Do I need a solicitor to make a Will?

You are not legally required to use a solicitor to make a Will in England and Wales.

You can write your own Will if your wishes and circumstances are straightforward. However, many people choose to use a solicitor to ensure their Will is valid, clearly drafted, and reflects their intentions accurately. 

A solicitor can help reduce the risk of mistakes, misunderstandings, or disputes after your death - issues that can arise if a Will is unclear, incomplete, or incorrectly signed or witnessed. 

When can I write my own Will?

You may consider writing your own Will if:

• Your estate is simple
• You want to leave everything to your spouse or civil partner
• There are no complex family arrangements
• There are no tax or trust considerations

Even in these cases, it’s important the will meets strict legal requirements around wording, signing, and witnessing to be valid. 

When is it better to use a solicitor?

Using a solicitor is strongly recommended if:

• You own property or have significant assets
• You are unmarried, divorced, or in a blended family
• You have children from previous relationships
• You want to include trusts or protect vulnerable beneficiaries
• You wish to reduce potential Inheritance Tax
• You want reassurance that your will cannot easily be challenged

Professional advice can help ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected. 

What are the risks of making a Will without a solicitor?

Mistakes in homemade or template Wills can lead to:

• Parts of the Will being invalid
• Assets passing under intestacy rules (not as you intended)
• Delays, extra costs, or disputes for your family
• Increased risk of legal challenges

Our approach

Many clients value the reassurance of having their Will prepared by a qualified legal professional - with clear advice, fixed fees, and the confidence that nothing has been overlooked.

Talk with a legal adviser in our Private Client team about how we can help future‑proof your plans and protect your family with a professionally written Will - a vital document we recommend as part of our Life & Legacy Plan..