Has anyone actually got a copy of a DIY will?

john9159

I'm preparing a will for my sister and want to make a draft just in case she departs suddenly.
Hopefully this will be acceptable in the event as it will be fairly straightforward.
After dispersements, the residue will be divided between charities.
Has anyone got an actual copy of a DIY will?
Thank you 

Keep_pedalling

An unsigned, unwitnessed will is not valid and intestacy rules would apply. I would also not recommend a DIY will unless we are talking about a small cash only one.

twopenny

I've worked in probate and such.

I do have a diy will but got the proper job as soon as possible. If money is a problem then you can get a free will made through a charity.

 It's not always as it seems or people assume when someone passes on and leaves money and property. You need it watertight.

I would only do a diy will if it was very immenently needed.

A solicitor will do it quickly if needed.

If longer they will store the will in a fireproof vault for free so very safe. You can view it any time and you don't have to use that solicitor when it comes to it.

You can also negotiate probate cost. Think it's too much you can ask around.

This is a good starting point because if you look at charity wills they make it seem straightforward because they are promoting first and formost.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/free-cheap-wills/

One of the first and best things to do is to put all the paperwork regarding property and finances in order and easily accessible.

The more straightforward the cheaper the probate.

Olinda99

you can buy a cheapo diy paper will from w h smith

is it a simple will ?

user1977

john9159 said:

dispersements

Please at least get somebody to spell check it...

Why do you want a copy of somebody else's DIY will? I'd have thought a copy of a professionally-drafted one might be better to look at.

john9159

Olinda99 said:

you can buy a cheapo diy paper will from w h smith

is it a simple will ?

W H Smiths no longer exists on the high street but thanks anyway.

Savvy_Sue

john9159 said:

Olinda99 said:

you can buy a cheapo diy paper will from w h smith

is it a simple will ?

W H Smiths no longer exists on the high street but thanks anyway.

Possibly not as many branches as there used to be, but I've just checked and I wasn't dreaming when I saw one yesterday ... And they do still sell a will writing kit, not that I'd recommend it. 

Olinda99

there is one on my high st and they sell simple diy will kits. "I revoke all.previous wills 
.. pay debts funeral expenses ... leave everything equally to my three children ..."

https://www.whsmith.co.uk/Product/LAWPACK-Premium-Last-Will-and-Testament-Kit-Exclusive-to-WHSmith/15465092

Emmia

Personally I feel sorry for who ever the executor is if this DIY will is actually used.

In many ways dying intestate is probably preferable if those rules meet the requirements (but I would recommend a properly drafted will).

Dying intestate is also free of charge to the would be testator.

https://www.gov.uk/inherits-someone-dies-without-will

Pollycat

john9159 said:

Olinda99 said:

you can buy a cheapo diy paper will from w h smith

is it a simple will ?

W H Smiths no longer exists on the high street but thanks anyway.

It does on my high street.
And doubles as our post office.

john9159 said:
I'm preparing a will for my sister and want to make a draft just in case she departs suddenly.
Hopefully this will be acceptable in the event as it will be fairly straightforward.
After dispersements, the residue will be divided between charities.
Has anyone got an actual copy of a DIY will?
Thank you 

And if it isn't...?

Some charities offer this service:

Find out how to cut costs when drawing up your will, including charity schemes, Free Wills Month and Will Aid

How to make a will for free - Which?
 

Olinda99

Although for peace of mind many will want to use a solicitor it is perfectly possible to make a simple will without using one - indeed people have been doing this for decades if not centuries

You can write I leave everything to battersea dogs home on the back of an envelope and as long as it is signed and witnessed properly it will be valid

The same is true if you say I want to leave everything equally divided between my three children and as long as you accept the default position of what happens should one of them predecease you then that would also be valid and perfectly ok

Perhaps an intermediate step would be to create a will on the which website which guide you through the process and the final will is then reviewed by a solicitor - it is not too expensive to do this