Writing your will should give you confidence that your assets will be distributed in line with your wishes when you pass away. Yet, for an increasing number of people, this might not be the case as they overlook the value of working with a professional.
You don’t need to use a solicitor when writing your will, but it could be useful, especially if your affairs are complex.
As well as taking a DIY approach, research published by Today’s Wills & Probate in May 2025 found that people are also turning to AI. Indeed, 47% of survey respondents said they’d feel comfortable outsourcing the writing of a will to an AI-powered system.
While writing your will yourself or using AI may seem like an easy way to complete this task, it might not be the most efficient in the long run.
Read on to discover some of the reasons why you could benefit from working with a solicitor.
1. A solicitor could spot mistakes
Even if your wishes are relatively straightforward, it can be easy to make mistakes if you write your will yourself.
Some common will mistakes include:
- Not getting the will witnessed correctly
- Forgetting to appoint an executor
- Not addressing all assets
- Ambiguous language.
Mistakes could lead to delays and, in the worst-case scenario, might invalidate your will. If your will is invalid, your estate may be distributed according to the wishes set out in a previous will or follow intestacy rules, which might not align with your plans.
2. A legal professional could highlight where potential disputes may arise
Someone contesting your will could lead to potentially lengthy and costly disputes. Depending on the outcome, it might also mean your assets don’t go to your intended beneficiaries.
Indeed, according to a Guardian article from February 2024, as many as 10,000 people in England and Wales are disputing wills every year, and the number is rising.
So, taking some time to understand if your will could be disputed and how you might mitigate it could be valuable. A solicitor could provide guidance in this area.
3. A solicitor could identify other ways to pass on wealth
A will is used to pass on assets when you pass away, but there might be other ways to distribute your wealth as well. For instance, establishing a trust could be valuable if you want to pass on assets to young children or vulnerable adults, reduce a potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) bill, or ensure wealth stays within your family.
Tailored legal advice could allow you to explore other options and understand what’s right for you.
4. A professional could make probate simpler for your family
Probate refers to the process of establishing the validity of a will, and then distributing assets in line with it. Not all estates need to go through probate. For instance, if you leave your entire estate to your spouse or civil partner and the assets are jointly owned, probate may not be necessary.
Working with a solicitor could make probate easier for your family and potentially reduce waiting times. Not only could this reduce stress at an already difficult time, but it may be particularly important if your loved ones will be reliant on your assets to cover essential outgoings.
According to a government report published in February 2025, it takes four weeks, on average, for probate applications to be granted. However, once the application has been granted, it can take months for the executor of the will to handle the estate and distribute assets.
5. A solicitor can work with your financial planner
There may be benefits to considering your financial plan when deciding how to distribute your assets. For example, you might want to use your will to reduce a potential IHT bill.
A solicitor could work with us on your behalf to ensure your wishes are reflected in both your will and long-term financial plan.
Please get in touch if you have any questions about your estate plan or writing your will.
Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice, which should be based on your individual circumstances. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate will writing, trusts, Inheritance Tax planning, or estate planning.
HM Revenue and Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.
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