Ever thought about skipping that visit to your lawyer and writing your own will?

While it is possible to write your own will, this may make you think twice about doing it yourself.

Picture this scenario. You are renovating your house and hire a couple of tradesmen to come in and plaster the kitchen wall.  The tradesmen come in and in no time at all the damage caused by ripping out the cabinetry and shifting the electrical appliances disappears.  They made it look easy – but any home handyman who has tried plastering a damaged wall will know that it is far from easy!

In this way, making a will can be like plastering a wall.  Your lawyer asks you some questions, drafts up a will and you come in and sign it.  What could be easier?  But there’s the trick.  

Your lawyer makes the job look simple because they are following their training and procedures which have been honed over many years.  They listen to your answers, and they know when to trigger further enquiry in relation to certain matters.  They know what is important and what is not. Their precedents have been developed to comply with the law and get adjusted as changes occur.  Whilst they are chatting with you about your fishing trip, they are also making sure you are complying with the signing procedures set out in legislation.

So, if you are going to choose between plastering your own wall or making your own will, have a crack at the wall.  You will see instantly how well you have done, but your success or otherwise at writing your own will is something your family will need to deal with after you have died.

If you would like to discuss your circumstances and how we can help, contact us.