[ 50% of Adults ] [ Preparing to Make a Will ] [ Common Excuses ] [ Suggested Wording ] [ Glossary ]
:: Checklist
Our "Preparing to visit your solicitor" checklist can help you think through what you want to say in your will. Download it here.

:: Instructions
You may find this Word file helpful to provide your next of kin and executors with the information they need, and to convey some other wishes that need not be expressed in your will. Download it here.

 

Preparing to Make a Will

Here are 5 steps you may find helpful when considering making, or reviewing your will :

STEP 1: Decide what wishes you want represented in your will 
Our checklist helps you plan a visit to a solicitor, by taking you through a range of topics including : 

  • What you own.
  • How you want to leave it. 
  • Who will carry out your will?
  • Guardians for children.
  • Charitable gifts. 

STEP 2: Choose a solicitor:
Decide which professional adviser you will use. Chose a solicitor or other professional and contact them to make an appointment. Many solicitors will offer a fixed price for straightforward wills.  If you need help finding an adviser, the websites of both the Law Society or Society of Trust and Estate Professionals (STEP) offer lists of members.

STEP 3: Meet your solicitor:
Visit your solicitor to write the will. Take the completed Checklist with you. Your solicitor will advise how best to word your Will, although if you are leaving a gift to the church, you may want to take with you the "Glossary and Technical Wording" leaflet. If your estate is large or complex, your solicitor will also advise whether you might benefit from additional tax planning consultations. Once you are happy that your will reflects your wishes, you will need to sign it in the presence of two witnesses. Most solicitors will arrange this for you.

STEP 4: Letter of Instructions :
Consider also writing a non-binding letter of wishes to accompany the will. This can cover a wider range of wishes you might like to express regarding your funeral, and also bring together information your executors may need. This checklist may help.

STEP 5: Keeping your Will safe:
Decide where you will store your Will. You can either keep your Will at home or some solicitors may offer to hold it safely for you. Don't forget to let your family and executors know where it is.

Keeping your Will up-to-date.
Over time things change. The arrival of children or grandchildren, changes in family circumstances, moving house, and many other factors may cause you to want to change the wishes you want expressed in your will. We recommend that you make a note to review your will every five years, e.g. in years with significant birthdays ending in a 5 or 0.