Making a will is one of the most valuable steps to safeguard your assets and secure your family’s financial future. But when it comes time to actually prepare one, the question arises: should you do it yourself—or trust a legal professional? This article weighs both options to help you make the right choice.

What Is a DIY Will?

A DIY (do-it-yourself) will is created without the assistance of a legal professional. It can be prepared in several ways, such as:

         Writing it by hand (a “holographic will”)

         Using an online template service

         Purchasing a pre-printed form

People are often drawn to DIY wills because they seem affordable, quick, and private. Yet, the drawbacks may not be immediately obvious.

Pros and Cons of Preparing Your Own Will

Advantages:

         Low cost – Many DIY solutions are free or under £50.

         Convenience – A will can be written at home within hours.

         Privacy – No need to disclose personal details to others.

Disadvantages:

         Legal mistakes – Incorrect witnessing, vague terms, or missing signatures could make the will invalid.

         No tax planning – DIY wills usually don’t cover inheritance tax strategies.

         Weak legal standing – Disputes are more likely to succeed against a DIY will.

         Lack of flexibility – Templates are unsuitable for complex estates involving property, businesses, or trusts.

Even a small oversight—such as failing to sign in the correct place—could cause serious problems, including your assets being distributed against your wishes.

Why Hire a Solicitor for Will Writing?

Working with a solicitor ensures your will is accurate, legally binding, and tailored to your specific situation. This also helps prevent confusion or disputes among beneficiaries.

Benefits of using a solicitor:

         Expert knowledge – Solicitors specialise in inheritance law, estate planning, and protecting assets.

         Custom advice – They can adapt your will for blended families, children, business ownership, or overseas property.

         Ongoing assistance – A solicitor can update your will after life events such as marriage, divorce, or property purchase.

         Legal strength – Professionally written wills are much harder to challenge in court.

Points to consider:

         Higher initial cost – Prices often range from £150 to £500+ depending on complexity.

         Time required – Meetings and document preparation are necessary.

While this requires more effort, it usually prevents future legal expenses and family disputes.

DIY vs. Solicitor-Drafted Will – Quick Comparison

Feature	DIY Will	Solicitor-Drafted Will
Cost	£0–£50	£150–£500+
Ease of Creation	Quick, but error-prone	Guided and supported
Risk of Errors	High	Very low
Tax Planning	Not included	Commonly included
Customisation	Limited	Fully personalised
Updating Support	Must be done manually	Often includes reminders
Risk of Disputes	Higher	Lower

When Might a DIY Will Be Suitable?

Writing your own will may be acceptable if:

         Your estate is very small and straightforward

         You own little or no property

         You have no dependants

         You fully understand UK inheritance law

         You feel confident drafting and executing it properly

Even in these cases, asking a solicitor to review your draft can help avoid costly mistakes.

The Real Cost of a Poorly Written Will

Invalid or unclear wills are one of the leading causes of probate disputes in the UK. These conflicts often cause:

         Delays in distributing assets

         Expensive court battles

         Family disagreements and stress

If you die without a valid will, your estate is divided under the Rules of Intestacy—which may exclude partners, stepchildren, or charities you intended to support.

Conclusion

Although DIY wills may seem simple and inexpensive, the risks are significant. Minor errors can create financial and emotional hardship for your loved ones. On the other hand, a solicitor-drafted will, though more costly upfront, provides assurance, accuracy, and peace of mind.

If you own valuable assets, have dependants, or complex family circumstances, consulting a professional solicitor is strongly advised to ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.