I want to make a will but where do I begin?
Under British law, anyone can write their own will. However, there are significant risks in doing so without proper guidance and assistance. A will should be made using standard conventions to clearly state how you wish your estate to be distributed after your death. If your will is not clearly drafted it is open to be challenged and your wishes may be overruled in a court of law. In addition to this, your will must be correctly signed, dated and witnessed. Any failure to follow the correct procedure could mean your will is declared invalid.
Many bookshops and stationers now sell will writing kits that you can complete at home. Whilst this is a cheap option, the kits offer little in the way of guidance or help to the user and there is no assurance that your completed will is valid.
Solicitors and specialists in will writing and estate planning are essential if your affairs are complex or unusual. If you have business/agricultural assets, own property overseas or you’re not resident in the UK then you are advised to consult an expert who may have to draft multiple wills for multiple countries. However the obvious drawback to using a solicitor is the cost, with prices ranging from £100-£400 per hour, it can be an expensive option.
The alternative option is to use a specialist online will writing provider such as www.harmonywills.co.uk. Using our online system, you are guided through the will writing process by answering questions about your personal needs and circumstances. Your answers are reviewed by one of our specialists before we construct a will based on your situation. Through the use of Internet technologies we are able to reduce the cost of producing a will while maintaining a high quality product. All our wills are valid and provide a cost effective way to give peace of mind to you and your family.