What do you own?
You will probably find it helpful to make a list of everything you own, and the value of each item.Your belongings might include your home, car, furniture, clothes, sports equipment, jewellery, ornaments, collectables or insurance policies. Your money might include bank and building society accounts, stocks and shares, or Premium Bonds. A solicitor can advise you about organising any joint assets you might have.
Who will carry out your wishes?
Choose one or more people to follow the instructions laid out in your Will. Let them know they are your executors and tell them where your Will is to be kept (eg. with your solicitor or bank).
How to find a Solicitor
A Will is a legally binding object, which is why we advise you to use a solicitor. You can find a solicitor by:
|
Who will sign your Will?
Once you have written your Will, you will need to sign it in the presence of two witnesses, who also need to sign.Anyone will do, even passers-by, but witnesses must not benefit from your Will.
Update your Will
Once a Will has been made, it is important to keep it up to date and account for any changes in circumstances, for example if you marry or have a baby.
Leaving gifts
Now you are ready to decide how to leave your money and possessions as legacies to the people and charities you care about. There are three main ways to leave gifts to people or charities in your Will:
- Give a valuable object (a specific legacy) - This is a particular item such as a car or stocks and shares.
- Give a fixed sum of money (a pecuniary legacy) - This can be set up to keep pace with inflation.
- Give a percentage of the remainders (a residuary legacy) - This is a great way to give to charity.
