Introduction
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are respected. Many people believe that writing a will requires costly solicitor services, but for straightforward estates, a Legal Will Kit offers an affordable and reliable alternative. By following the instructions carefully, you can complete a valid document that distributes your estate exactly as you wish.
This article provides clear step-by-step guidance on completing a Will kit in the UK, along with tips for avoiding common mistakes.
What Is a Legal Will Kit?
A Legal Will Kit is a do-it-yourself package designed to help you write your own will. It usually contains:
- A legally compliant will template.
- Step-by-step written instructions.
- Guidance on how to sign and witness the document.
Kits are widely available online, through retailers, and even as a Post office Will kit. They are designed for simplicity, making them a practical choice for people with uncomplicated estates.
Why Use a Will Kit?
Using a UK Will kit offers several advantages:
- Affordability – Much cheaper than solicitor-drafted wills.
- Convenience – Complete it at home, at your own pace.
- Clarity – Provides straightforward templates to prevent confusion.
- Accessibility – Easily available online or in retail outlets.
While solicitor advice is still necessary for complex estates, many people benefit from the simplicity of a Legal Will Kit.
Step 1: Gather Personal and Financial Information
Before filling out your Will kit, it’s important to organise all relevant details. This includes:
- Personal details – Full legal name, address, and date of birth.
- Family information – Names of spouse, children, or dependents.
- Asset list – Bank accounts, property, investments, vehicles, and personal belongings.
- Liabilities – Mortgages, loans, or debts.
Having this information ready ensures a smooth process and prevents omissions.
Step 2: Choose Your Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries are the people or organisations who will receive your assets. In a Legal Will Kit, you’ll find sections to clearly list:
- Primary beneficiaries (e.g., spouse, children).
- Alternative beneficiaries (in case a beneficiary passes away).
- Specific gifts (such as jewellery, family heirlooms, or charitable donations).
Clarity here is crucial to avoid disputes later.
Step 3: Appoint Executors
Executors are responsible for carrying out your wishes. In your Will kit, you must appoint at least one executor. Ideally, choose:
- A trusted family member or close friend.
- Someone who is organised and capable of managing financial matters.
- An alternate executor in case your first choice cannot serve.
Without executors, the probate process becomes more complicated.
Step 4: Appoint Guardians (If Necessary)
If you have children under 18, your Legal Will Kit will include a section for appointing guardians. This ensures that your children are cared for by someone you trust if both parents pass away.
Key considerations when choosing guardians:
- Their willingness and ability to take responsibility.
- Their relationship with your children.
- Their values and parenting style.
Step 5: Allocate Your Estate
Next, you must decide how to distribute your estate. In your Will kit, you’ll typically find options for:
- Residue of the estate – Everything remaining after debts and specific gifts are distributed.
- Percentage shares – For example, dividing your estate equally between children.
- Specific assets – Assigning property, jewellery, or savings accounts to particular individuals.
Being clear and specific avoids disputes.
Step 6: Follow the Witnessing Requirements
One of the most important steps in completing a Legal Will Kit is ensuring that your will is legally valid. Under UK law:
- You must sign the will in the presence of two witnesses.
- Witnesses must also sign the will at the same time.
- Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or spouses of beneficiaries.
Failure to meet these requirements can invalidate the document.
Step 7: Store Your Will Safely
After completing your UK Will kit, storage is critical. You should:
- Keep the original in a safe place (not just a photocopy).
- Inform your executors where the document is stored.
- Consider using a solicitor, bank, or will storage service.
Losing the original will can create legal complications and delays.
Step 8: Review and Update Regularly
Your circumstances will change over time, and your Legal Will Kit must reflect these changes. Review and update your will after major life events such as:
- Marriage or divorce.
- Birth or adoption of children.
- Buying or selling property.
- Changes in financial circumstances.
- Death of a beneficiary or executor.
Keeping your will updated ensures it always reflects your current wishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While using a Will kit is simple, errors can make your will invalid. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using witnesses who are beneficiaries.
- Failing to update your will after major life events.
- Leaving vague or unclear instructions.
- Forgetting to appoint executors or guardians.
- Storing your will in an unsafe or inaccessible place.
By carefully following the steps, you can ensure your will is valid and enforceable.
Benefits of Completing a Will Kit Yourself
Completing a Legal Will Kit gives you several benefits:
- Financial savings – Far cheaper than hiring a solicitor.
- Control – Write your will in your own words, reflecting your true wishes.
- Simplicity – Step-by-step instructions make the process easy.
- Peace of mind – Ensures loved ones are protected and your estate is distributed properly.
When a Solicitor Might Be Necessary
Although a UK Will kit works well for simple estates, there are times when solicitor advice is recommended:
- Owning property abroad.
- Running a business or holding complex assets.
- Wanting to create trusts or tax planning strategies.
- Expecting disputes among beneficiaries.
In these cases, paying for solicitor advice may save money and stress in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Completing a Legal Will Kit is a straightforward and affordable way to secure your legacy. By carefully following each step—from gathering information to signing with witnesses—you can create a legally valid will that protects your loved ones.
For most people with simple estates, a Will kit is the perfect solution. However, for those with complex assets or special circumstances, seeking solicitor guidance may still be necessary.
