It’s sometimes easy to put off writing a will when there’s so much going on, and it’s often an uncomfortable subject to discuss. So, when people get around to making arrangements for their loved ones, a DIY will template might seem like the simplest, most cost-effective solution. But many local families choose a qualified will writer instead. They’re looking for more than a form to fill in. They want guidance, clear wording, and the reassurance that their family won’t face difficulties that could have been prevented.
A will template doesn’t take into account your family
Will templates are made for a general audience. They might work well for some people in simple situations, but many families have circumstances that don’t fit into the usual categories. Maybe you own a property. Perhaps you have children from a previous relationship, or you want to provide for a vulnerable relative, or you’d like to leave specific items to specific people.
This isn’t always a risk that’s immediately apparent. The template might appear complete, but it can’t ask questions, or pick up on things you may have forgotten. A qualified will writer will take everything into account and ensure that the will reflects your actual circumstances, rather than just a generic scenario.
Clear wording makes things simpler for everyone
Another reason many families choose a qualified will writer rather than a DIY will template is the importance of clear wording. Even small errors in wording can cause major disputes once you’ve passed away. What you consider to be perfectly clear might be open to interpretation by your family members, executors, or anyone else with an interest in your estate.
For instance, what does ‘my personal possessions’ mean? It could refer to jewellery, furniture, cars, or mementos, or all of the above. If the wording of the will doesn’t make it clear what the gift consists of, your family could be left to fight over what you actually meant.
A qualified will writer will help you specify gifts, beneficiaries, executors, and other instructions more clearly. This makes the estate simpler to administer, and saves everyone a lot of hassle during a stressful time.
Professional help is useful for delicate matters
Making a will isn’t just about distributing financial assets. There are also important decisions to be made. For instance, parents need to consider who should care for their young children if something were to happen to them. In a second marriage, you may have to consider whether to leave anything to your current spouse or partner, as well as to your own children and your spouse’s children. Alternatively, you might want to exclude one or more people from the will entirely, or explain why particular items are being left to certain individuals.
It’s not always easy to make these decisions on your own. A qualified will writer can walk you through your options, and help you understand the implications of any choices you make. This is particularly helpful for those who would like to do some more research before taking any action that affects their loved ones.
When a DIY Will isn’t enough
Sometimes a family or financial situation requires more than a standard DIY will. Some of these circumstances include:
- A child from a prior marriage or relationship
- A stepchild
- Assets held in joint names
- A family member in need of care or living with a disability
- An estranged relative
- Business interests or being self-employed
- The need to leave specific cash legacies, jewels or other items
In these situations, the language of your will can make all the difference. If it is not complete or accurate, the result may not be what you intended. A professional will writer (learn more here) is able to ask the right questions and help you spot potential pitfalls that a DIY will might miss.
Your will has to be signed correctly
Even a correctly written will can lead to problems if it isn’t signed and witnessed correctly, with the full details at https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/100522. This is one of the primary hazards associated with DIY documents. Many people assume that simply filling out the form and signing it is sufficient. Unfortunately, the execution of your will is strictly regulated.
A witness must be suitable, independent, and in attendance at the appropriate time. If you name the wrong person as a witness, a bequest could lapse or your will could be contested. A professional will writer can walk you through the proper process and help you steer clear of easy but potentially costly errors.
The true cost of getting it wrong
While DIY templates are frequently chosen because of their low price, the cost of dealing with a will that is ambiguous, incomplete or invalid can quickly add up. Your loved ones could find themselves dealing with delays, legal fees, disagreements or confusion regarding your intentions.
Rather than asking, “What’s the cheapest way to write a will?”, many families should consider, “What’s the best thing I can do to make life easier for my loved ones when I’m gone?” A professionally drawn will can save time, avoid arguments and give your executors the information they need to get things moving.
Don’t forget that a will isn’t a document you write once and then put away. Life events like moving house, marriage, divorce, children, and changes to your financial circumstances may impact your intentions.
A professional will writer can help with this process and make sure everything is handled correctly.
A further consideration that becomes apparent as you go through these lessons is where to keep your executed will. The executors need to know not only that a valid will has been written but also where they can find it if they need to access it, without going digging around in drawers of old paperwork trying to work out which is the current one.
Giving Your Loved Ones Peace of Mind
Families typically choose a professional will writer rather than a DIY template because they want to be sure that key decisions are made thoughtfully. A form can’t assess your situation, offer advice or ensure your wishes are communicated clearly.
A professional will writer can take your wishes and turn them into a legal document that your family can use. For many families, giving their loved ones this reassurance is worth far more than the apparent savings of a DIY solution.
