomes that need to be considered.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your Will has been professionally drafted and that your wishes will be carried out according to your exact specifications can provide invaluable peace of mind. You’ll have confidence that no mistakes were made, and that your family won’t face unnecessary legal hurdles.

Opportunity to discuss your wishes: By speaking to a professional Solicitor, you can explain your circumstances and your wishes and receive personalised advice. You can choose to do this online, over the telephone or face-to-face at our offices; whichever you prefer.

Quality advice: Solicitors have professional qualifications and are heavily regulated by The Law Society. They have indemnity insurance and can offer a broader range of legal knowledge across associated areas such as tax planning and property law.

Will Storage: Solicitors also offer services such as free secure storage of your Will. 

Cons:

Cost: A professionally drafted Will costs more than a DIY Will, as you are paying for the expertise and time taken to write your Will. However, if your DIY Will is written incorrectly or mistakes are made, this could end up costing you and/or your family much more in future to put this right.

Inconvenience: It may feel like writing a Will could be a time consuming and inconvenient process. However, here at Jordans we offer online appointments and out-of-hours appointments so we really can work around your schedule. An online appointment means you can fit this into your day without having travelling to our office if this is preferable.

Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing between a DIY Will and a Professional Will depends on several factors, including the complexity of your estate, your budget, and your confidence in managing legal documents.

However, when making such important legal decisions as you do in a Will, it is essential not to opt for cost over quality.