While writing your own Will without the help of a professional Will Writer can seem like a good way to save money, making a mistake in your Will could cost your loved ones even more in the long term.

Here are some common mistakes that you should look out for:

 

The Will Isn’t Valid

There are requirements that you need to follow in order to make a Will legally valid. These are: being over the age of eighteen, writing it voluntarily, being of sound mind, putting it in writing, signing it in the presence of two witnesses who are both over the age of eighteen, and having two witnesses sign it who are both over eighteen.

 

Missing Out Assets

Putting together all of your assets can be a challenge – after all, that includes property, investments, savings, and any other assets that you may have. However, make sure to consider online assets, such as social media and email accounts, too. These accounts might contain important or sensitive information! If you miss something out of your Will, this could cause problems for your loved ones after you pass away.

 

Changes

If you already have a Will and you decide to change it, you need to ensure that every instance is signed and witnessed. If it isn’t, it’s invalid. This can be problematic if you’ve made any significant changes – for example, if you have removed or added beneficiaries.

 

Life Events

It’s important to remember that different life events will have an impact on your Will – so make sure that you keep it up to date and write a new one when necessary.

If you marry or enter a civil partnership, for example, your spouse will inherit your estate. Additionally, if you have children, they’ll also inherit part of it. If you have young children, it’s important to name a Guardian to ensure that they’re looked after if the worst should happen.

 

Not Naming an Executor

The Executor of a Will can be a family member, friend, or a solicitor. This is the person that makes sure that the wishes in the deceased person’s Will are carried out. If you don’t name an executor, then a beneficiary will need to step forward as a representative of your estate. If nobody volunteers for this responsibility, the Court will appoint somebody.

 

These mistakes might look easy to make, but they’re also simple to avoid!

Our professional Will Writers are known for their no-fuss approach, setting out your wishes in plain English. Want to get started? Give us a call today!