so it yourself will?

shezzy

I have just paid £9.95 for a home made will through an internet site, it's been downloaded to my email and it says i need two people to witness my signature and add theirs and then it's legal? Do i not need a solicitors signature or something or is it that easy? Sorry if it's on the wrong thread but did'nt know where to post it!
Just worrying now if i've wasted £9.95!

shezzy

rayday2

You need signatures (I believe) of two people who will not gain anything from the will but know you.

lynzpower

did you know you can gfet will making packs? They derfinately sell them in tescos for about 4 quid.

RAS

Shezzy

A very simple will is fine if done without a solicitor. You do need to sign it in front of two witnesses and to get them to sign that you are the person signing your will (If you see what I mean). Why do you think there are so many rows about old dears altering them just before they die?

You must not us anyone as a witness who will benefit from the will.

Also if your affairs are complex (children particularly), you should use a solicitor.

finally, if you marry, or a relationship breaks down, you need to get it replaced.

rog2

Funnily enough, shez, I am signed up with Reed Employment Agency and one of the job vacancies that they emailed me today was for a Sales Manager for 'the largest independent will providers'.
The salary was £25 - £30k, with OTE of £50k.
I didn't realise that there was such a market for DIY wills.

localhero

Hi Shezzy

Unless your affairs are very very simple DIY wills are inadvisable. That's because your will should be tailored to your exact circumstances. A professionally drafted will would also cater for circumstances that you may not even have thought about. Also the use of one vague word can cause uncertainty (and therefore lead to disputes). There might also be taxation issues.

That said, a DIY will can be perfectly legal provided it is signed and witnessed properly. The most common problem found with wills is with the signing and witnessing - for, if this is not carried out according to strict rules, your will will be invalid.

Therefore it is important that you have 2 witnesses who must both be present when you sign your will, and you present when they sign. In addition, your witnesses:-

1) Must not receive a gift in your will;
2) Must not be a spouse of someone receiving a gift in your will;
3) Souldn't be a guardian, executor or trustee of your will;
4) should be over 18 & of sound mind.

If either of your witnesses die before you your will will still be valid. You don't need a solicitor for this task - friends or neighbours etc are fine. Marriage revokes a will (unless it was made in contemplation of marriage). If you divorce the will remains valid, but any gifts to ex-spouse are cancelled and any appointment of ex-spouse as an executor is also cancelled.