Writing A Will.

[Bigbad]

I am currently having a new Will drawn up by a solicitor.
I haven’t been happy with either of the drafts so far.

I specifically requested that it be written in “normal speak” rather than “legal flowery speak” but both drafts are way too “flowery” for my liking.
I’ve been told that “as it is a legal document, it will need some extent of legal ease.”
But I can’t much see the point in a document that is too difficult to understand. It may be explained to me, but I doubt I’d retain the information as I see it as tedious and boring, and I certainly don’t want to sign anything I don’t fully understand.

I’ve specified certain things in the event of failure, such as if my children predecease me, then A inherits, and failing that B inherits, but it’s not written how I want. Apparently, these are dealt with by various clauses set out in the Will, but I don’t want this - I want A and B specified.

My question is, are self written Wills legal?
I’m thinking that if I wrote it myself, I could use any words and language I wanted and think it would be a lot clearer for the Executor when the time comes.

Thanks.

[woofgang]

I have got a new favourite legal term "gooby looby"

[Buenchico]

I used to be the MD of a will-writing firm (so I've drafted plenty of wills in my time).

The advice I've given here on AB many times (and which I stand by now) is to get hold of a copy of this book:
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation
(The laws on intestacy have changed since the most recent edition but everything about writing wills still holds true).

Read it, then re-read it. If you're then happy to draft your own will, do so.

At that stage you can either decide to simply sign your will in front of witnesses (leaving out the solicitor altogether) or, if you think that your draft might benefit from being reviewed by a professional, ask a solicitor to 'tidy it up' for you.

[EDDIE51]

Do as I intend . Spend every last penny before I turn my toes up ! Won't be hard as my only income is Pension Credit ! I only buy clothes from Charity shop 'special offers ' or jumble sales ! My electricity automatically connects to the street lights as soon as they go on !

[Buenchico]

PS: To answer your original question ("Are self-written wills legal?"), the answer is a great big "Yes!"

I've written my own will. It was witnessed, in a Tesco car park, by a couple of people I happened to be working with on that day. All perfectly legal!

[Bigbad]

Peter Pedant.
I’m not really sure if you are attempting to be helpful, there, or just being a bit of a git.

I know what a house is. I know what money is. I know who I want to inherit, and I know who I want to inherit if my children predecease me.
I also know that if something is covered by clauses 4.2 and 4.3 that’s not good enough and I want to see it written in a clear and concise way.

People post questions in the Law section because they need a proper answer.
It’s a shame so many of the answers in the category attract preachy, judgemental, and downright stupid answers.

And there’s me thinking it’s a serious subject.

[ummmm]

How does that work, Eddie?

[Bigbad]

Thank you, Buenchico.

I’ll not be using your suggestion of charity shop clothes, or stealing electricity EDDIE51.