Writing your own will? Watch out for these basic errors if you’re using a  cheap DIY kit

More people are turning to homemade wills to save money during the financial crisis — but lawyers fear it may lead to a sharp rise in inheritance disputes.

So-called DIY will kits can be purchased from a stationers for just £20.

They offer a cheap way to ensure a basic estate is divided according to your wishes on your death. 

But unfortunately, without professional guidance, you could also overlook family members or accidentally give everything to a single person, leaving others with nothing.

In some cases, such as if a will has not been signed correctly by two adult independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries, the will can even be invalid. A solicitor charges from £150 to draw up a basic will. 

The rule of thumb is that if your wishes are very simple and your financial situation isn’t complicated, you could have a DIY will.

Andrew Wilkinson, head of inheritance disputes at Lime Solicitors, says: ‘While DIY will kits look quick and easy they tend to have a one-size-fits-all approach that does not work for everyone.

‘Complicated family arrangements and tax implications are often overlooked. Without professional guidance, there is also a risk of ambiguity, errors or omissions being made within a DIY will.’