Thinking of Using a Post Office Will Kit? Read This First

Post Office Wills: A £20 Bargain or a Costly Mistake?

Writing a will is a fundamental act of protecting your loved ones. But faced with the perceived cost and complexity of solicitors, it’s easy to see the appeal of a Post Office will kit. You can pick one up with your stamps, fill it out over a cup of tea, and feel like you've ticked a major item off your to-do list.

It seems almost too easy, doesn't it? That’s because, for many, it is. Let's unpack whether that convenient, low-cost kit is a sensible saving or a significant future burden for your family.

What Exactly Is a Post Office Will Kit?

A Post Office Will Kit, like similar DIY versions from high-street stationers, is a fill-in-the-blanks legal document. It provides a basic template and a set of instructions covering the essentials:

• Appointing executors to manage your estate
• Naming beneficiaries who will inherit from you
• Listing your key assets
• Guidance on signing and witnessing the document

Oh, the allure of the £20 will. Let's be honest, the appeal is obvious. For a start, a DIY will kit is incredibly cheap, often costing less than a decent takeaway. This low price is paired with undeniable convenience, allowing you to complete it at your kitchen table without any formal appointments. For someone with no will at all, it certainly feels like a proactive step in the right direction. And in fairness, if your circumstances are exceptionally simple—perhaps you are single, have no children, rent your home, and are leaving everything to one person—a DIY kit might be sufficient. The trouble is, for most people, life is rarely that simple.

The Hidden Costs of Cutting Corners

This is where the bargain begins to unravel. A DIY will is a one-size-fits-all solution in a world where every family and financial situation is unique. It cannot provide advice, check for errors, or adapt to your specific circumstances.

This creates a minefield of potential errors, such as:

• Ambiguous Wording: A simple phrase like "I leave everything to my children" can cause disputes if you have step-children or estranged children who aren't explicitly named.
• Invalid Attestation: The most common reason for a will to be declared invalid is that it was not signed or witnessed correctly. The rules are strict, and a small mistake voids the entire document.
• Overlooking Nuances: DIY kits can't advise on inheritance tax, property ownership queries (like joint tenancy), or setting up trusts for young children.
• A Gateway to Disputes: Any ambiguity or error is an open invitation for the will to be contested. A simple mistake in a £20 will can lead to legal challenges that cost your estate tens of thousands of pounds and cause immense stress for your family.

When you really look at what could go wrong, that saving suddenly looks like a very false economy indeed.

When a DIY Will Is a Gamble You Shouldn't Take

If any of the following apply to you, using a DIY will kit moves from risky to downright reckless:

• You own property (with or without a mortgage).
• You have children under the age of 18.
• You have a "blended" family (e.g., children from previous relationships).
• You cohabit but are not married to your partner.
• You run a business or have digital assets.
• You wish to leave specific gifts to different people.

The Smarter Alternative: Online Will Writing with Legacy Bridge

If you value the convenience of a DIY approach but want the security of knowing it's done correctly, Legacy Bridge offers the best of both worlds. We combine modern technology with human expertise.

Think of it as the convenience of the kitchen table, with the peace of mind of a professional review. As part of our LifeFolio™ service, which helps you affordably create your estate plan, you can create a will that is:

• Guided and Simple: Our easy online process asks simple questions, avoiding legal jargon.
• Expert-Reviewed: Unlike a DIY kit, every will is reviewed by our in-house experts to ensure it is clear, consistent, and legally sound.
• Tailored to You: The process adapts to your circumstances, whether you have step-children, own property, have foreign assets, or want to leave conditional gifts.
• Affordable and Transparent: You get the reassurance of expert oversight for a fraction of a solicitor's fee.

So Should You Use a Post Office Will Kit?

For the vast majority of people, the answer is a clear no. While Post Office will kits are cheap, they pass all the risk and responsibility onto you. They offer a false sense of security that can crumble under the slightest legal scrutiny, leaving your family to deal with the consequences.

Don't leave your legacy to a fill-in-the-blanks form. Protect what you've worked hard to build. Pass on the legacy not more stress on top of grief when the time comes. Get started on your estate plan today.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.