New research from campaign organisation Will Aid has highlighted the importance of having your will written by a qualified legal professional.

In 2016, 38% of people apparently chose to write their own will, or used online or high street will-writers, which is an increase of 4% compared to the previous year. However, 62% still chose to go to a solicitor to have their will prepared.

“Drawing up a will is a vital financial planning step but the lure of the cheaper alternatives to solicitors can mean the document is not properly written nor legally binding,” commented Will Aid campaign director Peter de Vena Franks. “This can leave a family with nothing but a legacy eaten away by legal bills or unnecessary tax.”

“While an off-the-shelf will might seem attractive to those who are watching the pennies, it could be money wasted rather than saved,” he added. “After all, if errors are made the document could be invalid.” 

Will Aid also highlights previous research, which found that many members of the public were unaware of the rules will-writers are to follow, and didn’t realise that will-writers don’t need any proper training, regulation or insurance before selling their services. The legal profession regularly calls for much greater regulation of the will-writing industry.

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