Making a will is one of those jobs that feels enormous and turns out to be straightforward, especially if you do a little thinking first. Turn up prepared and the appointment is quicker, cheaper and far more likely to capture what you actually want. Here is what to sort before you sit down, whether with a solicitor, a will-writer or an online service.
Work out what you have
You cannot decide who gets what until you know what there is. Sketch out:
- Property and savings.
- Pensions and investments.
- Life insurance, and who the beneficiaries currently are.
- Anything of significant value, and any digital assets worth noting.
- What you owe, since debts are settled from the estate.
Our net worth organiser is a useful way to pull this together.
Decide who, and who does the work
The heart of a will is a set of decisions:
- Your beneficiaries: who inherits, and in what shares.
- Any specific gifts: a particular item or sum to a particular person.
- Your executors: the one or more people who will carry out the will. Choose people who are willing, capable and likely to be around.
- If you have young children, who would be their guardians. This is often the most important decision of all.
Think about the tricky bits early
A few things are worth flagging before you sit down, because they shape the advice:
- Blended families, stepchildren or estranged relatives.
- Anyone who depends on you financially.
- Whether your estate might face inheritance tax, which starts to matter above the available threshold.
- Any charitable gifts you want to make.
Raising these early lets a solicitor advise properly rather than discovering them halfway through.
Get the practical details ready
Bring full names and addresses for your executors, guardians and beneficiaries, and the information about your assets. Having it to hand turns a two-appointment job into one.
Keep the will safe and findable
A will nobody can find causes exactly the problem it was meant to prevent. Once it is signed and witnessed, store the original safely and make sure your executor knows where it is. Keep a note of its location with the rest of your affairs. FamilySafe is built to hold that: your wishes, the location of the will and the full picture, shared with the right people on your terms.
Download the free checklist to prepare before your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a solicitor to make a will?
Not always. Simple estates can use a reputable will-writing service, and some charities run will schemes. A solicitor is worth it for anything complex, such as a blended family, a business or possible inheritance tax.
Who should I choose as executor?
Someone willing, capable and likely to outlive you. Many people name two, and you can name a professional executor, though they will charge the estate.
What happens if I die without a will?
Your estate is shared under the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes and can be harder for your family. Making a will is what puts you in control.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Making a will
- HMRC: Inheritance Tax thresholds
