The $30 DIY Will That Cost a Family $30,000 (Yep, It Happens)

Let me tell you a story.

A lovely woman (we’ll call her Jill) passed away, and her family—already grieving—had to untangle a mess left behind by a DIY Will she found online. It looked simple, she thought. Fill in the blanks, sign it with a witness, tuck it in a drawer. Sorted, right?

Except it wasn’t. The Will didn’t meet the legal requirements in her state. It didn’t properly cover all her assets. And worst of all? It left room for “interpretation”—which, in legal land, means argument central. Her family ended up in court, thousands of dollars out of pocket, and completely emotionally drained.

Let’s talk real: DIY Wills are risky business.

Why Your Will Is More Than Just a Document

Here’s the thing people forget: your Will isn’t just a piece of paper that says who gets the couch and who gets the cat. It’s the final love letter to your people. It gives them clarity, direction, and peace during one of the hardest times in their lives.

So why are we still trying to wing it with a Google doc or a dodgy template from Officeworks?

The Biggest Mistakes People Make with DIY Wills

Trust me—I’ve seen it all. Here are the top mistakes that come up again and again:

• It’s not legally valid. Every state has its own rules about what makes a Will legal. Miss one step? It could be thrown out.

• It’s too vague. Saying “leave everything to my kids” might sound simple… until the kids don’t agree on what that means.

• It forgets the details. Super, cars, businesses, digital assets—these all need specific instructions.

• It leaves people out (or includes people you didn’t mean to). DIY templates don’t prompt you to think about all the “what ifs.”

So What Should a Proper Will Include?

A well-drafted Will, done with a professional, will cover:

• Your assets (even the ones you forgot you had)

• Guardianship of your kids (big one!)

• What happens if your first choice executor can’t do the job

• Backup plans for all the above (because life isn’t linear)

• Specific gifts, sentimental items, and those “just in case” scenarios

It Doesn’t Have to Be Scary or Expensive

I get it—talking about Wills feels morbid. But honestly? It’s one of the most empowering things you can do. And with the right help, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming or cost a fortune.

At Aqua Legal, we walk you through it all without the jargon, the suits, or the scary legal bill. Just real talk, real help, and real protection for your people.

Ready to make sure your Will is actually doing its job?

🎧 Listen to this week’s episode of The StacyM Show where I spill the tea on DIY Wills, or
📅 Book a quick call with the Aqua Legal team—we’ll sort you out with no stress.

👉 Listen to the episode | Book a consult