Yes, you can legally write your own will in the UK. This is known as a ‘DIY will’. However, it must comply with legal formalities to be valid, such as being in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries.

No, a will writer does not have to be a solicitor. However, professional will writers should be knowledgeable about estate law and ideally be a member of a recognized organization, such as the Society of Will Writers.

Avoid leaving instructions for your funeral, as the will may be read after the funeral. Also, avoid leaving assets that you do not own outright, and do not include illegal requests or vague terms that could be open to interpretation.

Yes, you can keep your will at home, but it’s not recommended due to the risk of damage or loss. It’s safer to store it with a solicitor, bank, or a dedicated will storage facility.

One of the biggest mistakes is not updating the will to reflect life changes, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children, which can render the will invalid or not reflective of the current wishes.

Not necessarily. It depends on the contents of the will. A spouse may inherit everything if the will states so, but the will could also include provisions for other relatives, friends, or charities.