Affordable Will Writing Services: What You Need to Know

Planning for the future might not be the most exciting task, but it’s one of the most important. Writing a will ensures your wishes are honoured and your loved ones are cared for when you’re no longer around. 

For many, will writing services offer a practical and cost-effective way to create a legally binding document without the complexity of traditional legal processes.

If your will is straightforward, like leaving everything to immediate family, these services can save you time and money. Many operate online, making it convenient to draft your will from home, especially for those with mobility challenges. 

However, it’s crucial to understand how these services work and whether they suit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or seeking to avoid hefty solicitor fees, knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision about safeguarding your estate.

What Are Will Writing Services?

Will writing services help you create a legally binding document outlining your wishes for distributing your assets after your death. These services are suitable for straightforward situations, such as leaving your estate to immediate family members. They provide a cost-effective alternative to hiring a solicitor, often using digital platforms to simplify the process.

Many will writing services function online, allowing you to draft your will from the comfort of your home. Some even offer in-person visits, which can be helpful for individuals with limited mobility. Basic services typically guide you through answering questions about your circumstances, such as marital status and asset locations.

Professional will writing services sometimes include legal oversight or a review by trained staff to ensure accuracy. Although these service providers might lack legal qualifications compared to solicitors, they remain a practical solution for simple estates without uncommon elements like business ownership or overseas investments.

Types Of Will Writing Services

Choosing the right will writing service ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Platforms like TrustWise Planning provide expert guidance to help tailor your will and estate plans to suit your unique needs. Each service type offers distinct features and benefits suited to varying situations.

Solicitor-Based Services

Solicitor-based services involve professional legal advice to create your will. These services are ideal for complex estates, business ownership, overseas assets, or unique family arrangements like caring for a disabled family member. Regulated solicitors provide peace of mind, as they're registered with authorities such as the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Law Society of Scotland, or Law Society of Northern Ireland. Costs for these services may be higher but can minimise errors and disputes.

Online Will Writing Services

Online will writing services combine convenience and affordability, making them a popular choice for straightforward estates. These platforms guide you through completing legally binding documents from your home. Features often include single-payment options, customer support, and secure storage advice. For added peace of mind, TrustWise Planning offers flexible appointments, including online consultations, ensuring that even simple estates benefit from expert oversight and professional input.

DIY Will Kits

DIY will kits are the most budget-friendly option, designed to let you create a will independently. These kits provide templates and instructions, making them suitable for uncomplicated estates. However, they carry the risk of legal errors or omissions since they lack professional oversight. For estates with inheritance tax implications or complex distributions, opting for solicitor or online services is more reliable.

Legal Requirements For A Valid Will

Creating a legally valid will ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Specific legal requirements must be met for your will to be recognised in a court of law.

Witnesses and Signatures

Your will must be signed by you in the presence of two witnesses to be legally valid. Both witnesses need to be over 18 and of sound mind. Additionally, these witnesses cannot benefit from your will. This means they shouldn’t be included as beneficiaries or receive any gifts described in the document. Once you've signed, both witnesses must also sign the will in your presence. Ensuring this process is followed correctly is crucial for avoiding disputes or invalidation later.

Updating Or Amending A Will

You can update or amend your will through a codicil or by drafting a new one. A codicil is a separate legal document that alters specific sections of the existing will. If your circumstances change significantly, such as a marriage, divorce, or the acquisition of new assets, consider writing a new will to reflect these changes. Destroying the previous version once your new will is complete avoids potential conflicts. Ensure any updates follow the same legal requirements, including signing and witnessing.

Can A Will Be Contested?

A will can be contested if there are valid legal grounds. Understanding these grounds and taking preventative measures during the drafting process helps reduce the risk of disputes.

Grounds For Challenging A Will

Challenges usually arise when there are doubts about a will's validity. Legally recognised grounds include:

• Lack of testamentary capacity: The testator must understand the document, their assets, and the consequences of distribution. Disputes may arise if evidence suggests mental incapacity due to illnesses like dementia.

• Undue influence: If coercion or manipulation influenced the testator's decisions, beneficiaries may challenge the will.

• Non-compliance with legal formalities: To be valid, a will must meet strict requirements, such as proper witnessing. Failure to adhere to these can invalidate the document.

• Fraud or forgery: Evidence of deception, such as falsifying the testator's signature, can lead to a legal challenge.

• Lack of knowledge and approval: If the testator was unaware of or did not approve of the will's contents, disputes may follow.

Providing sufficient proof for these claims often involves legal and evidentiary procedures.

Steps To Minimise Disputes

To minimise disputes, implement preventive measures during the will's creation:

• Draft the will professionally: Use solicitor-based or regulated will writing services to ensure compliance with legal formalities and reduce errors.

• Document the process: Keep records demonstrating the testator's mental capacity, independence, and clear intentions. Medical assessments can support this.

• Communicate intentions: Share your wishes with beneficiaries to manage expectations and reduce surprises after death.

• Include a no-contest clause: This discourages challenges by stating that any disputing beneficiary risks losing their inheritance.

• Address potential grievances: Acknowledge and address potential conflicts, such as unequal asset distribution, in advance.

Taking these steps strengthens the will and protects it against future claims.

Conclusion

Planning for the future is essential, and choosing the right will writing service can make all the difference in protecting your estate and ensuring your wishes are followed. By carefully evaluating your needs and understanding the options available, you can create a will that provides clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Taking the time to draft a legally valid and well-thought-out will is a crucial step towards securing your legacy. Whether you opt for a solicitor, an online service, or another approach, the key is to ensure your decisions are accurately documented and safely stored for when they're needed most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I die without a will?

If you die without a will, your estate will be distributed under intestacy laws, which may not match your wishes. This could lead to complications, disputes, and loved ones being excluded, such as unmarried partners or stepchildren.

Can I write my will online?

Yes, online will writing services provide a convenient and inexpensive way to write a will. They are ideal for straightforward estates but may not be suitable for complex situations, such as owning overseas assets or businesses.

How much does it cost to write a will?

Costs vary depending on the complexity of your estate and the service you choose. DIY will kits can cost under £50, online services range from £50–£150, and solicitor-drafted wills may cost £200 or more.

What makes a will legally valid?

To be legally valid, a will must:

• Be in writing.

• Be signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses.

• Be signed by both witnesses, who must not benefit from the will.

Can I update my will later?

Yes, you can update your will by drafting a codicil (a legally binding amendment) or creating a new will. Any updates must follow the same legal requirements as the original will.

Where should I store my will?

Store your will safely in a solicitor’s secure storage, a bank’s safety deposit box, or a fireproof safe at home. Inform your executor or trusted individuals of its location to ensure easy access when needed.