28/08/2025
A Will is one of the most important legal documents you can make, ensuring that your estate is distributed according to your wishes, and providing clarity and protection for your loved ones.
However, despite this, it is not a legal requirement for a solicitor to make a Will, and some people try to write their Will themselves, for example by using a Will kit or with the help of a template they find online.
Solicitor for Wills Greater Manchester
While it can be tempting to make a Will without proper legal advice, there are various risks involved with relying on non-professional methods to write your Will, and the increased reliance on DIY Wills has been linked to a surge in contentious probate cases, which have risen by 56% in the past five years.
In this blog, our experienced Wills Solicitors consider why you should use a solicitor to write your Will.
Can I write my own Will?
While it is possible to write your own Will, it is not advisable, particularly if your affairs are complicated.
People who decide to write a Will by using a generic online template, or through a cheap unregulated Will writer, often do so in an attempt to save money.
However, not using a solicitor to write your Will can cause more problems than it solves, and can prove more expensive in the long run.
Concerns remain over the quality of Wills produced through non-professional means.
Not fulfilling the correct legal requirements can render a Will invalid, failure to properly account for a person’s particular family and financial circumstances can leave loved ones unintentionally disinherited, and drafting errors can lead to your Will being challenged at a later stage.
Mistakes can prove costly, leading to family fallouts or resulting in problems for an executor, with legal costs paid for out of the estate.
When do you need a solicitor for a Will?
If your finances are complicated, or you have a complex family structure, you will need a solicitor to draft your Will.
Seeking the help of a solicitor specialising in Wills is particularly beneficial in some circumstances, including if:
- You share a property with someone who is not your husband, wife or civil partner.
- You wish to make provision for a dependant who cannot care for themselves.
- There are family members who may make a claim on the Will, for example, a second wife or children from a first marriage.
- Your permanent home is not in the UK.
- You are resident in the UK and own property overseas.
- You own a business.
Even if you believe your situation is straightforward and you decide to write a Will yourself, you should still get a solicitor to check it over.
How much does it cost for a solicitor to draft a Will?
At Russell & Russell, our qualified Will writers can draft your Will or make alterations to your Will should you require it to be updated.
It typically takes between two and three weeks to draft your Will, although we can agree faster turnaround times for more urgent situations.
We can even visit you in your own home rather than you visiting our offices if that is easier.
Our experienced Will writing solicitors will be happy to talk to you about your requirements and give you a quote to write or update your Will.
To find out more about our Will writing services in Bolton, Chester and across the North West, or to speak to one of our specialist Wills solicitors, call us today on 0800 103 2600 or click here to request a call back.
How does a solicitor help with a Will?
Using a solicitor to draft your Will has various benefits. Some of the advantages of a solicitor-drafted Will includes:
- It’s tailored to your needs. A Will is not one-size-fits-all. It should be designed to fit the needs of each individual. A solicitor will take the time to understand your financial position and objectives and draft your Will to meet your requirements.
- It will be clearly drafted. Errors made in drafting cause problems and can result in your Will being challenged later on. A solicitor will ensure it is drafted, signed and witnessed correctly.
- It will be stored securely. Homemade Wills can be easily misplaced. At Russell & Russell, we offer a secure Will holding service free of charge.
- Peace of mind. Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), which means they owe their clients a duty of care and must act in their best interests. They also have professional indemnity insurance, which adds an extra layer of protection.
Wills Solicitors Near Me
Russell & Russell Solicitors is regulated by the SRA and accredited by the Law Society’s Wills and Inheritance Quality Scheme, which sets the benchmark for best practice and transparency in providing wills and estate planning services.
Our Wills and Probate solicitors are also qualified members of the Association of Lifetime Lawyers (ALL), an independent organisation of legal advisers who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.
The department is also a dementia-friendly business. We have offices stretching across the North West; three in Bolton and one in Atherton, Bury, Chester, Farnworth, Horwich and Middleton, from where we help clients throughout England and Wales.
If you would like to get in contact with our Wills team, please call 0800 103 2600 or send an enquiry.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.