Make a Will Online - Do I need a solicitor present to make a will?

Will Writing

Welcome to Make A Will Online. We provide you with information about making a will on the internet. Your will, or "Last Will And Testament" as it is sometimes known, is the legally binding document that ensures any possessions you leave behind in death are distributed according to your wishes.

Benjamin Franklin famously said that "in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes", however it is estimated that less than a third of eligible adults in England and Wales actually have a fully legal will. If you want to make a will, the most popular option is to visit a solicitor. This is highly recommended if you are leaving a large estate, have assets overseas or any unusual clauses that push your will outside usual boundaries.

Contrary to popular belief, however, you don't need a solicitor present to write a will. If you wish to divide your UK assets simply among family, friends and charity (which is true of 99% of wills in England and Wales), you have the option of a will writing kit or making a will online.

Do I need a solicitor present to write a Will?

In short, no. You do not need a solicitor present to write a Will, which is why you can make a fully legal Will online at our site. You can be confident that any document created with our Will writing technology will be legally binding once it has been correctly witnessed.

There are two main reasons that people a solicitor. Firstly, a solicitor has the necessary expertise to ensure that your wishes are expressed in “legalese”. Secondly, solicitors carry professional liability insurance to cover any potential problems resulting from the document.

The downside of using a solicitor is that their services can prove expensive, especially if you are writing a standard document, with no complicated legacies. The vast majority of wills are relatively simple documents, which is why will writing kits and making a will online are increasingly popular options.

In what circumstances would I need a solicitor?

If you own property, or any other immovable assets, anywhere other than England and Wales, you should speak to a solicitor experienced in dealing with the laws of that country.

If you are not a British citizen and your permanent home is not in England or Wales.

This material is for general information only and does not constitute tax, legal or any other form of advice. You should not rely on any information contained herein to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.