Looking at a free Will template is fine if you want to get a feel for the types of instructions included in a Will. However, we strongly advise against using a free or cheap template to actually create your final Will. Many of our customers come to us for help after making their Will using one of these templates, so we see first-hand the mistakes that are often made which can invalidate a homemade Will. Attempting to make your own Will not only puts your family and estate at risk, but it can also mean your beneficiaries may have to pay more Inheritance Tax. In this guide, we’ll explain what a Will template is, why using one is usually a bad idea, and how a professional Will writer can help you make a legally binding Will.
What is a Will Template?
The type of Will templates we are referring to in this guide are the basic, generic templates you can get online either for free or very cheaply. Some companies advertise these templates as a cheap way to make your Will – but like most things in life that seem too good to be true, there is a catch, as we’ll discuss below. Also, these companies take no responsibility for the quality of your Will, so there’s no guarantee it’ll do what it’s supposed to do.
Why is Using a Will Template a Bad Idea?
What we see with Will templates, is that people often make mistakes or leave out instructions entirely that make the Will invalid – or at least prevent it from having the desired effect in certain circumstances.
This type of Will is also much easier to contest as exclusion clauses can be missing or written incorrectly. This means there’s a better chance that unwanted parties could make successful claims against a homemade Will.
If you have a very small estate, a simple family structure, some legal knowledge, and lots of time on your hands; you may be able to get away with using a Will template, but you’ll never know because you’ll be gone when the problems arise. Therefore, we strongly advise against going down this route because this type of DIY Will can put your family and estate at risk.
Why Do People Use Professional Will Writers?
Your Will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever make. It has the power to protect your family’s quality of life for decades to come, prevent family disputes, and ensure that your hard-earned assets are enjoyed by the people you love and that Inheritance Tax is kept to a minimum.
Professional Will writers have the required legal knowledge and experience to write a Will that stands up in court across all scenarios. They’ll guide you through the process easily, and you’ll come out feeling confident that your family and estate are protected by a legally binding Will.
Your Will writer will also take make the process much easier for you. Once they’ve discussed your situation and wishes with you, they’ll write your instructions using appropriate wording to ensure your document is legally valid. They can also advise you on estate planning matters to potentially reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax your beneficiaries will have to pay on your death – meaning more of your hard-earned estate can be enjoyed by the people you love.
Not all professional Will writers are equal – some lack experience or are not members of a respected industry body – so we advise you do your due diligence. Our Will writers have decades of experience and are regulated members of the Institute of Professional Will Writers.
How Can I Prepare For Making My Will With a Professional Will Writer?
You don’t need to do any preparation before you get in touch with us, as we’ll explain everything to you during your FREE chat. However, if you do want to start preparing elements of your Will beforehand, here are some of the areas you may want to consider:
- Who will be legal guardians to your children?
- Who will be legally responsible for your children’s inheritance?
- Who will inherit your assets and what items or share will they each get?
- Who will be legally responsible for executing your Will?
- Are there any charities you wish to donate to?
- How should debts, expenses and taxes be paid?
- What should happen to any residual estate?
- What should happen if any of your beneficiaries were to die before you?
- What should happen if your executor was to die before you?
The Bottom Line
The importance of making a legally valid Will cannot be overstated – it has the power to shape your family’s future, prevent painful disputes and protect your legacy. Using a cheap Will template to make such an important document without any professional help can put your family and estate at risk; as mistakes can be made, or instructions and clauses left out, that could invalidate your Will. With our Will writing service starting at just £199, it’s incredibly affordable to make a professional Will that does what it’s supposed to, so you can have the peace of mind you need to get on and enjoy life.
At Michael Usher Wills & Estate planning we’ve been helping our local community for over 30 years. We’re regulated members of the Institute of Professional Will Writers, so you can be confident that you’ll receive a high-quality Will designed to protect your family’s future. Our friendly team is always happy to chat with you for free about your Will and answer any questions. Call us on one of the numbers below or book your FREE consultation here. We look forward to helping you protect your assets, your family, and your legacy.
Camberley: 01276 691979
COVID-19 Update
You are more than welcome to come into our office, but we can also make your Will remotely if you’d prefer – please read the article below to find out how this works.
