Read what MNers thought about Beyond’s online will writing service

[AbbiCMumsnet]

This activity has now closed

This is the feedback thread for the users that tested out Beyond’s online will writing service.
This was open to MNers with at least one child who live in England or Wales.

Here’s what Beyond have to say:
“Without a will, the state determines what happens with your kids and assets, whether you’re married or not. So, a will is vital for parents, and Beyond make it simple and affordable to get it sorted online. In 15 minutes, you can protect your family with a legally-binding will - without ever having to leave the house. It’s perfect for busy mums and dads. Trusted by 1,000s of UK parents, Beyond’s easily updateable online will service lets you protect your family, choose guardians for children and pets and leave personal messages for your loved ones.”

Testers please answer the following questions:

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?
• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

Selected testers will be required to leave their feedback on a thread on Mumsnet and fill in a short survey. Everyone who leaves the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where 3 x MNers will win a £100 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw.
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[Sazzle86]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes ... I managed to complete it all on my smart phone whilst baby was napping on me... very quick and simple, no legal jargon

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Yes ... since having a child I have been meaning to write up a will for a while

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes ... you never know what might change

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

Very good value for money and great that you can manage online

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Yes certainly

[Miskate]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Very easy and intuitive, it reminded me of doing car or home insurance

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Definitely. I've been meaning to do this for ages, but was put off by going to a solicitor.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Definitely

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

I think £90 is a bargain

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

I would definitely recommend and have already done so to my sister and colleague

[mrsbunnyw]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Easy to use but limited in what it can do.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

A little - it’s better than no wills, but I couldn’t set any trust provisions for the children if they inherit when they are minors, or make provision for the guardians to access money for the children in that situation.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

Reasonably priced, nice to know the fee at the start.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Only if they have a straightforward estate and no minor children.

[daisy913]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

very easy

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Definitely, recently we lost my best friends mum (51) and our nanna (93) within 1 week, neither had told anyone what they wanted done with anything so it's been hardworking sorting through everything. At least I know my children and partner and parents know what to do with my assets etc now

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

yes, unfortunate you need to pay to change it but it's good

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

Very good service, I think it was great for the price yes!

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

Definitely, so easy and straight forward to use

[EmberRainbow]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?
  

Yes very straight forward, took about 20min for our joint one.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Yes it’s a job I’ve been putting off doing due to having to organise childcare/work to make a solicitors appointment- this meant I could fit it in when feeding the baby!

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes it is and knowing it’s an easy platform any changes will be just as quick and easy

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

£135 is fair for a joint will, although I’d like more detail as I’ve still had to add a letter of wishes to it as there was no survivorship clause or ability to select different executors (ie using husband but naming someone else incase husband dies prior).

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Yes, with something this easy and cheap there’s no excuse not to have a will really

[SleeplessMomma]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

I found the website and will writing service extremely easy to navigate. The questions flowed really well and appropriate choices or drop downs being pre-selected made it easy to use.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Definitely, it's something that's been on my mind since I've had a child but unfortunately other priorities have always made their way to the forefront.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

Yes, this is really appealing especially as family situations are constantly fluid and things have a habit of changing.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

Extremely good for value for money when you take in the convenience it provides.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

Absolutely for those who have straight forward requirements.

[sjonlegs]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Really, REALLY easy - so much so that I've already recommended it to lots of friends.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Definitely. My situation is different to most, as I have 3 dependents, one of which has special needs. It takes a lot of thought and the quick job, wasn't anywhere near quick - but it was easy to be thorough.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

This is such a good thing. As friendships change, are sadly lost, and life becomes all the more fragile, it's good to see that necessary changes can be easily made.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

I think £90 is incredibly reasonable. Once you start paying for solicitors and their time, things become expensive. This is such a good price, and can be done at leisure. I also find doing it online in this way far less scary than in a solicitor's office!

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

I already have several times over.

[BlazeyWonder]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes I could hardly believe I’d actually just put together a will in 15 mins.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Yes I recently had twins and my whole outlook on life has changed. I want to make sure they’re always looked after- no matter what!

