Quick Wills

How quickly can you make a Will?

An Express or Quick Will can be drafted in as little as 30 minutes. However, proper consideration and review are essential.

At Will Power, the process involves taking the client’s instructions in a proper consultation and a draft going out to the client for approval or further amendments. Then the final Will is produced and sent out for signing and witnessing.

Are Quick Wills or Express Wills legally binding?

Express Wills are legally binding if they meet your jurisdiction’s basic legal requirements. If you do the right thing and create them properly, they are legally binding.

How much do Quick or Express Wills cost?

For a single Will, online Will-making services and DIY kits will typically be anything from £30 to £100. You will simply add a few details, there is no customisation and it is all down to you.

If, however, a solicitor is drafting your Will and you need it in a hurry, you can expect to pay around £500 to £600 plus VAT. Depending on the time taken in consultation, the complexity and the speed of turnaround, that price can vary.

At Will Power, we charge £200 plus VAT for a simple, single Express Will with a guaranteed turnaround of less than seven days from consultation to a final, approved Will being sent out. [all prices correct as of February 2025].

What are the minimum legal requirements for a valid, Quick or Express Will?

Express and Quick Wills are legally binding if they meet your jurisdiction’s basic legal requirements. Different jurisdictions, for instance Scotland versus England, will have different rules.

Generally, your Will must be a written document. It must be made by someone over the age of 18 and of sound mind – which means they have the mental capacity and understanding to make a Will and deal with their assets.

The Will should appoint executives to manage your estate and also appoint beneficiaries to receive your assets. It must then be signed by the testator – the person making the Will. In England, the testator’s signature must be witnessed by at least two independent adults.

Finally, and this will come through from the instructions, there must be a clear intent to create a Will – so there’s no suggestion of coercion, for instance.

What are the risks of making a Quick or Express Will?

If you’re doing this yourself and you’re rushing, then any of the following may happen:

• You may overlook important assets or beneficiaries.
• Your Will may be invalidly executed, rendering it useless.
• The use of unclear or ambiguous language may lead to disputes after you’re gone.
• If you have complex finances or you’re a high net worth individual, you could risk not considering tax implications.
• You may miss jurisdiction-specific requirements, again rendering your Will invalid.
• You probably won’t address complex family situations, leaving the door open to potential disputes and litigation.
  
  

A situation I’ve actually seen is that a client is about to go on holiday, where somebody in their family is seriously ill and may not even have days left. Why would you risk doing a Quick Will yourself at such a critical time?

Can I make a Quick or Express Will online?

Yes, you can make a Will online, but be careful when you are in a rush. You can use legal document websites, Will-making software, or online Will-writing services where nobody talks to you.

It’s up to you, then, to ensure that the online service is reputable, complies with local laws, and you haven’t missed out something crucial. Remember, that it is only a draft that you will receive. You still have to print off and execute the Will properly, by getting the signatures completed.

Instead of all this guesswork, consider a proper face-to-face consultation, such as the service offered by us at Will Power, where you can see who you are dealing with and ask any questions during the process.

What happens if my Quick Will or Express Will contradicts a previous Will?

This is not normally an issue, because a well-considered and valid new Will typically revokes previous Wills.

However, you should explicitly state you are revoking previous Wills – this is normally one of the first lines of a Will. You should also destroy copies of old Wills so that there is no confusion for your executors or family, and obviously inform your executor about the new Will and where it is.

Are there any specific laws or regulations regarding Quick or Express Wills that we need to know about?

All the legal requirements applicable to any Will in your jurisdiction will also apply to Quick or Express Wills. These generally cover age requirements, mental capacity, witness requirements and signing formalities.

Storage requirements is an interesting one, in that you must be able to find your Will in an undamaged or unaltered state.

You must also be aware of the effect of an impending marriage or a previous divorce on the validity and applicability of your Will. We can advise you based on your circumstances.

What steps should be taken immediately after making a Quick or Express Will?

Store the original safely – we can do that for you in secure storage facilities if you don’t have somewhere suitable. Make sure you tell your executors where to find it, and keep copies for yourself for reference, so you can update beneficiary choices as time passes.

That really means that you should review your Will periodically. We suggest every five years or after every major life event, such as the birth of a child or moving house.

Is there anything else I should know about making a Quick Will or an Express Will?

Consider all the different aspects you want to cover. This may prove challenging at first if you’re not used to it. Here are a few points to consider:

• Make sure you update your Will after major life changes.
• If you did this yourself and in a hurry using online software, you may have missed something. We will carefully guide you through the thinking process.
• Include digital assets if you want to pass them on with no disputes over ownership.
• Think about naming guardians for minor children, aged under 18, should something happen to both parents.
• Consider pet care. This is often missed and can be an emotive issue.
• Consider a letter of wishes to supplement your Will. That gives your Will a bit more colour, gives guidance to your executors and also lets people know what you want to do with some of your assets – and perhaps even the songs you want at your funeral.

How do I make a Quick Will or an Express Will? What’s the process?

That’s easy – contact Will Power to arrange a consultation. You can prepare by considering your assets and beneficiaries, choosing executors, deciding on guardians if needed, and then considering specific bequests or gifts that you want to give.

In terms of creating the Will, in our consultation we will note all the different aspects needed, including the clear distribution of assets. We will add the appropriate executor powers and use our expertise to include the correct clauses to make this Will valid.

Then, finally, we have the execution phase. When you have the final draft of your Will, you should sign it with competent and appropriate witnesses. Consider notarisation of your Will if it’s going to be needed abroad, and then store the Will safely – having informed all relevant parties.

How can Will Power help me with a Quick Will?

Here at Will Power, we have a very clear and straightforward process to ensure that we take all your instructions in a methodical, efficient manner. We ensure no elements are missed, to protect you, us and your estate in the future. That’s the case even when it is an emergency or you are in a hurry.

In a consultation, we provide information about the process, do a fact-find around your family and financial circumstances, and help identify important considerations. We point out potential issues which may alter the guidance on the most appropriate Will for you.

We help you organise your thoughts, assets and gift lists. Any legal terms and concepts are explained, and we will meet your timescales to produce a valid Will.

While Quick or Express Wills can be valid, I always recommend taking time to consider your wishes carefully and involve a Will writer such as Will Power. It’s often worthwhile, especially for complex situations or where there are substantial assets.

We aim to provide you with peace of mind. The consequences of an invalid or unclear Will can be significant for your beneficiaries – and you just won’t be there to help when it matters.