What is the importance of a Will and how to make one?

Seeking the support of a trusted solicitor to write your Will is essential to ensure all of your wishes are met after you die.

A Will should make provision for all of your possessions, assets, property and finances. You should allocate and organise how you wish things to be distributed and who should receive it.

What happens if I don’t have a Will?

Without a Will, your property and possessions will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. Only specific people can inherit under the rules of intestacy. These people include:

  • Spouse/civil partner
  • Children
  • Other close relatives

In this case, since there is no Will, no person has been appointed as the administrator, meaning anyone that might want that responsibility (a close relative) would have to apply to the Probate Registry for a Grant of Probate.

Making a Will

Creating a Will does not have an age limit. If you want to write your Will, you should instruct an experienced private client solicitor to guide you through.

It is possible to write your Will without professional support; however, this is not advisable since most estates are not straightforward. Furthermore, to ensure a Will is valid, it must be formally witnessed.

How to make a Will

A few key elements should be included in a Will; however, the true contents will vary on a case-by-case basis.

The average Will contains:

  • Who will benefit from your Will
  • Who should look after any minors
  • Who should distribute and organise your estate following your death (your executor)
  • What should happen if the people you want to benefit die before you

As mentioned, there are some estates whereby it is necessary to instruct the advice of a solicitor. This includes cases whereby:

  • You share a property with someone who is not your spouse or civil partner
  • You want to leave finances or property to a dependant who cannot care for themselves
  • You have several family members who may claim on your Will (a second spouse, a child from another marriage)
  • Your permanent home is not in the UK
  • You have overseas property
  • You own a business

Will Writing Solicitor

At Jackson Longe Solicitors, our team of private client solicitors can assist you in writing or amending your Will.

To speak to our friendly team today, please call 0208 332 2069, email info@jacksonlonge.com or fill in this contact form.