Why should I use a solicitor to make my Will?

Posted on: 27/04/2026

Category: For you

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The recent case of Tedford v Clarke & Ors [2025] EWHC 816 (Ch) in the High Court has highlighted the need to get a Will done properly. The Will of the late Veronica Clarke was drafted by an unqualified Will writer in 2014 and was full of ambiguity, inconsistency and errors which led to a great deal of distress for the family.

As the individual who prepared the Will was not qualified, the mistakes made meant that the Will didn’t make sense in parts and had to be interpreted by the Court which led to costs and delays. The estate of the late Veronica Clarke was valued in the region of £500,000 but the costs of litigation to resolve which beneficiaries were to receive what assets, has run into tens of thousands. Not only is there a huge financial toll, but also an emotional one too.

As a solicitor, I have seen many a homemade Will, duly completed by an enthusiastic amateur lawyer. I have spoken to some clients who tell me proudly that they have purchased a Will from the internet or a shop, filled it out and saved themselves a packet. Some have used Will writers that have no legal knowledge.

As we can see from the case of Mrs Clarke, trying to penny pinch over the cost of a Will simply isn’t worth it and can lead to huge financial loss and emotional strain.

Your Will is simply too important to bodge, and worth every penny it may cost.