A local expert from Citizen’s Advice provides timely tips on consumer issues.
Q: ‘I want to make a will but I have no idea where to start or how to make it official.’
A: It’s very important to make a will because
there are rules which dictate what will happen to your money, property and possessions after you die – without a will they may not go to the people you would have wanted.
It’s a good idea to ask a solicitor to draw up or at least check your will. This is because it’s easy to make mistakes which could cause problems after your death. A solicitor will charge for their services, but they should tell you how much their help will cost before they start working with you.
Make a plan
Before you approach a solicitor, you should think about what you want to include in your will. Things to think about:
- How much money and property you have
- If any of your possessions are especially important to you
- Whether you want any of your money or possessions to go to specific family or friends after your death
- What you’d like to happen to the rest of your assets, including whether you’d like to leave any gift to charities.
- If relevant, you should decide who should look after any children who are under 18.
- Who will sort out your estate and carry out your wishes, as set out in the will. These people are known as the executors.
Make it legal
For a will to be valid, it must be made by someone who is 18 or over and ‘of sound mind’ – meaning someone who is capable of making and understanding decisions. It must be drawn up without any pressure from another person and must be made in writing and signed by the person making the will, in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign the document in the presence of the person making the will. Lastly, it should be dated.
As soon as the will is signed, dated, and witnessed, it is complete. It should then be kept in a safe place: at home; with a solicitor or accountant; at a bank; or at HM Courts and Tribunals Service.
You can find out more information about making a will on the Citizens Advice website.
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