Creating a will is one of the most important decisions you will ever make, yet many people still put it off because they think it is complicated or expensive. You might be wondering: Can I actually make a will without a lawyer? The short answer is yes, you can – and in this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about making a Will Without a Lawyer, step by step.
Why Do People Choose to Make a Will Without a Lawyer Abingdon-on-Thames?
Many people search online for “Will Without a Lawyer” because:
- They want to save money – solicitors’ fees can be high.
- They feel their estate is simple – e.g. leaving everything to a spouse or children.
- They prefer privacy – avoiding external discussions about personal finances.
- They are time-poor – needing quick solutions without multiple appointments.
If any of these concerns reflect yours, you are not alone. But is making a Will Without a Lawyer always the best approach?
Is It Legal to Make a Will Without a Lawyer Abingdon-on-Thames?
Yes, you can make your own will without using a lawyer in the UK.
It is completely legal as long as you follow these basic rules:
You are 18 or older.
Only adults can make a will.
You are making it because you want to.
No one should force or pressure you to write your will in a certain way.
You know what you are doing.
You need to understand:
- That you are making a will
- What you own (your money, property, and belongings)
- Who you want to leave these things to
It is written down.
Your will must be on paper – either typed or handwritten. You can not just tell someone your wishes without writing them down.
You sign it in front of two witnesses.
You must sign your will while two people watch you sign it at the same time. These witnesses should not be people who will inherit anything from your will or their husband/wife.
Both witnesses sign it too.
After you sign, each witness also needs to sign the will while you are there watching them.
What Are the Risks of Making a Will Without a Lawyer Abingdon-on-Thames?
Writing your own will is legal, but there are some risks you should be aware of:
Incorrect witnessing
This is the most common mistake people make. If your will is not signed and witnessed properly (for example, your witnesses did not see you sign it, or they are people who benefit from your will), then your will can be invalid. This means it would not be accepted after your death.
Ambiguous wording
If your wording is not clear, your family might not understand what you meant. For example, saying “I leave my jewellery to my sisters” – if you have more than one, who gets what? This can cause arguments, confusion, or even court disputes.
Excluding dependents
If you do not leave anything for people who depend on you financially, such as a partner or children, they might challenge your will in court. The law allows certain people to claim from your estate if they were financially dependent on you.
Not updating your will
Life changes – like getting married, divorced, or having children – can affect your will. For example, marriage usually cancels any will you made before. If you don’t update it, your wishes might not be carried out as you intended.
Missing legal formalities
Even small mistakes – like not signing properly, or using the wrong type of witness – can make your will invalid. This means it would be treated as if you never wrote a will at all, and the law would decide who inherits your assets.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Will Without a Lawyer Abingdon-on-Thames
Here is your comprehensive process to make a will without a lawyer effectively and confidently.
Step 1. Decide if Making a Will Without a Lawyer is Right for You
Making a will without a lawyer works best when:
- You have a simple estate.
- You are leaving everything to your spouse, children, or a few clear beneficiaries.
- You understand your assets and debts.
- You have no complicated family situations, such as estranged children or shared ownership disputes.
If you have business assets, overseas property, or you want to exclude someone who might contest it, it is wise to seek legal advice.
Step 2. List Your Assets and Debts
Write down:
- Your bank accounts
- Investments or savings
- Property (include mortgage details)
- Vehicles
- Valuable items like jewellery or art
- Debts you owe
This ensures nothing is forgotten, and your executors will have a clear roadmap when the time comes.
Step 3. Choose Your Beneficiaries
Who do you want to leave your estate to? Beneficiaries can include:
- Family members
- Friends
- Charities
- Organisations close to your heart
Be specific. For example, instead of “my cousin,” write “Sarah Jones, daughter of David Jones, of [address].”
Step 4. Appoint an Executor
An executor ensures your wishes are carried out. You can choose:
- A family member or friend you trust
- A professional executor (banks or specialist will writers offer this service for a fee)
If you are making a will without a lawyer, ensure your chosen executor is willing to take on the responsibility, as it involves paperwork, probate applications, and asset distribution.
