Estate planning is often misunderstood as something complicated, expensive, or unnecessary until later in life. In reality, it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your assets are handled according to your wishes. The good news is that you don’t always need to spend hundreds of pounds on solicitors. With a Legal Will Kit, you can write a valid will in a simple, cost-effective way while still maintaining peace of mind about your family’s future.
This guide explores how a Legal Will Kit can save you money, why it’s a practical solution for many people, and the step-by-step process of creating a will that reflects your wishes.
Why Estate Planning Is So Important
Before we look at how a kit can help, it’s important to understand why everyone should have a will in place.
- Protect your loved ones – Ensures your family members or chosen beneficiaries inherit what you want them to.
- Avoid family disputes – Reduces confusion or disagreements about how assets should be divided.
- Provide guardianship for children – Lets you decide who will take care of minors if needed.
- Financial efficiency – Helps reduce delays and potential tax burdens during probate.
Without a will, the law decides how your estate is distributed, which may not match your wishes.
What Is a Legal Will Kit?
A Legal Will Kit is a do-it-yourself solution for writing a valid will. It typically includes:
- Step-by-step guidance on completing the document.
- Templates for leaving assets, appointing executors, and naming guardians.
- Legal instructions to ensure your will meets UK requirements.
These kits are especially useful for people with straightforward estates who want an affordable and accessible way to make their wishes official.
Why Choose a Legal Will Kit Over a Solicitor?
Hiring a solicitor certainly has benefits for complex estates, but for many people, a will kit is more than sufficient.
Key Advantages:
- Cost Savings
A solicitor can charge several hundred pounds for a basic will. A kit offers a far cheaper alternative without compromising legal validity. - Convenience
Complete your will from the comfort of your home, in your own time. - Clear Guidance
Instructions included in the kit make the process less intimidating, even for beginners. - Legally Recognised
As long as the signing and witnessing requirements are met, a will prepared this way is just as valid as one drafted by a solicitor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Will with a Kit
Here’s how to get the most from your Legal Will Kit:
Step 1: List Your Assets
Write down everything you own, from property and savings accounts to jewellery and vehicles.
Step 2: Choose Beneficiaries
Decide who should inherit your assets. Beneficiaries can include family members, friends, or even charities.
Step 3: Appoint Executors
Executors are responsible for carrying out your wishes. Choose someone reliable and trustworthy.
Step 4: Assign Guardians
If you have children under 18, use the kit to name guardians who will take care of them.
Step 5: Fill in the Template
Follow the clear instructions to complete the form, ensuring you use simple, unambiguous language.
Step 6: Sign with Witnesses
Your will must be signed in the presence of two independent witnesses, who also sign. They cannot be beneficiaries.
Step 7: Store Your Will Safely
Keep it in a secure place and let your executors know where it’s located.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Will Kit
Even with clear instructions, errors can make your will invalid. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Improper witnessing – If a beneficiary witnesses your will, their inheritance becomes void.
- Vague wording – Be specific when dividing assets to avoid disputes.
- Not updating regularly – Major life events like marriage, divorce, or having children should prompt an update.
- Ignoring debts – Executors must settle debts before distributing your estate, so account for them.
When a Kit May Not Be Enough
While a kit suits many people, there are situations where legal advice is still necessary. Consider consulting a solicitor if:
- You own property abroad.
- You have complex investments or business assets.
- Your estate may be subject to inheritance tax.
- You have a blended family with stepchildren.
In such cases, a combination of professional advice and a will kit may provide the best results.
How a Legal Will Kit Saves You Money
Estate planning doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Here’s how using a kit helps reduce costs:
- Affordable one-time purchase compared with ongoing solicitor fees.
- DIY approach eliminates unnecessary legal costs for simple estates.
- Clear guidance helps avoid mistakes that could otherwise result in costly disputes later.
By investing in a kit today, you prevent far greater expenses and complications for your family in the future.
The Role of Executors in Your Will
Executors are central to ensuring your estate is handled properly. Their duties include:
- Managing debts and taxes.
- Distributing assets to beneficiaries.
- Handling probate where necessary.
Because of the responsibility involved, it’s best to choose executors who are organised, dependable, and willing to take on the role.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Writing Your Will
Many people postpone writing a will, believing they’re too young, don’t own enough assets, or will “get to it later.” Unfortunately, life is unpredictable, and delaying can leave loved ones unprotected.
With a Legal Will Kit, the process is so simple and affordable that there’s no reason to wait. Taking action now ensures peace of mind for both you and your family.
How to Keep Your Will Up to Date
Even after creating your will, you should:
- Review it every 3–5 years.
- Update it after life changes like marriage, divorce, or having children.
- Re-sign with witnesses if you make substantial amendments.
A will is a living document and should evolve alongside your life circumstances.
The Importance of Proper Witnessing
Without proper signing and witnessing, your will isn’t valid. Remember:
- You need two independent witnesses.
- Witnesses must be present when you sign.
- They must also sign in your presence.
Following these rules ensures your will holds up legally.
Conclusion
Estate planning doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. By using a Legal Will Kit, you can write a valid will at a fraction of the cost of hiring a solicitor. It offers simplicity, affordability, and peace of mind, making it the perfect solution for people with straightforward estates.
By carefully following the kit’s guidance, avoiding common mistakes, and keeping your will updated, you can secure your family’s future without unnecessary expense.
Taking action today is the best gift you can give your loved ones tomorrow. Click here to get your Legal Will Kit and save money on estate planning—because your peace of mind is priceless.
