Free Scottish Will Templates — Are They Safe? (2025 Guide)

Many people in Scotland search for a “free will template” as a quick way to get something written down. At first glance, templates look simple, fast and risk-free — but they are also one of the most common sources of invalid or problematic wills. This guide explains when Scottish will templates can work, where they often go wrong, and what you need to understand before relying on one.

What Is a Scottish Will Template?

A will template is a pre-written document that you fill in yourself. It may be:

A downloadable Word or PDF file.
A template from a book or website.
A generic form labelled “UK will” or “free will”.

Templates usually require you to:

Insert names of beneficiaries.
Choose executors.
Decide who inherits what.
Print and sign the document yourself.

They provide wording — but very little guidance.

The Biggest Risk: Many Templates Are Not Written for Scotland

This is the most common problem we see. Scots law is different from the law in England and Wales. Many free templates:

Use English legal terminology.
Refer to rules that do not apply in Scotland.
Miss Scottish-specific concepts such as legal rights.
Assume different signing and witnessing rules.

A will that looks “reasonable” but is based on the wrong legal system can cause serious difficulties later. If you are unsure what makes a will valid under Scots law, read: What Makes a Will Legally Valid in Scotland.

Templates Do Not Tell You What You Should Include

Templates assume you already know:

Whether you need substitute beneficiaries.
How many executors to appoint.
What happens if someone dies before you.
How to deal with children or step-children.

They do not ask questions — they simply wait for you to fill in blanks. This is where many people accidentally create gaps or ambiguity.

Signing Errors Are Extremely Common With DIY Templates

Even a well-worded will can fail if it is signed incorrectly. Common mistakes include:

Not signing or initialling every page.
Using a beneficiary as the witness.
Witness not being present when the will is signed.
Missing witness details such as address or occupation.

You can read the correct process here: How to Sign a Will Properly in Scotland.

When Can a Scottish Will Template Be Acceptable?

A template may be suitable if:

Your estate is very simple.
You fully understand Scots law requirements.
You are confident reviewing legal wording.
You are prepared to accept the risk.

For many people, the risk is not obvious until something goes wrong — often years later, when the will is actually needed.

Templates vs Online Scottish Will Services

The key difference is guidance. An online Scottish will service typically:

Asks structured questions.
Uses wording designed specifically for Scotland.
Prompts you to think about substitutes and edge cases.
Provides clear signing instructions.

A template simply gives you a document and leaves the decisions to you. If you are unsure whether online wills are legally valid, see: Are Online Wills Legal in Scotland?

Is a Template Better Than No Will?

Sometimes — but only if it is valid. An invalid will can:

Be ignored entirely.
Create confusion or disputes.
Delay estate administration.
Increase legal costs for your family.

In some cases, dying with an invalid will is no better than having none at all.

What Is the Safer Option for Most People?

For most Scottish families with straightforward estates:

A solicitor is best for complex or high-risk situations.
An online Scottish will service suits simple, sensible estates.
Templates should only be used with full understanding of the risks.

The goal is not perfection — it is clarity, validity and peace of mind.

Ready to Put a Proper Scottish Will in Place?

If you want a fixed-price, Scottish-specific solution without relying on templates, you can start your Scottish will online here. If you are unsure which option is right for you, feel free to contact us before starting.