The most important thing to remember concerning Wills is that it is better to make a Will than not. Many view making a Will as something to be “put off” or as somehow tempting fate; it isn’t – you are highly unlikely to die suddenly simply because you have made a Will. There are thousands of Wills in storage throughout the country, all belonging to perfectly healthy people (whose minds are clear of the worry that should they die suddenly their loved ones might not be taken care of or receive what is due to them).
It is important to keep your Will up to date. A Will becomes invalid if you subsequently marry (or re-marry). Beneficiaries may increase (eg. you may have additional children or grandchildren) or die and / or Executors may die.
If you don’t make a Will, your estate will be disposed of under the rules of Intestacy, which may not be the way you intended. For example, if you are living with someone but not married to them (and have no children), your estate will pass to your parents or brothers and sisters rather than to your cohabitee: see here.
What we will need to write your Will:
- Your full name and address;
- The full names and addresses of all your intended Beneficiaries, Executors and Trustees;
- Your deeds if you have them
- Details of any specific bequests (eg. amounts of money, items of jewellery etc. etc.) and who should receive them.
- If you want to leave a bequest to a favourite charity then you should provide the name and address of the charity. If you want to choose a charity then visit the Law Society’s Gazette Charity and Appeals Directory at: com
This provides a categorised database of charities together with much other useful information.
We will then draw up a DRAFT copy of your Will for you to approve. This is in order to ensure that there are no errors or omissions. Once you have approved the draft, the Will itself will be printed.
Signing your Will
You must sign the Will in the presence of 2 independent witnesses (ie. people not otherwise mentioned in the Will as Beneficiaries, Executors or Trustees or their spouses). Our staff are happy to witness your signature should you so wish and no charge is made for this.
Storing your Will
Your Will is an important document which should be stored in a safe place. Make sure that those who need to know about your Will can find it (remember you won’t be there to help them!).
