Will writer, solicitor or DIY will: which should you choose?

• DIY or online template. Cheapest, but you are responsible for getting it right. Errors in signing, witnesses or wording are the main cause of invalid or unclear wills.
• A will writer. Often more affordable than a solicitor and focused on wills, LPAs and trusts. Because the title is not regulated, the quality varies, so check credentials.
• A solicitor. Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and usually more expensive. A good choice for complex or high-value estates.

A will must be in writing and signed by you in the presence of two independent witnesses, who must both be present at the same time and then sign themselves. A witness, or a witness’s spouse, who is also a beneficiary can lose their gift. These are simple rules, but they are easy to get wrong without guidance.

• Which professional body are they a member of, and what standards does it set?
• Do they hold professional indemnity insurance?
• Are fees fixed and shown upfront, with nothing hidden?
• Will they meet you face to face, and will they explain the options in plain language?
• What happens to the original will, and is storage included?

If you have a blended family, a business, a home you want to protect for your children, or a vulnerable beneficiary, you need more than a template. We can advise on Property Protection Trusts and Asset Protection Trusts as well as straightforward wills.