Why Cheap Wills Can Become Costly Mistakes

Why Cheap Wills Can Become Costly Mistakes

Making a Will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the people you love.

It’s not just a legal document — it’s a way of making sure your wishes are followed, your family is supported, and your estate is handled smoothly when the time comes.

However, ask your search engine about Wills and you will soon be bombarded with offers of drafting a Will from as little as £19.99! Many people are tempted by low-cost, unregulated Will-writing services because they appear cheaper or more convenient.

Unfortunately, the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true and choosing the wrong provider can create serious risks — and in some cases, can leave families facing stress, disputes, and unexpected legal costs.

The Hidden Risks of Unregulated Will-Writers

When you work with a qualified solicitor, you benefit from professional training, regulation, and legal safeguards. Unregulated Will-writers do not offer the same protection. In simple terms, “unregulated” means anyone can set up as a will-writer, without needing formal legal qualifications or oversight.

That can lead to problems such as:

· Wills being drafted incorrectly

· Clauses being unclear or contradictory

· Documents not being properly witnessed or signed

· Important assets being left out entirely

· Families being forced into costly legal disputes

Often, these mistakes only come to light after someone has died — when it is too late to fix them.

What Protection Does a Solicitor Provide?

Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and must meet strict professional standards.

This means:

· They undergo formal legal training

· They must follow professional and ethical rules

· They are required to carry professional indemnity insurance

· Clients have access to a clear complaints process

· Concerns can be escalated to the Legal Ombudsman

A solicitor’s role is not just to draft a document, but to ensure your Will is legally valid, tailored exactly to your circumstances and wishes, and protects your beneficiaries properly.


When Will-Writing Firms Disappear

One of the major risks with unregulated providers is what happens if the business closes down.

The SRA has highlighted cases where unregulated will-writing companies have collapsed, leaving clients unable to access their original Wills. Families have then faced additional legal hurdles simply to recover documents or administer estates.

When you use a solicitor, your Will is stored securely and remains protected even if a firm merges, relocates, or closes.


Real Court Cases Show the Consequences

Recent High Court cases have demonstrated the harm that can be caused by poorly drafted Wills.

In one example, a Will prepared by an unqualified individual contained unclear legal terminology and ambiguous clauses.
The executor was unable to administer the estate without court involvement, causing significant distress and delay for the family.

These situations are sadly avoidable with proper legal advice.

Regulatory Concerns About Poor Drafting

The SRA’s review of the unreserved legal services market has raised concerns about will-writing services operating without oversight.

Common issues include:

· Invalid witnessing

· Incorrect signatures

· Contradictory instructions

· Wills that fail to dispose of the full estate

· Poor outcomes

These drafting errors can result in estates becoming tied up in probate disputes for months — sometimes years.

The False Economy of a “Cheap Will”

A Will may look straightforward, but even small mistakes can have serious consequences.
A poorly drafted or invalid Will can:

· Delay probate

· Increase legal costs

· Cause family disputes

· Result in assets passing to the wrong people

· Leave vulnerable beneficiaries unprotected

· Lead to intestacy rules applying instead of your wishes

Saving a small amount upfront can unfortunately cost families thousands later — both financially and emotionally.

How Claire Nash Solicitors Can Help

At Claire Nash Solicitors, we understand that writing a Will is a personal and important step.
We take the time to listen, understand your family circumstances, and ensure your Will reflects your intentions clearly and securely.

Our Will-writing service includes:

· Expert drafting tailored to your needs

· Advice on inheritance tax, trusts, and complex estates

· Secure storage of your Will

· Reassurance that your wishes will be honoured

Most importantly, we provide peace of mind that everything is legally robust and professionally protected.

If you would like advice about making or updating a Will, please contact our team on 01892 731082 for a confidential conversation.

FAQ

Are will writers regulated in the UK?

Not always. Many will-writers operate outside formal regulation, meaning they do not need legal qualifications or oversight from the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

What happens if a Will is drafted incorrectly?

Mistakes can make a Will unclear or invalid, leading to probate delays, family disputes, inheritance tax consequences or court applications to interpret the document.

Is it safer to use a solicitor for a Will?

Yes. Solicitors are regulated, insured, and trained to ensure your Will is legally valid and tailored to your circumstances.

What if a will-writing company closes down?

Unregulated firms may disappear without warning, leaving families unable to access original documents. Solicitors provide secure storage and long-term protection.

Can a cheap Will end up costing more later?

Unfortunately, yes. A poorly drafted Will can lead to expensive legal disputes and significant stress for loved ones.

How do I make a Will with Claire Nash Solicitors?

You can contact our team to arrange an appointment. We will guide you through the process and ensure your Will is clear, valid, and secure.