Will Writing
A will records how you want your estate to be dealt with after you die. It can name the people you want to benefit, choose executors to carry out your wishes and address arrangements for children who depend on you.
We’ll help you think through those decisions and the information needed for your will. Family circumstances, property ownership and the law that applies all matter. More complex situations may need specialist legal or tax advice, rather than a standard document.
Think about the people or charities you want to benefit and any particular gifts. Include what should happen if someone dies before you. Jointly owned property and some other benefits may pass outside your will, so ownership needs checking.
Executors deal with the estate and put the will into effect. Consider who is willing and able to take that responsibility, and who could act if they cannot. Discuss the role before naming someone.
Consider guardianship wishes and how any inheritance for children should be managed. Family responsibilities and the rules applying to your circumstances need careful advice; a general description cannot settle an individual arrangement.
A single will records one person’s wishes. Mirror wills are separate wills with similar provisions, often considered by couples; they are not one joint document. Each person’s wishes and circumstances still need consideration. Blended families, overseas assets, business interests or a possible claim against the estate can make specialist advice important.
Writing the words is only part of making a will. It must be signed and witnessed correctly under the law that applies. Keep the completed document safely and let your executors know where it is. Review it when your family or financial circumstances change. The general guidance here concerns England and Wales; arrangements elsewhere need advice for that jurisdiction.
Make a note of your assets, debts, family circumstances, intended beneficiaries and possible executors. Bring an existing will if you already have one.
Check the proposed wording and ask about anything unclear. Confirm the service, cost and whether specialist advice is needed before proceeding.
Follow the signing and witnessing instructions for your circumstances. Agree where the original will be kept and when it should be reviewed.
No. A will deals with your estate after death. A lasting power of attorney concerns decisions during your lifetime and has its own requirements. Ask about the particular help available rather than assume it is included with a will.
Yes, but changes need to be made correctly. Do not simply write alterations on a signed will. Depending on the change, a properly prepared codicil or a new will may be appropriate. Take advice before replacing documents or changing arrangements for beneficiaries.
No. A will records wishes; it does not automatically remove tax or protect an estate from every claim or cost. Trust and estate-planning decisions have legal and tax consequences and need advice based on the actual circumstances.
Will Writing is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
