QUESTION:

I recently came across an advertisement promoting the purchase of a "Will Kit". The ad suggested I could save a lot of money in legal fees, as the kit would enable me to prepare my Will on my own. What would you advise?

ANSWER:

Don't waste your money and time on the kit. At best, the kit will guide you through only a few of the many issues to be addressed when preparing your Will. Unless you have had extensive legal training in wills and estates, preparing your own Will, even with the assistance of the kit, is very risky. The passing on of everything you have acquired during your lifetime is at stake. To make sure all issues and considerations are adequately addressed in your Will, nothing can replace the value of legal advice and direction provided by a lawyer who practises in wills and estates law.