How to make a will
If there's one thing everyone should know it is how to make a will. Amazingly, the majority of people haven't made theirs, which can lead to
uncertainty and worry for their survivors, along with the probability of a costly and drawn-out legal process. Worst of all, if someone dies without
making a will ('intestate'), their wishes may not be fulfilled, their money and property may not go to those they want to have them, and the state may
get much of the estate. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid this with a valid last will and testament.
How to make a will - where to go
There are several different ways to make a valid will. These include the following:
Theoretically, you can make your own will or make a will with one of the DIY will kits of will forms that are available from high street stores. For
simple wills, these may be satisfactory. For anything more complex you should seek professional advice. In this case, the ideal solution is a solicitor
prepared or checked will, created either by visiting a legal professional or through a reputable online service. The cost of preparing a legal will
ranges from virtually nothing, through to several hundred pounds if your affairs are very complex.
Differences in different parts of the UK
Local legal practices may have a bearing on the will-making process - another reason for seeking professional advice. In the UK, for instance, there
are differences between making Welsh or English wills or making one in Scotland (also for Irish wills). Differences range from the availability of
legal aid for will making, through to storage facilities available for the completed will (for instance, there are no court storage facilities for
Scottish wills).
How to make a will - what should a will contain?
A properly written will requires the use of legal structures and terms and typically includes instructions that enable you to legally give away (or
'gift') things after your death:
A DIY will template or a professional online service (they should have sample wills too) will include the standard terminology and format. A properly
drafted will is a powerful document; even more reason for investing in the modest cost of making a will to ensure it's prepared correctly.
Storing the completed will
Getting a will prepared is the main part of the will-making process. Once your will has been signed, you should store a copy with your papers, with
your legal advisor, or with a reputable online funeral planning service such as The Well Planned Funeral. Additionally, make sure your will executor
knows where your will is kept!
How much does a funeral cost? One thing's certain; without a valid will the costs of administration and funeral planning can be much higher than they'd
otherwise be. Because of this, knowing how to write a will and making the effort to get it prepared is vitally important.
uncertainty and worry for their survivors, along with the probability of a costly and drawn-out legal process. Worst of all, if someone dies without
making a will ('intestate'), their wishes may not be fulfilled, their money and property may not go to those they want to have them, and the state may
get much of the estate. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid this with a valid last will and testament.
How to make a will - where to go
There are several different ways to make a valid will. These include the following:
A solicitor or other professional trained in how to make a will
DIY will-making kit
One of the free online wills
A paid-for solicitor-checked online will
Theoretically, you can make your own will or make a will with one of the DIY will kits of will forms that are available from high street stores. For
simple wills, these may be satisfactory. For anything more complex you should seek professional advice. In this case, the ideal solution is a solicitor
prepared or checked will, created either by visiting a legal professional or through a reputable online service. The cost of preparing a legal will
ranges from virtually nothing, through to several hundred pounds if your affairs are very complex.
Differences in different parts of the UK
Local legal practices may have a bearing on the will-making process - another reason for seeking professional advice. In the UK, for instance, there
are differences between making Welsh or English wills or making one in Scotland (also for Irish wills). Differences range from the availability of
legal aid for will making, through to storage facilities available for the completed will (for instance, there are no court storage facilities for
Scottish wills).
How to make a will - what should a will contain?
A properly written will requires the use of legal structures and terms and typically includes instructions that enable you to legally give away (or
'gift') things after your death:
Your estate
Property
House contents
Cash and investments
Businesses
Residue (everything left after other gifts have been made and liabilities settled)
A DIY will template or a professional online service (they should have sample wills too) will include the standard terminology and format. A properly
drafted will is a powerful document; even more reason for investing in the modest cost of making a will to ensure it's prepared correctly.
Storing the completed will
Getting a will prepared is the main part of the will-making process. Once your will has been signed, you should store a copy with your papers, with
your legal advisor, or with a reputable online funeral planning service such as The Well Planned Funeral. Additionally, make sure your will executor
knows where your will is kept!
How much does a funeral cost? One thing's certain; without a valid will the costs of administration and funeral planning can be much higher than they'd
otherwise be. Because of this, knowing how to write a will and making the effort to get it prepared is vitally important.
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