Step 5. Decide on Guardians for Minor Children
If you have children under 18, naming a guardian is essential. Otherwise, the courts decide. Discuss it with your chosen guardian beforehand to ensure they’re comfortable with the responsibility.
Step 6. Write Your Will
When making a will without a lawyer, you can:
- Use online will writing services – These guide you step-by-step, ensuring your will is legally valid.
- Write it completely by hand (holographic will) – Not recommended in the UK as it risks legal issues if not properly
Most people prefer using trusted online services like Will 4 Less, which combine affordability with professional templates to reduce errors.witnessed.
Step 7. Sign Your Will Correctly
This is the most crucial step:
- Sign in the presence of two adult witnesses.
- Witnesses cannot be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries.
- All three must be together during signing.
- Date the will clearly.
Mistakes here can make your will invalid.
Step 8. Store Your Will Safely
Keep your will:
- In a fireproof safe at home
- With a will writing service provider
- Registered with the National Will Register (for easy discovery after death)
Tell your executor and family where it is stored.
Step 9. Review and Update Your Will Regularly
Life changes – marriage, divorce, children, property purchases. Your will must reflect these changes. Review it every 2-3 years or after any major life event.
What Should You Include When Making a Will Without a Lawyer?
Here is a logical, step-by-step list to ensure your will is comprehensive:
Appoint Executors
Choose someone you trust to carry out your wishes. You can name more than one executor, such as your spouse, adult children, or a close friend.
List Your Beneficiaries
Decide who you want to inherit your estate. This could include:
- Family members
- Friends
- Charities
Be specific to avoid confusion later.
Detail Your Assets
Include all your possessions and assets such as:
- Property
- Savings and investments
- Vehicles
- Jewellery
- Digital assets (photos, accounts)
- Include Guardianship for Children
If you have children under 18, state who will be their guardian. This is crucial for peace of mind.
State Funeral Wishes (Optional)
Some people add their funeral preferences to ease decision-making for loved ones.
Sign and Witness Properly
Your will must be signed in the presence of two independent adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries. This is vital for legal validity.
How Do Online Will Writing Services Help You Make a Will Without a Lawyer Abingdon-on-Thames?
Many people today choose online will writing services like Will 4 Less to make their will without a lawyer for several reasons:
- Guided templates ensure you include everything necessary.
- Reviewed by will writing specialists for peace of mind.
- Cost-effective compared to solicitor fees.
- Fast and convenient – complete your will from home in minutes.
- Legally compliant – we ensure your will meets UK requirements.
When Should You Consider Professional Help Instead?
While making a will without a lawyer is suitable for straightforward estates, you should seek legal advice if:
- You own property abroad.
- You have a blended family or complex family arrangements.
- Your estate exceeds the inheritance tax threshold.
- You wish to set up trusts for minors or vulnerable beneficiaries.
- You anticipate any disputes.
In these cases, professional legal advice ensures your wishes are watertight and tax-efficient.
Common Concerns About Making a Will Without a Lawyer Abingdon-on-Thames
1. What if I make a mistake?
Using a professional online will writing service dramatically reduces this risk. Their guided systems ensure you do not skip essential legal requirements.
2. Will my will be legal without a lawyer?
Yes, as long as it is:
- Written by you when you had mental capacity
- Signed and witnessed properly
- Free from undue influence
3. What if my situation changes later?
You should review your will every 2-3 years or after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or having children. Updating your will is straightforwar
Final Thoughts: How Confident Are You in Making a Will Without a Lawyer Abingdon-on-Thames?
Writing a Will Without a Lawyer empowers you to take control of your legacy in an affordable way. But ensuring it is clear, legally compliant, and safely stored is critical.
At Will 4 Less, we specialise in helping people create a Will Without a Lawyer confidently and securely, avoiding mistakes that could hurt your loved ones later. If you want to discuss your options or begin today, contact us for guided online will writing with peace of mind.