The pitfalls of Do-it-yourself and online Wills in UK

In recent years, there's been a noticeable rise in people turning to DIY Will kits or online Will writing services. Picking up a kit from WHSmith or downloading a cheap template might seem like a quick and cost-effective solution — but it’s often a false economy.

While these options may save a little money upfront, they frequently lead to serious problems later on, including Wills that don’t reflect your true wishes — or worse, are completely invalid.

Your family matters — and so should your Will. DIY and online Wills in UK may seem convenient, but they often lead to costly mistakes. This blog explores the risks and why professional advice is key to protecting your loved ones.

The truth is, writing a Will isn’t just about listing who gets what. There are legal formalities, inheritance tax implications, and subtle wording issues that can have a major impact.

Here are some of the most common problems we see with DIY or poorly drafted Wills:

Your Wishes Aren’t Clear – or Legally Binding

DIY Wills or online Wills in UK often contain vague or contradictory language. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to miss key details or phrase something in a way that leaves your intentions open to interpretation.

This can lead to confusion, disputes, or even parts of your Will being challenged or ignored.

Unintended Intestacy

If your Will doesn’t cover your entire estate — for example, due to poor structure or missed assets — part of it may fall under intestacy rules. This means the law decides who gets what, not you.

In some cases, people you intended to benefit might get nothing, while others you never intended to include may inherit a share.

Tax Inefficiency - DIY Wills and online Wills in UK Can Be a False Economy

A qualified Will writer or solicitor doesn’t just draft your Will — they also help you plan tax-efficiently. This can include:

• Minimising inheritance tax (IHT)

• Making the most of available exemptions and reliefs

• Ensuring gifts or trusts are structured correctly

  
  

Badly worded Wills can result in lost allowances or unintended tax bills for your loved ones.

Incorrect Execution Makes It Invalid

Perhaps the most overlooked area is the execution of the Will — how it's signed and witnessed. This must follow strict rules. For example:

• A witness must not be a beneficiary or the spouse of a beneficiary

• The Will must be signed in a specific sequence and in each other’s presence

Failing to follow the correct process means your Will could be entirely invalid — and that could leave your family dealing with costly legal complications.

Why Professional Help Matters

Using a professional Will writer or solicitor means:

• Your Will reflects your wishes accurately

• You receive advice on estate planning and tax

• Legal requirements are followed correctly

• Common pitfalls are avoided

You’ll also have peace of mind knowing your Will is valid, comprehensive, and ready to stand up if ever challenged.

Final Thoughts

DIY and online Wills may look like an easy fix, but they come with real risks — and can cause stress, expense, and uncertainty for your family when it matters most.

If you have a DIY Will or aren’t sure your current Will is watertight, now is the time to review it.

Contact us today for professional advice and a Will review that gives you complete confidence in your estate planning.