How do I make a will without a lawyer?

Question

My situation is fairly simple and I would like to write my own will to save money. Is a home-made will valid, and what do I need to get right for it to count?

Henry Rodriguez · Accepted Answer

You are legally allowed to write your own will, and a home-made will can be perfectly valid, but the formalities have to be exactly right or the whole document can fail. In England and Wales a will must be in writing, signed by you, and your signature must be made or acknowledged in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time and who then sign it too. A crucial trap is that a witness, or the husband, wife or civil partner of a witness, cannot benefit under the will, so never ask a beneficiary to witness it. The will should clearly appoint executors, deal with all of your assets including anything left over, and be dated. Small wording mistakes, unclear gifts, or witnessing errors are common in DIY wills and often only come to light after death, when they cannot be fixed.

Benjamin Adams · Answer

For a genuinely simple estate a carefully prepared home-made will can work, but be honest about the risks. If your circumstances involve a business, property abroad, a blended family, someone who might make a claim, or anything to do with tax planning, a lawyer is a worthwhile investment because a badly drafted will can cost your family far more than it saved. Whichever route you take, store the original safely and tell your executors where it is. This is general guidance rather than advice on your specific wishes.

How do I make a will without a lawyer?

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