page 1 :
page 1 The terminology is very old fashioned and can be confusing for that reason
In the line starting “I hereby” it uses “heretobefore”
There is a ‘signature witnessing box’ at the bottom which is too small and the wording used could lead to confusion
page 2 :
page 2 This page is a continuation sheet from Page 1
There is a second ‘signature witnessing box’ at the bottom which again is too small
It states “Signed by the said Testator in the presence of us, present at the same time, who at h request in h presence
And in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses”
page 3 :
page 3 This is the instructions sheet
There are some very basic instructions but they are not given in a clear and unambiguous way
The drafting of the instructions includes reasons not to write a codicil, to beware of interlineation
It explains in two different ways that a beneficiary and their spouse should not be witness but no mention of Civil Partners having the same potential problem
page 4 :
page 4 This is an example of a will that is used to illustrate how the finished item should look
There is precious little guidance here to deal with anything beyond a simple gift or leaving the ‘remainder’ to a person
The example contains witness details far greater than the space would allow
The instructions might give the impression that printing your name is all that is necessary for a signature
Slide 6:
COMMENT The language use is very old fashioned and likely to be misunderstood
The scope of the instructions was very limited.
There is no mention of dealing with children who might need Guardians appointed
There is no proper guidance about appointing Executors
The page layout and size of the witness details and signature box is likely to cause problems
The repetition of the witness signing boxes may lead to the will being witnessed in the wrong box
Slide 7:
CONCLUSION This DIY will is lacking in clear instructions
The scope of the instructions was very limited.
It is not suitable for anyone with children under 18 years old as there is no instructions on how to appoint Guardians
Because the layout and example differ and the instructions conflict with the space for witness details this is a serious defect
There is a strong likelihood that anyone using this product will make an invalid will due to attestation (witness signing) defects
This product overall is very poor and should be treated with extreme care