Do I need a lawyer to help me write my will? How long does it take to have my will ready? Are online wills considered legal in the UK? These are some of the questions you’re likely asking yourself about online will writing services.
If you are considering writing your will online but aren’t sure where to start or if it’s the right thing to do, this guide is for you. Inside, we answer some of the most common questions we get asked by readers about the process.
Ready to learn? Let’s jump straight into it!
How To Write a Will Online in UK?
Are online wills legal in the UK?
Yes, online wills are valid and allowed in the UK. You can create and execute yours using an online will writing service or by using a legal document editor. Just be sure to sign the document and date it, as per normal legal procedures.
Remember, your will is still subject to court approvals if it contains provisions that are not very clear according to the law. Nonetheless, it’s still a convenient way to make your wishes known.
Who can make a will?
Anyone over 18 can write a will online in the UK, but evidence of mental competence needs to be provided. Even so, certain people may be more suited to do so depending on their background and personal circumstances. If making a will is important to you, we highly recommend that you speak to an attorney about your options.
Is there anything specific that I need to include in my will?
For your will to be valid, it must meet all of the following requirements: must be written and signed by you (or by someone with your authority) and notarized if required by law.
Essentially, this means that your will needs to include:
- Your name and date of birth (or other identifying information if you are appointing someone to act on your behalf)
- The names, addresses and contact information for any beneficiaries (those who will receive after-death assets)
- Instructions on how assets should be distributed once the beneficiary list is complete
- A statement indicating that you testified under oath that the will is true and correct.
Do I need an attorney to help me write my will?
No – drafting your own will doesn’t require legal assistance. However, if you want someone else (like an attorney) to help with the final editing process or carry out your wishes after your death, that’s perfectly allowable under UK laws.
What happens if I die without a will?
If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy. This means your estate will be distributed among your closest relatives by default. This can include your spouse, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents.
If you have designated someone to take care of your child or grandchildren, this person may also receive a share of your real estate if you die without a will.
For the case of your deceased spouse, they will only receive an inheritance if you were legally married at the time of your death. Finally, if you don’t have any relatives, the state will get involved and your assets may be donated to charity or a government organization.
Can I trust my family not to fight over my estate if I don’t have a will?
There is no guarantee that your family will be able to come to an agreement about how your property should be divided if you die without a will. In fact, there is a good chance that they will fight over it.
A situation like this can lead to long and expensive legal battles, which could also damage relationships and cost taxpayers(person who pay taxes) money in court costs and other expenses. This explains why it makes so much sense to write your will while still alive to avoid putting your family in this position.
Are online wills expensive?
There is no definite answer to this question as the price for online wills varies depending on the platform you choose to use and the features included. For example, if you opt for a basic will writing service, you’ll likely only pay anywhere between £5 and £100.
However, if you want to include more complex features or extra protections, your bill could rise significantly.
Plus, not all online will writers offer free consultation – so be sure to ask if this is the case before signing up.
Conclusion
Let’s admit it; writing a will can be an incredibly emotional and frightening experience for many of us. But with the right information and guidance, it shouldn’t be as hard.
We hope that our guide has helped address most of the concerns you may have regarding this crucial process. If you still have more questions you’d like us to answer, let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!