The cost of having a will prepared professionally is far less than most people imagine.

Here are just some of the common mistakes which can be made when individuals handwrite their own wills:

(1) Any wills written previously are not formally revoked.

(2) There is often no alternate Executor named.

(3) Frequently a family member or friend is given a bequest, but then there is no consideration for what happens to this gift if the person predeceases the author of the will.

(4) Most people who write their own wills do not make sufficient provision for the person administering your Estate. For example, the power to sell and convert assets to cash, etc.

(5) On several occasions the language a person uses in making a home-made will can be vague or misinterpreted.

(6) Often people take certain things for granted; for example, that their children will outlive them.

(7) Favourite non-profit organizations such as a health charity or Greenpeace are not identified properly.

(8) People may instruct to give a particular item to a friend or relative, but no consideration is given to what happens if that gift does not exist at the date of death.

(9) Sometimes a house is left to a spouse, in trust for example, but then there is often no mention of who pays the expenses for upkeep of the property during the lifetime of the beneficiary.

(10) Last, but not least, don't make the mistake of assuming because you have typewritten your own will that it is a valid will.

As you can see, anyone can write a will. However, your beneficiaries should inherit your wealth and that alone. As for troubles, this can be prevented by writing it professionally. Do write to me and I would be very happy to help you.