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Why Make a Will

Writing a Will

Preparing Your Will

Will Drafters

When a loved one becomes ill or passes away, practicalities are often the last thing we want to think about. When a loved one dies, there are a number of things that their close family and friends have to do. First of all, the death needs to be registered, and you will need to find and fill out all the necessary documentation.  

The funeral and the wake will also need to be organised, and if the deceased had made no specific plans for these events, you will need to decide upon and book an appropriate ceremony. You may also wish to place a death notice and obituary in the local newspaper. Next, you need to find out if there is a will, and if there is, you need to contact the executor of the will. Finally, you will need to contact the necessary authorities, such as the passport office, utilities companies, and the employer of the deceased (if there is one).  

Making sure that your affairs are in order before you die can reduce the amount of stress that your family and friends have to deal with after the fact. You should have all your important financial documentation together, such as title deeds, insurance documents, and details of pension schemes, in one easily accessible place.  

You should also write a legally binding will, and nominate a guardian for your children if this is necessary. You may also want to think about joining the NHS Organ Donor Register. If you have any specific funeral wishes, you should write them down and discuss them with your close family. If you are ill, it might be an idea to write a living will that outlines the care that you want to receive in your final months. It might also be a good idea to record your life story, either by writing memoirs, recording a video, or tracing your family tree. 

If family members are dependent on your income to some extent, then it is recommended that you take out a life insurance policy with a reputable firm such as Legal & General (visit their site for more information on life insurance). Life insurance policies provide a payout for your dependents in the event of your death, ensuring their financial security for a number of years after you are gone.

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