Why DIY Wills Create Delays and Disputes for Loved Ones
03 June 2026
There is a quiet optimism behind the decision to download a will template. It feels practical, responsible even, another task... ticked off the list. But for many South African families, that optimism turns to heartbreak when the deceased's estate enters administration, and the flaws in a homemade document come to light.This is a common scenario: David drafted his will using an online template, believing it would save time and money. What he did not realise was how easily unclear wording could create confusion after his death. One poorly structured sentence and a misplaced comma led one of his children to believe he had inherited the family property outright, while the other siblings understood the clause differently. The result was a costly dispute at an already emotional time for the family.