A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important legal documents you should create. You can do this by instructing a firm of solicitors, using Will writing experts like ourselves, or creating your own with a Post Office Will kit.

While a DIY Post Office Will kit may appear appealing because they are inexpensive, they are not the best option for everyone.

We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of Post Office Will Kits so you can make the best decision for your situation.

What exactly is a DIY Will Kit from the Post Office?

Simply put, DIY Will kits usually include a Will template as well as instructions. Some may have a finished example for you to look at.

Will kits can assist you in adhering to these rules in the UK, but they aren’t always 100% effective.

How much do DIY Post Office Will kits cost and where can I get them?

DIY will kits are available from UK Post Offices, stationery stores, and online for around £9.99 per will.

While this may appear to be a low-cost option, we strongly advise you to think twice before proceeding.

Is a Post Office Will kit legally enforceable?

“Is a DIY Will legally binding?” you may wonder. and the short answer is yes, if it has been witnessed and meets all of the required criteria.

However, if it is made incorrectly, it may cause problems in the future.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Writing a DIY Post Office Will

There are numerous advantages and disadvantages to DIY Post Office Will kits to consider.

Pros:

• A low-cost option
• You can get them from your local post office, bank, or shop.
• For the information required, a template is provided.

Cons:

• DIY wills should only be used in simple situations. You will need legal advice if you have complex life circumstances, such as not being married to your partner, children from a previous relationship, and so on.
• The ability to tailor your wishes is limited.
• There is no opportunity to ask questions or obtain legal advice.
• There may be errors that are not discovered until it is too late.
• A DIY Will is more likely to be challenged or declared invalid.

What happens if a DIY Post Office Will contains errors?

Your DIY Will may be invalid if it contains errors or if the strict witnessing rules are not followed correctly.

This means that your legacy may lose value due to legal fees and unnecessary taxes, affecting your family financially and emotionally.

According to statistics, approximately 38,000 families per year face prolonged probate as a result of poorly drafted or ineffective DIY Wills.

Due to an incorrect Will, you may end up paying up to 10% of the value of your estate in additional fees.

With the average UK estate valued at £160,000, this could result in probate fees of up to £16,000.

What are the most common mistakes made when preparing a Post Office Will?

• Not knowing the formal requirements for making a Will legally valid.
• Failure to account for all available money and property.
• Not taking into account the possibility of a beneficiary dying before the person writing the Will.
• Not considering the impact of a marriage, civil partnership, divorce, or civil partnership dissolution on a Will.
• Not understanding the rules that allow dependents to claim from the estate if they believe they have been under-provided for.

How do I create a Will without a DIY Post Office Will kit?

We strongly advise you to use a solicitor or Will writing specialists like ourselves for complete peace of mind when making your Will.

The advantages are as follows:

• Costs are clearly stated from the start.
• You will receive confidential advice in your best interests.
• Your options will be clearly explained to you.
• Your Will is written and thoroughly checked in accordance with your instructions.
• Because inheritance law is extremely complicated, you should hire an expert to do the legwork for you.

If you are attracted by Post Office Will kits but fear making mistakes, a cost-effective alternative is to hire a professional Will writer like us.

Our legally binding Wills are drafted by legal professionals to help you prevent future complications.

We provide legal assistance during the Will-writing process and verify that everything is in order.

As a company specialising in Wills, Probate, and Trusts, we have assisted over 30,000 clients in England and Wales with their Wills.

We may also safely keep your Will so that you do not have to worry about it being lost or destroyed.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to guarantee you receive a service tailored to your needs.