Thanks to solicitors and legal professionals everywhere, the validity of DIY Wills has been in question for many years. However, in 1935 Issac Cooke prepared his Last Will and Testament himself and we believe it has to be the best DIY Will ever made. 

One thing I find really interesting about being a Will writer is the insight you get into people and their families. The way a person approaches the subject of old age and passing on their estate can reveal a lot about them.

I discovered this Will made by Mr Isaac Cooke from Surrey, who died in 1936, a while ago and it really stuck with me.

One passage of the Will reads…

“To Alice Cooke, my loving wife, for her to keep and use, Without reserve throughout her life however she may choose…” 

What this Will tells me is Mr Cooke was passionate, creative and fun. That his love for his wife was clear and that he was able to accept death with the beautiful outlook that he lived his life with.

I think there is a lot that can be learned from that.

It is true that there are certain rules that must be met to ensure that a Will is valid. However, DIY wills are and have always been legally valid. The danger comes with the lay person not always being aware of the conditions to be met or the most effectiveway of acheiving their goals. 

With advancements in tecnology, DIY wills have become much safer. A person may not use industry leading softwear to prepare their own Wills, saving them £££ in solicitors fees. Safe in the knowledge that their last Will and testament will withstand. 

Unfortunately, Reliance cannot write your Will as a beautiful, 7 verse poem. But at least you know it will be “without a legal flaw…”