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes it is. I’m sure I’ve forgotten to add some gifts / assets in or I may acquire more in the future so it’s good to know I can change it quickly and easy.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

£135 is good for a joint will! I didn’t realise you could get a service such as this at such a reasonable price. I had always assumed it was out of my reach but this makes it seem more accessible to everyone.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Yes, it was simple, straightforward and gives me massive peace of mind.

[sunshinemum83]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?
  

I was worried that there will be some legal jargon used but everything was extremely easy to understand and straightforward. It took me around 20 minutes to set up a will for me and my husband.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Yes, it is very reassuring to have a will in place.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes, especially that we are renting house and likely to change the address in the future, it is reassuring to know I can then update our details online rather then visiting solicitors to have it updated.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

I don't have much experience with other similar services but it seems to be a good value.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Yes definitely.

[Rockbird]

I haven't finished mine yet, I plead new job and new schools. Have I got time to do it this weekend?

[FlyingPenguine]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes it was easy to use, even on a mobile phone. However, as a single parent I wanted a box on it to type trustees for if I die before my children reach 18, this wasnt available and I was told to write a letter sign and attach it to the will. So it seems it is most suited to very simple estates.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Yes

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

It seems about average or slightly expensive versus similar products on the market.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Yes if they have a simple estate.

[Coffeemummy123]

(1) I found Beyond's service straightforward and easy to use. I did it over several days on my phone all hours of the day and night. It was great to be able to log in and out to continue from where you left. I didn't use the live chat.

(2) Yes completing my will with Beyond has given me peace of mind as I knew I needed one and doing it in my time was the best convenience.

(3) Being able to update the will is a necessity as who knows what tomorrow brings. Though a yearly fee or a £90 one off charge is a commitment to seriously consider if on average a will is updated every decade or so!

(4) The value for money is ok. Shopping around is a must nowadays so there are free/cheaper ways but I found the guidance, conveniance and storage options invaluable.

(5) I will recommend Beyond's will writing service to others, starting with my witnesses and teenage children.

[PowerslidePanda]

I was pleased to be selected for this product test - I'm pregnant with twins and wanted to create a will for their sake. I expect that this is the impetus for creating a will for many young parents (it's not something you tend to think about at a young age otherwise!). So you can imagine my disappointment when I discovered that Beyond's service cannot include unborn children! Even though I know that this is possible to do (albeit, needs to be managed with care). Beyond's advice is to go back to amend the will after the birth. At a cost. When we'll be getting to grips with life with newborn twins. Not really practical, is it?

I'll still be sorting my will, but I'll do it through a service that can provide what I need.

In answer to the questions:

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?
Easy, yes - but given that it was unsuitable for my needs, ease of use was rather irrelevant

Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
No - because I still don't have a will

Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
No - my aim was to get it sorted and then not have to think about it any more!

How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
Can't really comment on this - I got no value from it, but didn't pay anything either

Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
No

[aceyace]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use? Yes

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind? Yes
• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future? Yes
• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service? Very good
• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families? Yes

[CountingDownToBedtime]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?Yes I found it quite easy to use.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?Yes,it's another job ticked off the to-do list.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?Yes, because circumstances can change all the time.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?10/10

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?Yes,if the estate isn't too complicated to administer.

[HumberElla]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?
  

This was incredibly easy! In fact I put it off for a couple of days because I thought it would be complicated or would worry me to think through my will. In fact it was very simple and straightforward.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Yes absolutely. I have been meaning to make a will and it has been concerning me that I didn't have on. This has given me peace of mind, but also reassuring that I can go back to it and add more detail or change it if necessary.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes, absolutely. And this would be easy to access, unlike making an appointment.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

Very good value indeed compared to will making at a solicitor.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Yes. Already have done. I know lots of families that would use this.

[Nimbot]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Very simple. Possibly too simple for those with large estates/complex family arrangements. It wouldn't be suitable for everyone by any means.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

It's a good service for straightforward wills - it has made me realize I should speak to a financial advisor and solicitor re my own situation which is too complex for this service.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

Yes - although £20 a year seems steep for this, given the initial cost. I think some limited changes should be included.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

Not great. Given you have to print it out and get it witnessed (so may not be valid if you make a mistake re execution) it doesn't do much that you couldn't achieve with a piece of paper and a pen! The prompts may help you to think about certain issues (such as guardianship of children) so it's useful in that respect. I think the price is quite steep for what you get - for not much more you could see a solicitor.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

If they have straightforward needs and are under the inheritance tax thresholds then yes - it's better than dying intestate.

