Will Writing Guide

What are the different types of Wills?

• Straightforward wills, for those aged 18 or over that wish to leave their estate or gifts to family and friends.

• Mirror wills, for those in a couple who have similar wishes. If one party dies, everything will pass to the other person. Instructions are laid out about how the estate should be distributed in the event that both parties pass away.

• Will trusts, for those wishing to provide for children or vulnerable loved ones. A will trust allows you to protect any assets you wish to pass on to loved ones, as well as putting provisions in place. A trustee is nominated to manage the trust for the beneficiaries.

• Living wills, also known as Advanced Decisions, for those wanting to give directions about potential medical treatments. This may be influenced by religious beliefs. It also allows you to determine how far treatment should go in the case of a terminal illness.

How do I create a Will?

Before writing your will, you should make a list of all of your assets, as well as any debts you may owe. Think about who you would like to leave your estate to – this can include charities. Once you have made decisions about the future of your estate, you can write your will. It’s advised to seek legal assistance when creating your will to ensure no mistakes are made, and any complications are dealt with efficiently. See our list of services here.

What should I include in my Will?

You should aim to cover as much of your estate as possible, with instructions on how you wish your assets to be distributed. 

You should include:

• Who your beneficiaries will be

• What assets are involved (e.g. jewellery, art, cars)

• What provisions you want to put in place for your children or elderly parents

• Digital assets

• Any funeral wishes

• Who you’d like to appoint as your executor(s)

When should I review my Will?

Once your will has been created, it’s advised to review it regularly, every five years. However, you should also review and update your will to reflect any changes in your life. This includes:

• Marriages

• Divorces

• Births

• Buying property

• If your wealth significantly changes either way

What happens once I’ve written my Will?

After you’ve written your will and you’re happy with it, you’ll need top sign it. It won’t be valid until you have legally signed it in front of witnesses. Once it has been signed and has become a valid legal document, you’ll need to ensure it is stored in a place that is both safe and easy to access. You may wish to store it with your bank, a solicitor, or a storage company.

Make sure your assigned executor(s) know where it is.

We’re here to help every step of the way; chat to us with no obligations if you require any help.