DIY legal pitfalls: Things you need to know

In the last article, we raised awareness of the risks associated with DIY legal services. Many people believe they can handle various legal documents without professional advice. However, this can lead to significant, unforeseen costs.

Save Now, Pay Later

A £10 online Will might seem like a bargain, but this could result in costly consequences for your family. Preparing Wills or Lasting Powers of Attorney without professional support can lead to thousands of pounds being paid from your estate. This could be due to invalid documents, poor drafting causing challenges to the Will, or inadvertent tax bills.

Here are a few examples where things have gone terribly wrong:

1. Marriage Revokes a Will: Without the appropriate clause, marriage can revoke a Will. This can invalidate your document, leading to complications.
   
   
2. Original Document Storage: If the original Will cannot be found, the legal presumption is that the Will has been revoked. Proving otherwise requires firm evidence, adding expense and stress. One family I assisted could not locate the Will, leading to a dispute with an estranged child. This cost the family £500,000 plus legal fees.
   
   
3. Witness Requirements: A Will must follow strict formalities. If a beneficiary or their spouse witnesses the Will, it invalidates their gift. One client lost their inheritance because their spouse witnessed the Will.
   
   
4. Terminology and Interpretation: Legal jargon carries specific meanings. Misinterpreting a clause can lead to complex legal challenges. One individual used a template Will for friends, resulting in significant legal issues.

A Ticking Time Bomb

Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney can become a ticking time bomb, with problems arising when it is too late. If you are considering the DIY approach to cut costs, think carefully about whether those savings are worth it. Ensuring the security of your family’s future is paramount.

What Are You Paying For?

Years of Expertise

Our Private Client Solicitors are all members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers. This ensures you receive advice from specialists committed to delivering the best outcomes with compassion.

Accreditations

Sophie Price, Director at Fodens, is a member of STEP. As an accredited Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), she provides peace of mind with services recognised internationally as the gold standard.

Do not settle for less for you and your family. If you are considering the DIY approach when creating legal documents, consider whether those savings are best made elsewhere.

To hear more about how we can help with Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, contact our Private Client team at Fodens Solicitors by phone at 01952 726111 or via email at hello@fodens.co.uk.

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