DIY Wills

SailorSam

If you go to your local library you'll find plenty of books about writing your own will, most will have samples which you can copy to suit your circumstances. Then all you're going to need is a piece of foolscap paper.

Making a Will - Why should you make a will

Mojisola

SailorSam wrote: »

Then all you're going to need is a piece of foolscap paper.

There's no need for a will to be on foolscap paper.

SailorSam

I was trying to say that's all you need to buy, as opposed to a kit. When all the kit contains is the instructions that you can get elsewhere for free and your piece of paper to fill in your personal details.
I did mine; i read the books; i wrote it on the computer until i felt i'd got everything right; then printed it off. I printed it off just so i could get signatures on it and lock it safely away.
But it's still on the computer.
I'm not saying everyone should do their own, i'm single and have no kids, so my will is quite simple. Many others i'd advise to see a solicitor.

Savvy_Sue

The will on the computer is neither use nor ornament: the version which counts is the signed copy, on paper, with no paperclips or staples or marks on the paper. I hope you understood the hoops you have to go through to sign and witness a will correctly?

I'm not saying it's not adequate for your needs, but it's very easy to get it wrong.

SailorSam

I thought it was a good idea to keep the will on the computer 'co i'm sure i'll want to change it over the years, the way my sister is at the moment her share is going to the dogs home.
Anyway being on the computer it'll be easy to change and print off the new version.

robbiec_2

All well and good Sailor Sam, but you need to have a printed copy of a will signed and witnessed for it to be valid, also as mentioned by many others there are numerous things you can get wrong in compiling a will! Also have you considered where you will store it? If you have a flood, fire or it is unreadable it will be invalid!

davidlizard

Done a few wills before using the kits in the past and found it no problem whatsoever - I had one of the legal bods at work check it over and they were happy it was OK.

However, now I have children and property/investments, there are issues such as leaving stuff in trust, appointing someone to manage the estate until they are old enough, and probably most important - reducing the impact of inheritance tax. For this, a hundred pounds with someone who knows what they are doing seems worth it.

I would say if your situation is very straightforward then DIY is feasible, however anything more complicated get someone who knows all the tricks in.

SailorSam

Storing any documents can be fraught with problems for anyone, not just me or you trying to keep a will safe in our houses, but Solicitors have floods and fires as well. I think for a few pounds the Probate Office will keep your will for you, then when you pop-your-clogs it can be easily found.

ZZaffy

SailorSam, when Mojisola said ‘there’s no need for a will to be on foolscap paper', I think he was trying to strengthen your idea rather than oppose.

I heard to leave all your wordly goods to one person apparently the key line is …
I leave all my real and personal property to …

Confirmation of this statement will be much appreciated, thanks.

SailorSam

The dogs home have just taken it, sorry you're just to late.