Daniel’s article was published in Taxation, 9 October 2023, and can be found here.

Don’t do it yourself

Daniel Watson highlights the pros and cons of using DIY wills and unregulated will writers.

It is quite understandable that people may be attracted by the idea of preparing a ‘DIY’ will, without involving a solicitor; or by the idea of using a cheaper, unregulated alternative to a solicitor to prepare a will.

DIY wills can appear as a useful alternative to incurring expensive legal fees, particularly where a testator’s assets are relatively straightforward. This is more so while the cost of living crisis drags on.

Likewise, unregulated will writers can, on the face of it, appear to be much cheaper than using a solicitor to prepare a will. There are, however, several pitfalls to both approaches.

Read the full article [subscription required]: DIY Wills and the absence of lawyers