Choosing someone to draft a will that actually holds up
Choose a will drafter by assessing how thoroughly they understand your life and circumstances, not just their cost. Here's what separates solid from risky.
The most common mistake people make is assuming that cost is the main differentiator. They hunt for the cheapest option or grab whoever their friend used, then find out too late that the will doesn't account for their actual situation—blended kids, a property in two names, life insurance that needs coordinating, or informal loans to family members. A will that "holds up" means it survives a legal challenge, distributes assets the way you actually intended, and doesn't create tax traps for your heirs. Price alone tells you almost nothing about whether someone will dig into those details.
The real separators are narrower and more practical than they seem. What you're really looking for is whether the person will ask the right questions and whether they understand the laws that apply to your specific circumstances.
Asking about your actual life, not just filling in blanks
Someone competent will probe beyond the basics. They won't just ask who gets what; they'll want to know whether you own property with anyone else, whether you have dependants who aren't your kids, whether you've lent money to relatives, whether you're supporting an ex-partner or have informal arrangements with a partner you're not married to, and what happens if your main beneficiary dies before you do. They'll ask whether you've promised anything to anyone and whether your estate might face claims from people not in your will.
They should also ask whether you're making gifts or loans during your lifetime and how those fit into your plan. Someone who just takes your "I want X to get Y" at face value is cutting corners. The difference between a will that holds up and one that gets challenged or misinterpreted often hinges on whether someone understood the full picture.
If they hand you a template to fill in and don't ask probing follow-ups, keep looking. If they ask questions that feel thorough but also intrusive—that's actually a good sign.
Understanding succession planning, not just form-filling
For many people, a will alone isn't enough. If you have a business, significant life insurance, investments, or property in multiple names, your estate planning needs to coordinate those pieces. The person you choose should be able to explain how a will works alongside other assets and why some things fall outside your will entirely.
They should also be clear about what they will and won't handle. Some practitioners draft the will itself and leave tax or investment questions to your accountant or financial adviser. Others work with a broader team. Neither approach is wrong, but you need to know which one you're getting and whether the gaps matter for your situation.
If you're in a blended family, managing a business, or have a complicated tax position, you want someone who either handles those angles or explicitly coordinates with the people who do. Someone who says "I'll just draft the will; you sort out the rest" is handing you responsibility for joining the dots.
Here's what to compare across your shortlist:
- How much time they spend asking questions before quoting
- Whether they explain how your will interacts with your other assets and circumstances
- Whether they're regulated or accredited in any relevant field (ask and verify)
- Whether they offer to review the draft with you before finalising it
- How they'd handle changes or complications that emerge during the process
A will that holds up is one where someone understood your life, asked the hard questions, and thought through what could go wrong. That's the criterion worth paying for. When you're ready to move forward, Strove lets you find and compare estate planners who've been vetted and reviewed by people like you, so you can see how they actually work with clients before you commit.
Common questions
- What's the difference between someone who just drafts wills and an estate planner?
- A will drafter focuses on the document itself. An estate planner looks at your whole situation—property, insurance, investments, business, tax—and advises how assets should be titled and coordinated to achieve your goals. For straightforward situations, a drafter may be enough; for complex circumstances, you need the broader view. Ask upfront which service you're getting.
- How do I know if someone is actually qualified to draft my will?
- Ask them directly what qualifications or accreditation they hold, and ask for their registration details if they claim to be regulated or accredited in their field. You can then verify independently. Don't assume a title or a website means they're qualified; check.
- Should I use the same person to draft my will and plan my taxes?
- Not necessarily. Some practitioners do both; others specialise. The key is whether the people involved are talking to each other. Your estate planner and your accountant should understand each other's recommendations so your will, tax setup, and business planning align. Ask how they coordinate.
- What questions should I prepare before meeting an estate planner?
- Gather information about your assets (property, bank accounts, investments, insurance), your dependants, any previous relationships or children outside your current family, debts, and any promises or informal arrangements you've made. Also clarify who you want to inherit, in what order if someone dies before you, and who you want to manage your estate. The more detail you bring, the better they can advise.
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