A DIY/Online Will sounds convenient. Quick. Informal and potentially cheap. For something that feels simple, it can be tempting to tick the box and move on.
But many families only discover the real problems later on. Not at the point of writing the Will, but during probate, when it’s far harder and more expensive to put things right.
Most DIY Will services rely on templates. They only really work for the most straightforward situations and most people’s lives aren’t that simple!
Changing family dynamics with stepchildren, multiple properties, tax points, business interests. These details do not sit neatly inside a standard form. When something is missed or misunderstood, the consequences fall on your loved ones left behind.
Regulation is another point that is often overlooked. DIY Will platforms are simply a digital form of Will writing and Will writing itself is not a regulated activity in England and Wales, unless it is carried out by a regulated legal professional (for example, a Solicitor).
This means:
- Anyone can offer an online Will service or create or sell a Will template, without qualifications, oversight or professional regulation.
- Unregulated providers are not required to meet any professional standards,
- There’s no mandatory insurance for unregulated Will writers, meaning you have no protection and if a company goes out of business, your Will could be lost.
- There’s no statutory regulator overseeing DIY Will platforms and no route to the Legal Ombudsman if something goes wrong
Solicitors must meet SRA rules, training requirements and conduct standards. So that you are aware that with a Solicitor you are protected.
When a Will is not properly tailored or reviewed, small errors can turn into real problems.
Ambiguous wording. Missing clauses. Incorrect assumptions about how assets pass. These issues can lead to disputes, delays or unexpected tax bills. They rarely show at the point of writing. They appear later, when the Will is relied upon and there is no longer an easy opportunity to correct it.
A Will is not just a form. It’s your final set of instructions. It needs to be clear, tailored and reliable when it matters most.
If you are unsure whether your current Will does what you think it does, we advise having it reviewed properly by a member of our friendly and experienced Wills, Trusts and Probate team.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, get in touch today.