Writing a will is one of the most thoughtful and practical things you can do for your family. But if it’s done incorrectly, even small mistakes can cause confusion or make your will invalid.
At Coastal Legacy, we help clients across Hampshire, Fareham, Gosport, and Portsmouth ensure their wills are written properly — clear, legal, and tailored to their wishes.
Here are the seven most common mistakes people make when writing a will, and how to avoid them.
1. Forgetting to Update Their Will
Life changes — marriages, children, divorces, or new homes — yet many people never revisit their will.
An outdated will can leave out important people or include beneficiaries you no longer intend to include.
✅ Tip: Review your will every few years or after any major life event. Coastal Legacy offers simple updates and reviews to keep everything accurate.
2. Not Signing or Witnessing It Correctly
A will must be signed and properly witnessed to be legally valid. If it’s not, it could be rejected after your death.
✅ Tip: You need two independent witnesses present when you sign — neither of whom should benefit from your will. Our team ensures every signature meets UK legal standards.
3. Leaving Out Key Details
A will should be specific. Vague wording or missing information can lead to disputes or confusion.
For example, saying “I leave my jewellery to my niece” might cause problems if you have more than one niece or several pieces of jewellery.
✅ Tip: Use full names and clear descriptions for both people and assets.
4. Forgetting About Executors
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out your will. Many people forget to name one, or they choose someone without discussing it first.
✅ Tip: Choose someone organised, trustworthy, and willing to take on the responsibility — and always ask them before including them in your will.
5. Assuming Your Partner Automatically Inherits Everything
In the UK, unmarried partners don’t have automatic rights of inheritance. Without a will, your estate may not go to the person you expect.
✅ Tip: Always name your partner or spouse in your will. This guarantees they’ll receive what you intend.
6. Trying to Write It Without Help
DIY wills or online templates might seem easy, but they often leave out key legal details — and that can cause problems later.
✅ Tip: Professional will writing ensures your document is valid, complete, and tailored to your circumstances. Coastal Legacy provides expert, affordable guidance throughout the process.
7. Failing to Store It Safely
Even a perfectly written will is no good if it can’t be found when it’s needed. Losing your will can create huge difficulties for your family.
✅ Tip: Store your will securely, and tell your executors where it is. Coastal Legacy offers secure will storage to keep your document protected and accessible.
Avoiding Mistakes with Professional Support
The smallest errors can cause big problems later — but with expert help, writing your will can be simple, stress-free, and completely reliable.
At Coastal Legacy, we guide you through every step, ensuring your will is legally valid and reflects your exact wishes.
Start with Confidence
Avoid the common pitfalls and make sure your will is done properly from the start.
👉 Contact Coastal Legacy today to write or review your will with professional care and peace of mind.