Our private client team are warning people about the lasting consequences of making a DIY will rather than enlisting the help of a professional adviser.
Our ‘Good Will’ campaign focuses on encouraging people to not only make a will, but to make a good will with expert advice.
Georgia Collier, solicitor and private capital specialist, is warning that homemade or “DIY” wills can create serious difficulties following a person’s death and may ultimately result in beneficiaries receiving significantly reduced inheritances.
“A will may appear straightforward, but a properly drafted will can save loved ones considerable time, cost and emotional stress at what is already a very difficult time. By taking and paying for good advice, you are not only potentially saving your loved ones money in the long run but there are opportunities when preparing Wills that can result in significant tax saving, too. Particularly now that from April 2027 pensions form part of the equation.”
While homemade wills are often attractive because of their low upfront cost, Georgia explains that they frequently cause confusion or disputes after death.
“On death, beneficiaries need a clear, robust and well‑structured legal document that can be easily administered,” she said. “Homemade wills are far more likely to give rise to ambiguity, disputes between family members, or even challenges to the validity of the will itself.”
Tax advantages
Georgia also emphasised that a professionally drafted will can have significant tax advantages.
“A carefully prepared will can help reduce inheritance tax exposure as far as possible and ensure assets are passed on in line with the testator’s wishes,” she explained. “Having a solicitor involved also reduces the likelihood of disputes over capacity, as this is assessed during the process and medical evidence can be obtained where appropriate.”
A will is a formal legal document which must be executed in strict accordance with the requirements of the Wills Act 1837. Georgia highlighted that errors in signing or witnessing are a common cause of wills failing.
“A professional adviser will ensure that the will is executed correctly so that it can progress smoothly through the probate process, without costly delays or technical challenges.”
The warning comes as part of the firm’s #GoodWill campaign, launched in response to research showing that around 50% of UK adults do not currently have a will. Georgia notes that having an improperly drafted will can be just as damaging, if not more so, than having no will at all.
“It’s one thing to have a will, but if it hasn’t been prepared or executed properly it can create significant problems for those left behind,” she said. “In the worst cases, substantial portions of an estate can be lost in legal costs while disputes are resolved.”
Georgia added that professional advice often uncovers issues clients have not previously considered.
“When drafting a will, we ask questions clients may never have thought about,” she explained. “This includes how best to protect an inheritance, perhaps by delaying it or using trust structures, if there are concerns about vulnerability, financial immaturity, or issues such as addiction or gambling.”
“If beneficiaries are young, they may be susceptible to third‑party influence. If they are older, they may already have inheritance tax exposure of their own, relationship difficulties, or other risks that could divert assets away from the testator’s intended recipients.”
Future life events
“People often overlook what might happen if a surviving partner later remarries,” she said. “Without careful planning, assets built up over a lifetime can end up passing to individuals the testator never intended to benefit.”
Wills can become increasingly complex where estates are substantial or blended families are involved; an area where inheritance disputes have been rising steadily since 2015. “People are inherently greedy when it comes to money”
“Ultimately, people face a choice,” Georgia said. “They can try to save money now with a DIY will, which may prove far more expensive later due to disputes or corrective legal work, or they can invest in proper advice upfront and make life considerably easier for their executors. Losing a loved one is hard enough. Anything that reduces the administrative and emotional burden at that point is incredibly valuable.”
Estate Planning
Georgia also stressed that estate planning should be viewed as part of overall financial wellbeing.
“Estate planning is a key element of good financial hygiene,” she said. “Just as people review their pensions or investments, ensuring your will is properly drafted and up to date is fundamental to protecting family wealth and achieving peace of mind.”
As part of its commitment to supporting clients, the firm stores original wills at no additional cost, ensuring they can be easily located when needed.
The #GoodWill campaign encourages individuals to pledge to make a will this year and to take proactive steps to safeguard their family’s future wealth.
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