Professional Will Writing vs. DIY Kits: Is the saving worth the risk?
We’ve all seen them in the stationery aisle or online, those "do-it-yourself" Will kits that promise to save you hundreds of pounds. On the surface, it’s a tempting offer. Why pay for a professional service when you can just fill in the blanks yourself for the price of a takeaway?
But a Will is quite possibly the most important document you will ever sign.
When you choose a DIY kit, you aren't just saving money; you’re taking on a massive amount of legal responsibility. If things go wrong, you won’t be around to fix them, and it’s your family who will be left to navigate the fallout.
Let’s break down why those "cheap" kits can end up being the most expensive mistake your family ever makes, and why a professional, friendly approach is always the safer bet.
The "Execution" Trap: Why how you sign matters
In England and Wales, there are very strict rules about how a Will must be signed and witnessed. If you don't follow these rules to the letter, your Will is essentially just a piece of paper.
If a Will is declared invalid, you are treated as if you died "intestate" (without a Will). This means the law, not you, decides who gets your house, your savings, and even who looks after your children.
Here are some common mistakes people make with DIY kits:
The wrong witnesses: Your witnesses must be independent. If a beneficiary (or their spouse) signs as a witness, they automatically lose their entire inheritance.
The "Same Room" rule: Everyone, you and both witnesses, must be in the same room at the same time when the signatures are made.
Missing dates or pages: It sounds simple, but missing a single signature on a single page can render the whole document void.
When you work with me at South West Wills and Estate Planning, I guide you through the execution process. Whether we meet in person at your home or via a secure video call, I make sure every "i" is dotted and every "t" is crossed.
One Size Rarely Fits All
DIY kits are designed to be generic. They work on the assumption that everyone has a "standard" family and a "standard" set of assets. But in the real world, families are beautifully complex.
A template won't ask you about:
Blended families: If you have children from a previous relationship, a basic DIY Will might accidentally disinherit them.
Vulnerable beneficiaries: If you have a loved one with a disability, leaving them a lump sum could affect their benefits or leave them open to financial exploitation.
Business interests: If you own a business, you need specific planning to ensure it continues to run or is sold fairly.
The Family Home: Many people want to ensure their partner can stay in the house for life, but that the value eventually goes to their children. A DIY kit simply can't handle those kinds of "Life Interest Trusts."
Check your situation. If you have a second marriage, stepchildren, or specific wishes for your home, a template is likely to fail you. My approach is to listen to your story first, then craft a Will that actually fits your life.
The Danger of "Plain English" in the Wrong Hands
We all want to avoid legal jargon, but some words have very specific meanings in law. DIY kits often lead people to use vague language that seems clear at the time but causes chaos later.
"I leave my belongings to my children" sounds simple, doesn't it?
But what counts as a "belonging"? Does it include your car? Your bank accounts? Your house?
Ambiguous wording leads to family disputes and, in some cases, expensive court battles. The money you saved on the DIY kit is quickly swallowed up by legal fees to "interpret" what you meant.
I pride myself on being jargon-free, but I use precise legal language where it matters to ensure your wishes are legally watertight. I’ll explain everything in a way that makes sense to you, so you can feel confident that your legacy is secure.
If you're looking for professional help, you can learn more about will writing in Cornwall here.
Peace of Mind vs. A False Sense of Security
The biggest risk of a DIY kit is the lack of liability.
Most kit providers explicitly state that they are not responsible for any errors or omissions. If the Will is wrong, your family has no one to turn to.
As a member of the Society of Will Writers, I follow a strict Code of Practice and carry professional indemnity insurance. This isn't just about "checking boxes", it’s about giving you and your family a safety net. You aren't just buying a document; you’re buying the certainty that it will work when it’s needed most.
Beyond the Will: The Importance of LPAs
A DIY Will kit only looks at what happens after you're gone. It completely ignores what happens if you are still here but can no longer make decisions for yourself.
A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is just as important as a Will. Without one, if you lose mental capacity due to an accident or illness, your family may have to apply to the court to manage your affairs, a process that is incredibly stressful, slow, and expensive.
When we sit down together, we don't just talk about death; we talk about protecting you while you’re alive. Whether it's your health care or your finances, I help you put the right people in charge.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
One reason people turn to DIY kits is the fear of "scary" legal fees. I believe in total transparency. There are no hidden "hourly rates", just fixed fees for professional, personal service.
Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA)
One LPA (Health or Property & Financial Affairs) for one person – £180
Both LPAs for one person – £325
Both LPAs for two people – £650
Please note: Government registration fees of £92 per LPA apply, payable directly to the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) unless an exemption or remission applies.
Our Value Bundles
Most clients find that a bundle is the best way to get everything in order at once:
Single Will + One LPA: £310 (Saves £20)
Single Will + Both LPAs (one person): £420 (Saves £55)
Mirror Wills + Both LPAs (one person): £500 (Saves £65)
Mirror Wills + Both LPAs (two people): £780 (Saves £110)
How We Can Work Together
I want to make this process as easy and comfortable as possible. You shouldn't have to trek to a cold, corporate office to talk about your private affairs.
Home Visits: I regularly visit clients across Cornwall and Devon. We can sit at your kitchen table with a cup of tea and talk through your options at your own pace.
Virtual Appointments: If you're further afield or prefer the convenience of home, I offer secure video calls nationwide.
Make sure your wishes are heard. Don’t leave it to a £10 template to decide your family’s future.
If you’re ready to have a chat: with no pressure and no jargon: I’m here to help. You can contact me directly to book a time that suits you. Let's make sure your hard-earned assets and your loved ones are truly protected.
Clare
South West Wills and Estate Planning