Making a will online
Online will writing services allow you to create a legally binding document that protects your family’s future – all from the comfort of your screen. As with the traditional route of writing a will in front of your solicitor. You still need to include the following information:
- Property
- Vehicles
- Savings
- Investments
- Details of who should have these assets after you die
- Any other wishes – such as the type of funeral you want.
Do I need a will?
Online or offline, there’s no doubt that making a will is vitally important. For all of us, the reality is that one day we’ll no longer be around, but writing a will ensures you can keep some control over how your money, property and possessions are distributed. For example, you can also write in your will that you are planning to leave a gift to a charity. You can also reduce your Inheritance Tax liability, settle any family disputes, and make arrangements for your children’s care. If you don’t have a will at the end of your life, you will have died ‘intestate’, which means your estate will be divided according to strictly defined legal rules.
The benefits of making a will online
Online will writing services are an increasingly attractive way to manage your estate when you’re no longer around. Here are some of the benefits:
- A low-cost option, but with professional, legal oversight
- Widely available and user-friendly
- Saves time compared to visiting a high-street solicitor.
But of course, there is a world of difference between online will writing done professionally, and a cheap service without the same standards. As a minimum, you should be able to do the following:
- Ensure you can ask questions directly, rather than just relying on a fully automated service
- Pay a one-off fee, rather than ongoing costs
- Get storage for your original will, or advice on storage.
How to write a will online
Here is our quick guide to will writing online in three simple steps:
- While there is more than one way to make a will online, you can generally expect to answer questions about your circumstances - such as whether you’re single or married, and where your assets are located - from the comfort of your computer chair.
- Following this, a team of legal experts will typically examine your application, recommend any changes and do a final review.
- Once approved, you’ll still need to print and sign your legally-binding document in the presence of two witnesses.
Its important to note that different laws apply in different regions, so it's important your will is valid where you live.
Are online wills legal?
Yes, making a will online is perfectly legal. Just like writing a will the traditional way, you will need to meet certain requirements so that the document is valid in a court of law. That means you will need to be 18 and over, be of ‘sound mind’, make the will in writing and the will should be made voluntarily by you. You should sign the document in the presence of two witnesses who are also 18 and over.
One condition is that the witnesses (or their spouses, civil or registered partners) must not be beneficiaries of the will.
Other ways to write a will
Of course, making a will online is not the only option. There are two other ways you can write a will:
- Solicitors – the tried-and-tested route. The advantage of using a solicitor is you're protected if something goes wrong. This is because solicitors are regulated. You should remember that a solicitor will charge for their services in drawing up or checking a will which could prove to be more expensive than the other will writing alternatives.
- A DIY will – As long as it was properly signed and witnessed by two adult independent witnesses who are present at the time you sign your will, it should be legally binding. But that doesn't mean it's a good idea. Using the wrong wording could mean that your instructions aren't followed, or even that your will isn't valid.
Over 50s life insurance
Our Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance is designed for UK residents aged 50 to 80 to provide a small cash sum after you die, which can be left as a gift or help towards funeral costs. To help you protect your loved ones, clarify your wishes by making a will online and ensure the right people benefit. If you choose to take out Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance, you may also wish to put your plan in Trust with us. This will help make sure those chosen beneficiaries receive the cash sum from the plan quickly when you die, without the need for lengthy legal processes.