You instructed us to make your will. What next?

Once you have decided to appoint us to create your will, you then need to decide what happens to your property on your death.  Before we can create your bespoke will, we need to know a little about you.  Such as what you own, your family and loved ones, any wishes and who you would like to be executors.

Prior to your first appointment we will send you a form to complete, this will help you think about your will in more detail.  You may also choose to discuss it with someone close to you, or with us during your first meeting.  This will allow us to provide the advice we feel is best for your individual situation.  Without our expert advice there is a risk you could make a mistake causing problems for your family and friends after your death.

We will need to know:

What you own – This should include all property in the UK, personal cars, valuables, stocks and shares, bank accounts, insurance policies, pensions, and any business you own.  You may have assets abroad as well as in the UK, we need to know this too along with an approximate value. This allows us to consider the tax implications in our will drafting.

Your family and loved ones – Details of your current family and status. Are you divorced or has your civil partnership been dissolved? Have you remarried or entered a new civil partnership? Are you living with someone without being married or in a civil partnership? Do you have any children or other dependents. Does your new spouse/civil partner/partner have any children you would like to include? Are there any grandchildren to consider, or even a close family friend?

Guardians – If you have children under 18 when you die, you may wish to name someone as their legal guardian to look after them.

Any wishes – Who would you like to leave your belongings to? How would you like to divide your belongings? Would you like to attach any conditions to gifts (e.g., age for children to inherit gifts). Are there any specific gifts you woudl like to leave to someone (e.g., jewellery or car)? Is there a donation to a personal charity? Do you have any ideas for your funeral, burial, or cremation? Are there any songs, readings or verses you would like to include or other instructions?

Executors – You need to name people who will conduct your wishes as per your instructions in the will, this may be a family member, friend or a solicitor.  Ideally you should choose someone who you believe has the skill to be an executor and is familiar with finances.

This may seem a daunting list. However, once we have this information, we can inform you of the best will to make in your personal situation.  The initial meeting then will be easier, less emotional, and ensures both parties achieve their goals.

When we have this informatiot we can draw up your will ready for signing.

Once your will is signed it is important to review it regularly, especially if you have any major changes in circumstances.

If you need any help making a Will, updating your will, or just discussing if a current will is still relevant do not hesitate to contact Teresa or Laura for their expert advice.