[Estraya]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?
Yes is was very quick and easy to complete.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Yes, I have been meaning to sort out a will for a long time and never quite got around to it, so knowing that it's done is a weight off my mind.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

Yes, it seems like it would be straightforward and inexpensive to make adjustments.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

I'm not sure how much it would cost to pay a solicitor to write a will for you, but £90 seems reasonable.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

I would definitely recommend it to someone who needs a straight forward will and doesn't need any advice about it. For more complicated wills, I'd probably not recommend it.

[user1484268129]

The Beyond's online will writing service was really simple and easy to use. I was able to set up my login details fill in parts, save my progress, leave and come back again. I found it useful that there was information to help with each question too. If I had needed there was help through chat available, but it was so simple I didn't need it.
I found using this service to create a legal will, should the worst happen, gives me piece of mind. I have two young children and have been able to ensure that my preference of guardian is stated and any specific gifts left to them.
I also find it reassuring that it can be easily updated as things can change. I feel that I would rather pay a small one off fee rather than a subscription, but the service is much cheaper and faster than through a solicitor.
I would definitely recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families as it was simple, fast and less stressful than going to a solicitor and gives me reassurance. I liked filling it out at my own pace and in the comfort of my own home. But if you are busy it would be easy to do on-the-go as well.

[Zillaindie]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes, incredibly simple to navigate and quick to complete

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Definitely, it has always been one of the jobs we have never got round to.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

Yes, especially as our children grow as they are currently very young

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

For the speed and ease of access it is worth the cost.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

Definitely

[merliquin]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes! Incredibly easy - completed on my phone during a rare quiet window in my day.

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
  

Yes. Writing a Will was always at the back of my mind but it felt like a complicated and potentially expensive process but Beyond’s site is bright and so user friendly. Now I have peace of mind knowing that my will is taken care of.

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
  

Yes, this is so useful! I’m quite indecisive so it was good to know that if I changed my mind about anything it could easily be changed.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
  

Seems like good value for money although I haven’t researched alternatives.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
  

Definitely - convenient and user-friendly.

[Jazz0105]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes! Extremely easy and quick to fill out!

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Very much so! We have been talking about doing a will for a long time as so important but didn't think it would be that easy. Feel more relaxed now!

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

Very reassuring! I keep wondering who i would want to benefit from certain items an i know that i will change my mind about a few things. Also life changes, people change.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

Great! Much cheaper than i thought it would be!

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

Of course! So quick and easy to complete for peace of mind, worth every penny.

[eastmidswarwicknightnanny]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes really easy

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Yes as we had nothing already in place

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

Yes that was very reassuring to know as with a young family things change frequently

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

Think its expensive for something that takes 5mins but yo be honest have nothing to compare it to.

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families

Yes definitely

[LittlePinguin]

• Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?

Yes, almost too easy. It didn't help my work out what I wanted to do but at least gave me the questions I needed to answer

• Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?

Yes, I knew I needed to do this but had been putting it off

• Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?

Definitely, I'm going through a divorce currently so I knw things will change once that is finalised.

• How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?

Seems on par with other online companies

• Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?

Yes, certainly to people like myself with a relatively simple estate

[Holly221288]

Did you and your family find Beyond's online will writing service easy to use?
Yes I found it very easy. I liked how each step followed on from one another. Certainly made it as simple as can be.
Do you feel that it has helped your peace of mind?
Yes definitely. I’ve been meaning to get around to it for ages as I’m a single parent
Is it reassuring to know you can easily update it any time in the future?
Yes very reassuring as things can change so quickly
How do you rate the value for money of the will writing service?
It’s ok value but I believe there is cheaper out there
Would you recommend Beyond’s will-writing service to other families?
Yes I would, it made it super simple and you can do it in the comfort of your own home!