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Scottish Will Templates Guide: DIY vs Solicitor vs Online

Last updated: December 2025 This plain English guide explains how Scottish will templates work and compares three main options: writing your own will using a template, using a Scottish solicitor, or using an online Scottish will service. It is written for normal Scottish families who want clarity, not legal jargon. It explains the pros and cons of each route, what can go wrong, and when it makes sense to pay for professional help. Important: This guide is general information about Scots law. It is not legal advice. If your situation is complex, or you are unsure what to do, you should speak to a Scottish solicitor. If you already know you want a straightforward Scottish will prepared for you, you can start your Scottish will online here for a fixed price.

Contents

1. What is a Scottish will template?

A will template is a pre written document or formatted layout that you fill in with your own details. It might be:
  • a downloadable Word or PDF document
  • a form in a book or will kit
  • a set of model clauses that you copy and paste
In theory, a template saves time and gives you a structure to follow. In practice, there are two big problems when you are in Scotland:
  1. Many templates are drafted for England and Wales, not Scotland.
  2. They often assume you know which clauses you do or do not need.
Scots succession law has its own rules about legal rights, age limits, signing requirements and terminology. If you use the wrong jurisdiction or you mis read the clauses, your will might still be challenged, or your family may need to pay a solicitor to sort things out later. If you have not already done so, you may find it useful to read our Scottish wills guide and our step by step article on how to write a Scottish will. Those pages explain the basic legal rules for Scottish wills.

2. Option 1: DIY Scottish will templates

The first option is to write your own Scottish will using a template or example you find online or in a book. Some people manage this without problems, especially if they have a very simple situation and take great care. Others run into issues that only show up years later when the estate has to be wound up.

2.1 When DIY templates can work

DIY can sometimes be suitable if you:
  • have a straightforward estate, for example a home, a few bank accounts and a pension
  • want to leave everything to one person, usually a spouse or partner, then to children
  • do not have business assets, overseas property or complex investments
  • are not trying to exclude close family members or deal with likely disputes
  • are confident reading and understanding legal style wording
If you go down the DIY route, you still need to be sure that:
  • the template is designed for Scots law, not just labelled as UK or England and Wales
  • you understand the key roles in the document such as executors, guardians and trustees
  • you sign the will correctly under Scottish rules
Our pages on executors in Scottish wills, guardians in Scottish wills and Scottish will roles and clauses explain these points in more detail.

2.2 Common risks and mistakes with DIY wills

From a Scottish point of view, the main risks with a DIY free template or kit include:
  • Wrong jurisdiction: using clauses drafted for England and Wales instead of Scotland.
  • Signing errors: not signing every page, not using a proper witness, or signing in the wrong place.
  • Unclear clauses: wording that leaves doubts about who gets what or who should act as executor.
  • No substitutes: not saying what happens if an executor or beneficiary dies before you.
  • Ignoring legal rights: not taking account of the rights that spouses, civil partners and children have under Scots law.
  • Out of date: older templates that do not reflect current practice or your present family situation.
The Scottish courts can sometimes fix problems, but that usually means stress, delay and extra cost for your family. In serious cases, your will might be treated as invalid or unclear and your estate may be dealt with under the intestacy rules in Scotland instead of following your wishes.

2.3 Where people usually find DIY Scottish templates

People often look for:
  • free Scottish will templates online
  • downloadable Word documents
  • will writing books or kits from stationers or supermarkets
There is nothing automatically wrong with these resources, but you should be careful about:
  • Who wrote it. Are they actually experts in Scots law, or have they simply rebadged an English template.
  • How old it is. The law evolves, and so does best practice.
  • How much support you get. Most free downloads do not include any review or checking.
For more background, you can also read general guidance from:

3. Option 2: Using a Scottish solicitor

The second option is to instruct a Scottish solicitor to draft your will. This is usually the safest route if your situation is complex or sensitive.

