What are the risks of making my own will? Hegarty's Ask the Experts column

What are the risks of making my own will?

Andrea Beesley-Hewitt of Hegarty Solicitors answers:

With access to so much information online, many people now consider making their own ‘DIY will’, either as a result of feeling they have access to the information required to do so from home without having to visit a solicitor or to save money.

The recent case of a daughter who was to inherit the entire estate of her late father, until her three siblings produced a second ‘DIY will’ scribbled on notepaper, highlights issues around the validity of ‘DIY wills’.

In this case, the judge ruled that there was ‘no evidence’ the late father had signed, dictated or demanded a new will before he died three years ago and also no information regarding who was present when that occurred and what the father’s state of mind was at the time. The judge discounted the new ‘DIY will’ and ruled in favour of the original 2018 will, allowing the daughter to inherit the entire estate. Cases like this can fracture a family and cause a lot of heartache.

By using a regulated solicitor to help draft your will, you have the benefit of their expertise, knowledge and forethought to help minimise the possibility of disputes arising in the future. Solicitors can ensure your will is valid, ensure language used within the will results in your estate being distributed according to your wishes and will be accepted by a court should the need arise.

For more information, please contact Andrea Beesley-Hewitt at Hegarty Solicitors on 01780 750952 or email Andrea.Beesley-Hewitt@hegarty.co.uk