What is a Solicitor Checked Will?

A solicitor-checked will is exactly what it sounds like - a will that has been reviewed by a qualified solicitor before you sign it. This is what sets Make a Will apart from many other online will services.

Why does solicitor review matter?

Wills are legal documents, and small errors can have serious consequences. A solicitor review ensures:

• Legal validity: Your will meets all the legal requirements
• Clarity: The wording is clear and unambiguous
• Completeness: Nothing important has been missed
• Tax efficiency: Obvious tax-saving opportunities aren't overlooked
• Practical workability: Your wishes can actually be carried out

Common problems a solicitor catches

In my experience, common issues include:

• Beneficiaries who are also witnesses (this invalidates their gift)
• Vague descriptions of assets or beneficiaries
• Contradictory clauses
• Missing residuary clauses (what happens to everything else)
• Inappropriate executor appointments
• Gifts that might fail due to technical rules

The difference from DIY wills

Many online services simply let you fill in a template and print it. See our guide to making an online will in five easy steps. If there are problems, you won't find out until after you've died - when it's too late to fix them. With a solicitor-checked will, potential issues are identified and resolved while you're still alive to make corrections.

What happens during the review?

Our solicitors review every will individually. They check the drafting, consider your specific circumstances, and look for any issues. If they have questions or concerns, they'll contact you directly. Most wills are approved within 2-3 working days. To find out how much a solicitor-checked will costs, see our pricing guide.