Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure that your wishes are clearly understood and properly carried out. But a common question many people ask is, “Do I need a solicitor to write my will?” The answer depends on your circumstances, how confident you feel, and how complex your estate is.
In the UK, you are not legally required to use a solicitor to write your will. Many people successfully create valid wills using online services, templates, or handwritten documents. If the will is in writing, signed by you, and witnessed correctly by two people who are not beneficiaries, it can be legally valid. For those with straightforward wishes and uncomplicated estates, this may be all that’s needed.
Seek Legal Advice if your Estate is Complex
There are situations where it’s wise — or even strongly recommended — to seek help from a solicitor. For example, if you own property overseas, run a business, have dependants from previous relationships, or wish to set up trusts or charitable gifts, professional advice can help avoid confusion or legal disputes later. A solicitor can also guide you through tax considerations, such as Inheritance Tax, and make sure your will is structured clearly and legally sound.
Mistakes in a will, even small ones, can create complications for those left behind. Ambiguous wording, incorrect witnessing, or failure to account for all assets can result in delays, stress, or parts of your estate being distributed differently from how you intended. A solicitor can help ensure your instructions are precise and your wishes are protected.
Simple Will
If you feel confident writing your own will, you can still take steps to reduce the risk of problems. Make sure it's signed and dated, witnessed correctly, and stored in a safe place. It’s also helpful to let your executors know where the will is kept and how to access it.
Inheritable’s Simple Will Feature offers a streamlined, user-friendly solution for creating a legally compliant will, designed to suit the needs of everyday people seeking to organise their affairs with dignity. This feature provides a pre-filled template that adheres to UK legal standards (with US and Canada compliance to follow), ensuring all essential sections are included, such as asset distribution, executor appointment, and beneficiary designations. Users simply input specific details, like names of beneficiaries, particular assets (e.g., property, savings, or digital assets), and any personal messages or instructions to be delivered posthumously. The interface is intuitive, guiding users through each step without overwhelming legal jargon, maintaining a classy and respectful tone. All data is encrypted for security and privacy. The Simple Will Feature saves time, eliminating the need for costly solicitor visits for straightforward estates, while still allowing customisation for unique wishes, such as charitable donations or guardianship for minors. It empowers users to create a valid will quickly, ensuring their intentions are clear and legally binding, with the option to update as circumstances change.
Remember to print the Will out and have it countersigned by two non-beneficiaries, then scan/photograph and upload to the Inheritable Digital Vault.
It’s also worth remembering that wills aren’t static. Life changes, whether through marriage, children, property, or relationships can affect your intentions. Even if you’ve already written a will, it's wise to review and update it regularly. A solicitor can assist with amendments, or you can write a new will entirely if needed.
In summary, you don’t have to use a solicitor, but there are real benefits to doing so in many situations. Whether you choose to go it alone or seek professional help, the most important step is simply to get started. Putting your wishes in writing gives clarity, peace of mind, and reassurance to those who may one day need to carry them out.
Inheritable can help you stay organised, store your will securely, and connect the dots between your legal documents and the personal details that matter most.
All information provided by Inheritable is offered in good faith and is not intended as legal advice. Users should verify their own legal requirements in their respective country.
© Inheritable, 2025