Can anyone suggest the best way to have a low cost Will drawn up - I checked the DIY versions and not sure these are right for me.

When my Mother had her will drawn up she wanted to have certain stipulations added and was advised by the solicitor that some of her wishes were not enforceable legally.

So the advice she received at that point has prevented any further legal nightmares after her death especially if over zealous family members were minded to challenge the will as being unreasonable. As the executor of her will after her death, the provisions she wanted would have put me on a collision course with members of my own family and potentially causing irreperable longterm damage to family relations.

Perhaps the moral of the tale is to ensure that corners aren't cut and that the advice and guidance you receive from the outset ensures that your wishes are legally and fairly carried through after you leave this world.

I think Parchester has the right of it. Wills are extremely complex and need delicate balancing. Therefore, you really are better off spending the money, I think. Some things you can cut corners on, I am very dubious about whether wills are among their number...

I don't think the cost of drawing up a will is too bad anyway. I think we paid £150 to have mirror wills drawn up (my husband and I). These included guardianship details for my son and we have other property that we let out. I made some slightly different bequests from my husband too. I thought they were good value, we spent a fair amount of time going through it with the solicitors.

I agree with roseangel, most solicitors these days don't charge ridiculous amounts of money for fairly straightforward wills. I paid around £90 (10 years ago) to have mine drawn up by my solicitor. As roseangel points out, mirror wills are generally better value, but of course that depends on your personal requirements.

I have a need to draw a will up as I am a widower, own my own home outright and have two adult children. From what I saw of my mother's will, there is that all important need to choose effective executors to ensure your wishes are kept to the letter. MY personal thought is that I want my estate dealt with 'to the letter' without personal opinion and sentiment invading the process. In other words, no vultures flying overhead, no contesting and no back stabbing ( I am sure you all know where I am going on that one ). Even after my death, I would want to know that there is fair play. As such, I would always instruct a trusted solicitor to act as joint executor and oversee everything. Sure they will take a chunk out of the estate but that is small payment in exchange for peace of mind while I am alive at least!