Making a will is one of the most important ways to safeguard your estate and protect your loved ones. But when the time comes to write one, you may wonder: should you create it yourself, or get professional help from a solicitor? This guide breaks down the advantages and risks of each option so you can decide with confidence.
Making a will is one of the most important ways to safeguard your estate and protect your loved ones. But when the time comes to write one, you may wonder: should you create it yourself, or get professional help from a solicitor? This guide breaks down the advantages and risks of each option so you can decide with confidence.
A DIY will is one prepared without direct legal support. This could mean:
Handwriting your own will (a holographic will)
Downloading a digital template
Purchasing a pre-made form from a stationery shop
DIY wills often attract people looking for a quick, inexpensive, and private solution. However, the simplicity can hide potential problems that may only come to light later.
Benefits:
Low cost – Many DIY templates are free or under £50.
Speed – A straightforward will can be drafted in a single evening.
Confidentiality – No need to share your personal or financial details.
Drawbacks:
Risk of invalidation – A missed signature, unclear language, or improper witnessing can render it void.
No estate planning guidance – Inheritance tax, trusts, and complex arrangements are rarely addressed.
Weak protection in disputes – Courts may dismiss poorly prepared wills.
Not ideal for complexity – Property, business ownership, or blended families often require tailored wording.
Even small errors—such as outdated information or ambiguous instructions—can completely derail your final wishes.
Solicitors provide professional, personalised advice that goes beyond filling out a form. They make sure your will reflects your circumstances and complies with UK law.
Advantages:
Legal knowledge – Expertise in inheritance law and estate planning.
Custom solutions – Ability to draft clauses for children, overseas property, or second marriages.
Future-proofing – Easy updates after major life events.
Reduced conflict – Professionally drafted wills are far less likely to be challenged.
Considerations:
Cost – A solicitor’s will usually ranges between £150 and £500+, depending on complexity.
Time – Requires appointments and preparation.
However, this investment often prevents far more expensive legal disputes later.
Feature | DIY Will | Solicitor Will |
Cost | £0–£50 | £150–£500+ |
Ease of Creation | Quick, self-directed | Guided and structured |
Risk of Mistakes | High | Very low |
Tax/Inheritance Advice | Rarely included | Often included |
Customisation | Limited | Fully tailored |
Update Support | Self-managed | Ongoing assistance |
Risk of Disputes | Greater | Lower |
A DIY option may be reasonable if:
Your estate is simple and modest
You own little or no property
You don’t have dependants
You’re comfortable with legal requirements
Still, even in these cases, having a solicitor review your draft can save trouble down the line.
Poorly drafted wills are one of the leading triggers of probate disputes. These can result in:
Costly court cases
Long delays in asset distribution
Strained family relationships
Dying without a valid will means your estate falls under the Rules of Intestacy, which may exclude partners, stepchildren, or charities you wished to support.
While DIY wills are cheap and convenient, they leave plenty of room for error. Solicitor-prepared wills, though more expensive, provide certainty, protection, and peace of mind for your family.
For anyone with property, dependants, or a more complex estate, consulting a solicitor is strongly advised to ensure your wishes are respected exactly as intended.