The online guide to
Making a Will
No one likes to think about what will happen when they die and it is estimated that around two thirds of people in the UK die without having made a valid will, as if the very task of making a will, will somehow invite death.
Writing a Will
Whilst preparing a will is easy to put off, making a will, will ensure your family avoid unnecessary legal and financial problems at what will be an already difficult time.
There are many things to consider when writing a will and whilst it is possible to write your own will it isn't usually advisable as it is easy to make a small mistake that would result in the will being invalid. It is best to enlist the help of a specialist when preparing your will as there are certain legal formalities that must be followed to ensure the will is legally valid. Seeking expert advice can also help you minimise the portion of your estate that is paid as inheritance tax on your death.
Changing a Will
You will typically have to update your will after every major life event such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or a major change in your financial circumstances. Failure to do so can result in your will be invalidated. For further information on keeping your will up to date when your circumstances change please read our page on Changing a Will.
Dying without leaving a Will
Dying without a will can lead to many problems. If you die leaving no valid will your estate will be divided in accordance with the Laws of Intestacy which can result in complications as the laws do not account well for modern personal and family situations. These laws can have particularly disastrous consequences for unmarried partners, especially when there are children involved. Intestacy laws also stipulate that if you have no relatives your estate will pass directly to the Crown. Making a will enables you to decide these things and other important matters such as your funeral arrangements or who will look after your much loved pet. This can give you peace of mind as to what will happen after you die.
Often people do not make a will because they are daunted by the legal jargon that surrounds the process of writing a will. To help explain the terms you may encounter when making a will we have compiled a Wills and Probate Glossary.
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