If you own relatively little, and intend to make straightforward bequests, you may feel that you can make a will without using an advisor. Bear in mind, however, that there are pitfalls: for example, if you get the formalities wrong. In these circumstances, getting a professionally draw up your will costs relatively little and will give you peace of mind.

In some circumstances you would be very unwise to draw up a will without an advisor. For instance, if:

• Your heirs include a child or children under 18, or a disabled adult. In such cases, you may need to set up a trust for them, and appoint guardians.
• Your heirs are elderly or ailing.
• Your estate is likely to be worth more than £325,000 and you have no spouse or civil partner to leave it to, so that all the excess is potentially subject to inheritance tax.
• You want to leave specific sums of money, or items of value – perhaps sentimental – to particular friends or relatives.
• You own property overseas – particularly land.