How to make a will?

Start by making a list of the assets you want to include in your will. Then decide how you want them shared among your beneficiaries. If you want to leave a donation to a charity, you must include the charity’s full name, address and its registered charity number.

You’ll also need to consider:

• what happens if any of your beneficiaries die before you
• who should carry out the wishes in your will (your executors)
• what arrangements to make if you have children – such as naming a legal guardian or providing a trust for them
• any other wishes you have – for example, the type of funeral you want

A solicitor can give you advice about any of these issues.

Using a solicitor

You can make your will yourself, but you should only consider this if your will is straightforward. If you do make your own will, you should still get a solicitor to check it over.

Making a will without using a solicitor can result in mistakes or something not being clear, especially if you have several beneficiaries or your finances are complicated. Your executor will have to sort out any mistakes and might have to pay legal costs. This will reduce the amount of money in your estate. Mistakes in your will could even make it invalid.

A solicitor will charge a fee for making a will, but they will explain the costs at the start.

It’s important to use a solicitor when:

• you share a property with someone who is not your wife, husband or civil partner
• you have a dependent, such as a child, who cannot care for themselves
• several family members may make a claim on the will
• you own property overseas or a business
• your permanent home is not in the UK