3.1 When a solicitor is strongly recommended

You should take proper legal advice from a Scottish solicitor if any of the following apply:
  • your estate is large or likely to face inheritance tax issues
  • you own a business, shares in a private company, or investment property
  • you own assets outside the UK
  • you want to set up trusts for vulnerable or disabled beneficiaries
  • you expect family disputes, for example disinherited children or complex family structures
  • you are separating, divorcing or have a blended family
In these cases, the cost of a solicitor is usually small compared to the risk of getting it wrong.

3.2 Typical pros of using a solicitor

  • They can give tailored legal advice about your estate and family situation.
  • They understand Scottish succession law and how legal rights work.
  • They can build in trusts, protection and tax planning where appropriate.
  • They will usually store a signed copy or record of your will.
  • You have a professional firm your family can speak to after you die.

3.3 Typical cons of using a solicitor

  • Cost: many high street firms charge more than online services for simple wills.
  • Time: you may need appointments in person or by video.
  • Availability: there can be waiting times, especially in busy firms.
  • Less control over pace: the process moves at the firm’s speed rather than yours.
You can usually find solicitors who deal with wills and estates via the Law Society of Scotland find a solicitor service.

4. Option 3: Online Scottish will services

The third option is to use an online Scottish will service. These services sit somewhere between pure DIY and a full solicitor service. Typically, you:
  • answer a guided online questionnaire
  • have your answers turned into a draft will using Scottish wording
  • receive your completed document by email as a PDF
  • follow signing instructions at home
ScottishWill is one example of this type of service, but the points below apply broadly.

4.1 When an online Scottish will service can fit well

Online Scottish will services are often a good fit if you:
  • have a simple or moderately simple estate
  • want a fixed price and clear process
  • are comfortable using online forms
  • want a document that is tailored, but do not need full solicitor advice
They are not a substitute for bespoke legal advice in complex cases, however they can be a very efficient way to put a sensible, well structured will in place for ordinary families.

4.2 Pros of online Scottish will platforms

  • Cost: usually cheaper than using a solicitor for a basic will.
  • Convenience: you can complete the form at home, in your own time.
  • Clarity: good platforms explain terms like executor, residue and legal rights in plain English.
  • Speed: documents are often delivered within a few working days.
  • Focus on Scots law: Scottish specific platforms are built around Scottish rules.

4.3 Things to watch out for

As with any online service, it is worth checking:
  • whether the platform is Scottish specific or mainly for England and Wales
  • what support you get if you are not sure how to answer a question
  • how your data is stored and protected
  • whether there are upsells or hidden ongoing charges
You should also be honest with yourself about complexity. If you answer “yes” to questions about overseas property, business assets, trusts or likely disputes, you may be better speaking to a solicitor.

Ready for a straightforward Scottish will without templates or appointments?

If your situation is reasonably simple, ScottishWill can prepare a personalised Scottish will for a fixed price. You answer a guided online form, we prepare your Will Pack, and you sign it at home under clear instructions.

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5. DIY vs solicitor vs online: comparison for simple Scottish wills

This table gives a high level comparison for simple Scottish wills. It is not a quote or recommendation, but it should help you see where each option fits.
Option Typical fit Pros Cons
DIY template Very simple estates, high confidence reading legal style documents. Low direct cost, full control, can be done quickly. No checking or advice, risk of wrong jurisdiction or unclear wording, higher chance of problems later.
Scottish solicitor Complex estates, high value assets, trusts, business interests, likely disputes. Tailored legal advice, full review of your situation, support for your family later. Higher cost, appointments needed, process moves at the firm’s pace.
Online Scottish will service Simple or moderately simple Scottish estates, couples and families who want clarity and a fixed price. Fixed cost, guided questions, Scottish wording, fast turnaround, no appointments. Not a substitute for full legal advice in complex cases, relies on you answering accurately.
For a deeper explanation of how Scottish wills work in general, see our main Scottish wills guide.

