Common Mistakes in DIY Wills (and How to Avoid Them)

Short answer

DIY wills can work for very simple estates, but even small mistakes can make them invalid or lead to disputes, unintended outcomes, or costly legal challenges.

Why DIY wills can go wrong

Many people choose to write a will themselves to save time or money. While this may seem straightforward, a will is a legally binding document with strict formal requirements.

Even minor errors can lead to major problems, including:

• the will being declared invalid
• confusion over who should inherit what
• family disputes or claims against the estate
• outcomes that do not reflect the person’s true wishes

Common mistakes in DIY wills

1. Incorrect signing and witnessing

A will must be signed and witnessed correctly under UK law.

Problems arise when:

• the will is not signed in the correct order
• witnesses are not independent
• a beneficiary (or their spouse) acts as a witness

This can make parts of the will invalid, or in some cases the entire document.

2. Unclear wording

Wills need precise language. Everyday wording can create legal uncertainty.

Examples include:

• “my watch” (which watch?)
• vague descriptions of personal possessions
• unclear instructions about shares of an estate

Ambiguity often leads to disputes or gifts failing altogether.

3. Not accounting for life changes

A DIY will is often written once and never revisited, but life rarely stays the same.

Common oversights include:

• a beneficiary dying before the will-maker
• remarriage or divorce
• blended families and stepchildren
• changes in financial circumstances

Without “what if” planning, the will may not reflect real-world outcomes.

4. Missing key legal provisions

DIY wills often fail to include essential elements such as:

• executors (the people responsible for administering the estate)
• guardians for children
• substitute beneficiaries if someone dies before you
• instructions for the residue of the estate

Missing clauses can leave important decisions to the intestacy rules instead of your wishes.

5. Failing to update the will

A will should be reviewed regularly, especially after major life events such as:

• marriage or civil partnership
• divorce or separation
• buying or selling property
• having children or grandchildren

An outdated will can unintentionally exclude important people or include former partners.

6. Increased risk of disputes

Poorly drafted wills are more likely to be challenged. Disputes often arise when:

• wording is unclear
• family members feel unfairly treated
• the document appears incomplete or informal

Court challenges can delay probate and significantly reduce the value of the estate.

When a DIY will might be suitable

A DIY will may be appropriate in very simple circumstances, for example:

• you have a straightforward family situation
• your assets are limited and uncomplicated
• there are no blended families or complex wishes
• you fully understand the legal requirements

Even then, many people choose to have their will checked to ensure it is valid and enforceable.

Why professional advice makes a difference

A professionally drafted will can help ensure:

• full legal validity
• clear and unambiguous wording
• proper planning for future changes
• appropriate protection for children and dependants
• reduced risk of disputes or challenges

A solicitor will also tailor your will to your personal circumstances, helping ensure your wishes are carried out exactly as intended.

How Attwells Solicitors can help

At Attwells Solicitors, we provide clear, fixed-fee will drafting designed to give you confidence that everything is done properly from the outset.

Whether you are writing a will for the first time or reviewing an existing DIY version, we can help identify risks and ensure your estate is structured correctly.

If you’re unsure whether your will is valid or want to avoid costly mistakes in the future, get in touch with our team today for straightforward advice and a fixed-fee quote.