Why a DIY will or using an online will writing service could become your most expensive mistake

For many people, writing a will online or using a DIY template seems like a sensible way to save money. With online services advertising free or cheap wills, it is easy to see the appeal. However, what appears to be a cheap and simple solution can often create significant unintended problems for the people left behind.

At Browells we regularly encounter situations where a poorly drafted DIY will has led to family disputes, delays, and unintended consequences that far outweigh the cost of obtaining proper regulated advice in the first place.

Unfortunately, a will cannot be corrected once someone has died, so by the time any mistakes come to light, it is usually too late.

Invalid wills

One of the biggest risks with DIY wills is that they may not be legally valid.

Common mistakes that would invalidate a will include:

• using beneficiaries or their spouses as witnesses
• failing to sign the will correctly
• making handwritten amendments after signing
• relying on templates that do not properly reflect legal requirements

If a will is found to be invalid, the estate may instead pass under the rules of intestacy rather than according to the deceased’s wishes. This can have devastating consequences for families, particularly where there are unmarried partners, stepchildren, or estranged relatives involved.

Ambiguous wording creates disputes

DIY wills can unintentionally contain vague or overly simplistic wording. Phrases such as “my savings”, “my possessions”, or “divide everything equally” can create uncertainty and disagreement between beneficiaries.

What exactly counts as “savings”? Does this include investments? Joint accounts? Premium Bonds?

Unclear wording can lead to disputes between family members and, in some cases, costly litigation. Families can spend thousands of pounds trying to resolve issues that could have been avoided through careful drafting and professional advice.

Blended families and modern relationships

Modern family structures are increasingly complex, yet many DIY will templates fail to account for this.

Second marriages, cohabiting couples, children from previous relationships, estranged family members, and vulnerable beneficiaries all require careful consideration. A simple “leave everything to my spouse” approach may unintentionally disinherit children from an earlier relationship or fail to protect assets for future generations.

Many cohabiting couples wrongly assume that living together automatically gives them the same inheritance rights as married couples or civil partners. In reality, legal protections for unmarried partners are often limited and can vary across the UK.

Verbal promises and informal understandings are rarely enough to resolve disputes after death.

Online templates cannot reflect individual circumstances

Most DIY wills and low-cost online services are designed to be generic. The problem is that very few estates are truly “simple”.

Important issues can easily be overlooked, including:

• inheritance tax exposure
• business assets
• digital assets and online accounts
• foreign property
• vulnerable beneficiaries
• unmarried partners
• trusts and asset protection

Property values, pensions, and changing tax rules mean that many people underestimate the complexity of their estate and the potential consequences of getting things wrong.

The real cost of a “cheap” will

People often compare the upfront cost of a DIY will template or online service with the fee for professional advice. However, the real comparison should be between spending a few hundred pounds now or risking a far more expensive probate dispute later.

The cost of fixing problems caused by a badly drafted will is almost always significantly greater than the cost of preparing a professionally drafted one in the first place.

For many families, the financial cost of sorting out a DIY will is only part of the issue; delays, uncertainty, and family conflict can place enormous emotional strain on loved ones at an already difficult time.

The reality is that simple estates are increasingly rare. Property ownership, pensions, blended families, digital assets, and tax considerations all add layers of complexity that DIY and online solutions often fail to address.

What may seem like a cheap option today can ultimately become one of the most expensive mistakes a family will have to face later.

Consulting a specialist at Browells about your individual circumstances can provide reassurance that your wishes are clearly documented and help avoid conflict, uncertainty and unnecessary costs for your loved ones in the future. Get in touch with us today on 0191 250 3200 or email us at probate@browells.co.uk.