DIY last Will and testament, is it a good idea?

Irina Bartnik, Notary • January 14, 2020
DIY Last Will and Testament
It’s empowering to do something yourself. There is a satisfying sense of accomplishment that comes with the successful completion of a project. I also love cutting costs by doing things on my own, and often learn new skills in the process.

But even an avid DIY fan like me knows that there are some things that I simply can’t do by myself. I also know the value of working with a professional.

Some of them are obvious. Like open-heart surgery or building an aircraft.

But others aren’t so straightforward, like legal documents. Even as an experienced BC Notary, I know there are certain legal documents that I can’t prepare on my own. I accept that and defer to other experts when I need these documents.

This is why I’m concerned about a growing trend: people wanting to DIY their Wills (often using the internet as their only source of information).

Don’t get me wrong, I understand the appeal: cutting costs, avoiding the hassle of having to see a professional, the satisfaction of learning a new skill. These reasons are valid, but trust me when I say, it’s just not worth it.

In the best of cases, DIY Wills are often ineffective, and seriously hinder the chances that your wishes are followed.

In the worst of cases, they are deemed invalid by the courts and leave your loved ones scrambling to figure out what to do with your estate.

Please contact my office if you need to have a Will prepared. You will be happy you did!

Irina Bartnik Notary Public
#105 6758 188th Street
Surrey, BC (Clayton Area)
V4N-6K2
 
TEL (604) 575-7494
FAX (604)-579-0259 
www.ibnotary.com 
Please leave a review on Google. Thank you so much !
By Andy Schildhorn December 4, 2025
Thinking about selling your home? In this video, I break down the Six Seller Essentials you need to know before you list. These insights come from 30 years of helping families buy and sell across Langley and the Fraser Valley, and they’ll give you a real advantage in today’s market. 📅 Book a time with me https://rly.forsale/Chat-with-Andy 🏡 What you’ll learn today 1️⃣ Why today’s market is slower than it looks 2️⃣ How smart pricing attracts serious buyers 3️⃣ Why a single offer can reveal more than you expect 4️⃣ How timing can protect or erode your equity 5️⃣ Why experience matters even more in a slower market 6️⃣ How to build a plan that fits today’s conditions 🎅 You’re invited to Santa Photos in Fort Langley Join us at 9160 Church Street between 1 and 5. Families, friends, and pets welcome. All donations support LAPS. 📍 About me I’m Andy Schildhorn with Macdonald Realty. Your Langley and Fraser Valley Realtor. 30 years helping sellers make smart, confident decisions. ☎️ Let’s connect Book a meeting: https://rly.forsale/Chat-with-Andy
By Andy Schildhorn December 3, 2025
Our experience having Andy as our realtor was very good! We sold our house with Andy, bought a condo , sold the condo and now bought a townhouse with Andy as our realtor. 👉 Full Review Here
By Andy Schildhorn December 2, 2025
Do you think everyone who gets a St. Bernard at least has the conversation about naming them Beethoven?. Check out LAPS for adoptables 😀   📣 A year from now you may wish you had started today.” - Karen Lamb
More Posts