6. What ScottishWill provides in your Will Pack

ScottishWill is an online Scottish will service for people with straightforward estates who want a clear, fixed price way to put a valid Scottish will in place. When you complete our online form and your circumstances are suitable, your ScottishWill Will Pack normally includes:
  • a fully drafted, personalised Scottish will in PDF format
  • signing instructions tailored to Scots law
  • plain English executor guidance
  • a concise client summary of your main wishes
  • a branded cover sheet for your records
  • a simple letter of wishes template you can use if you want to leave extra informal guidance
  • delivery by email, usually within two business days
  • a fixed price for simple wills, with no hidden upsells
We review the information you provide for clarity and suitability. If your answers suggest that a simple online will is not appropriate, we will tell you, rather than try to force the wrong solution. You can read more about who we are on our About Us page, and you can see the wider context in our Scottish wills guide.

7. Are free Scottish will templates safe?

Many people search for free Scottish will templates or simple Scottish will template Word document. On the surface this looks attractive. Why pay for something you can download for nothing. The honest answer is that free templates are sometimes fine and sometimes a false economy. The template itself is not the problem. The risk lies in:
  • not knowing whether the wording really fits your situation
  • not understanding key clauses, for example residue or substitution
  • being unaware of Scottish legal rights and intestacy rules
  • signing incorrectly so that your will is open to challenge later
If a free template helps you think about your wishes and prompts you to take action, that can be positive. But if you are not confident in the details it is often safer to use a structured online service or a solicitor. Remember that if your will does not work as expected, your estate may fall back on the intestacy rules in Scotland, which may not match what you would have chosen.

8. FAQs about Scottish will templates

8.1 Is a template will as legal as a solicitor drafted will?

A Scottish will that is properly worded for Scots law and correctly signed can be legally valid whether it came from a template, an online service or a solicitor. The law does not require a solicitor to be involved. The difference is in the quality of the wording, how well it fits your situation, and how likely it is to cause problems later.

8.2 Can I just hand write my own Scottish will?

Yes, handwritten wills can be valid in Scotland if they meet the legal requirements, but they are easy to get wrong. Common problems include unclear gifts, missing executors and signing errors. If you want to write your own will, at least compare your draft against a structured guide like our how to write a Scottish will article.

8.3 Are online Scottish wills legal?

An online Scottish will is generally legal if:
  • the wording is suitable for Scots law
  • the document reflects your real wishes
  • you print it and sign it correctly with a proper witness
The key point is the quality of the document and the signing process, not whether you answered the questions on paper or online.

8.4 What if I already have a simple template will from years ago?

If you already have a will, ask yourself:
  • Was it definitely drafted for Scotland.
  • Has anything important changed, for example relationships, home, children or finances.
  • Are you sure it is signed correctly and stored safely.
If the answer to any of these is no, it may be worth replacing the old document. Updating is often easier than trying to patch something that is unclear.

8.5 When should I avoid templates altogether?

Avoid DIY templates and speak to a Scottish solicitor if you:
  • want to disinherit close family members
  • have a blended family with complicated expectations
  • own a business, multiple properties or overseas assets
  • are worried about care fees, tax planning or future claims
In those situations, the detail really matters and professional advice is usually worth it.

9. Next steps and useful links

If you have read this far, you are already ahead of most people in Scotland. You now understand the main options for Scottish will templates and the trade offs between DIY, solicitors and online services. To go deeper on specific topics, you can read: For independent background on Scottish wills and legal services, you may also find these resources useful:

Ready to put a simple Scottish will in place?

If your situation is straightforward and you want a clear, fixed price way to record your wishes under Scots law, you can complete our guided online form and receive your personalised Will Pack by email.

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ScottishWill is powered by WillWise and operated by PCMG Consulting Services Ltd, registered in Scotland. We provide an online will writing service for straightforward Scottish estates. We are not a law firm and do not provide individual legal advice.