The Hidden Risks of Free and Online Wills: What You Need to Know Before You Sign

Are they really safe? Could they increase the risk of family disputes? Do they really cover everything you require when making a Will? How can professional legal advice today protect your estate and loved ones in the future? 

In an increasingly digital world and more recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of people reverting to low cost and even free Will templates. These documents are available through online Will writing platforms, promising legally valid estate planning in minutes. These services often seem appealing in an ever-changing financial climate, however, when it comes to something as important as your Will, this saving can come at a far greater cost to your family and have substantial impact on your estate in the future. 

Before considering a free and online Will template, it is important to understand the potential risks and limitations that could create problems later on down the line for your family.

Why are free online Will templates so Popular?

Free online Will template platforms offer several attractive benefits and for individuals with straightforward estates this can seem like an ideal solution: -

• Low or often no upfront cost
• Easily accessible from home
• No legal consultation
• Simple questionnaire
• Speed and convenience

However, whilst these seem appealing at the time, estate planning is often more complex than people realise and seeking professional legal advice when making a Will can ensure that your wishes are met, the document is legally valid and the risk of family disputes is lowered. 

What are the Legal Requirements of a Valid Will?

There are specific legal requirements which must be met in order for the Will to be a valid legal document. These requirements include: - 

• Must be signed by the person making the Will
• Must be signed in the presence of two independent adult witnesses who must be present at the same time.

Many free or online Wills offer the template but provide little guidance on correct execution. A document that is incorrectly signed which in many cases can be unintentional, can result in the entire document failing, leading to family disputes and even your estate being distributed under intestacy rules which may not reflect your wishes. 

Does One Size Really Fit All?

The short answer is no. Most online free Will templates are generic documents and rely on standardised templates. These templates are not tailored to your individual circumstances or legal considerations and often do not fit with your family structure or financial position. This can lead to problems such as disinheriting a loved one or creating tax liabilities which could have been avoided.

Ambiguity and Disputes

One of the most common causes of family disputes is poorly worded Wills. Vague language and ambiguous clauses can cause confusion with regard to unclear gifts, what assets are left to who, what happens when a beneficiary dies first, and this can lead to costly and emotional legal litigation between family members. 

Inheritance Tax Planning

A professionally drafted Will involves more than deciding who receives what. A legal professional will advise on opportunities such as reducing Inheritance Tax exposure, making use of available reliefs and exemptions. Free or online Wills typically do not provide this level of advice and failure to plan effectively could result in a large proportion of your estate being lost due to taxes. Most free or online Wills simply focus on preparing the document efficiently instead of looking at different estate planning strategies.

Professional Advice Matters

At Letchers Solicitors we provide you with the legal understanding that is clear and simple. We are here to assist you and guide you through the process with our team of dedicated, professional and approachable staff who take the time in listening to your individual circumstances.

A Will is one of the most important legal documents that you will make and therefore you should have the confidence and peace of mind in knowing that it is a valid document that reflects you wishes exactly as you intended. Professional estate planning advice is particularly valuable if you own property, have children and dependents, own a business or have significant investments and assets in other countries.

We are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and your Will is drafted by one of our legal professionals who is qualified and understands the complexities involved in estate planning.