‘Seek specialist legal advice’ when making a will

A legal expert has offered some advice about DIY will writing to those thinking of making a will.

Kate Handel, who works for a solicitors, wrote about the dangers of DIY will writing in the Liverpool Daily Post, saying that it is worrying that more individuals are now writing this document themselves.

She said that although people can make this document and apply for probate without legal help, they are taking risks by doing so.

Ms Handel pointed out that of late there have been more instances of individuals having legal disputes over this document or having to pay unexpected inheritance tax, as they have not sought professional advice.

She said: “People aren’t always aware of the complexities of writing a will and can assume wills and probate work are really straightforward. Often, this simply isn’t the case.”

Similarly, Carolyn Tilly, a partner at a law firm, told the Peterlee Mail that in her experience people who choose a DIY will writing option often go to solicitors for advice as mistakes are made.



Published by Hannah Carr