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Getting Your Will Right the First Time – The Risks of DIY and Low-Cost Alternatives
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected after your death.
While DIY will kits and low-cost templates may seem like an easy and affordable option, they can lead to unintended consequences — including invalid documents, legal disputes, and significant costs for your estate.
⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of DIY Wills
DIY will kits, such as those sold online or at retail shops, are marketed as simple solutions for drafting a will. However, they may lack the necessary guidance to ensure legal validity.
Common issues include:
1. Improper witnessing If a will is not correctly witnessed by two independent adults who are not beneficiaries, it may be deemed invalid. 📚 Re Colling [1972] 1 WLR 1440 – the will was invalid because one of the witnesses, a nurse, left the room before the testator finished signing.
2. Ambiguous language Without legal expertise, the wording in DIY wills can be unclear, leading to misinterpretation and disputes among beneficiaries. 📚 Wales v Dixon [2020] EWHC 1979 (CH) – the court interpreted the phrase “all of my nephew’s and niece’s children living at my death” to include both blood relatives and those by marriage, based on surrounding evidence and prior wills.
3. Failure to consider complex situations DIY kits may not adequately address scenarios involving property ownership, minor children, or blended families. 📚 Liu & Kang v Wu [2019] – the parents of the deceased argued that money provided for a house purchase was a loan creating a trust. The court disagreed, ruling the son’s will took priority in favour of his wife.
✅ Peace of Mind for You
Whether you’re making a will for the first time or updating an existing one, it’s worth considering the benefits of using a professional will writing service.
At Crown Law Solicitors, we offer tailored will writing solutions that combine legal precision with sensitive, practical advice.
We can help ensure your will is legally valid, clearly reflects your wishes, and avoids common pitfalls that may lead to disputes or delays. Whether your affairs are simple or complex, our team can guide you through every step of the process.
📞 To learn more about our Will Writing Services or to discuss your estate planning needs, contact us today.