Will & Probate Solicitors

KEY THINGS

A Will Checklist

Here’s a helpful checklist of the key things to consider when preparing your will.

Personal Information

You’ll need to provide us with:

• Your full name, date of birth, and current address
• Your relationship status
• The names and dates of birth of any children

This ensures your will accurately reflects your personal and family circumstances.

Estate

Take stock of what you own, including assets held solely in your name or jointly with others. These may include:

• Property or land
• Bank or savings accounts
• Investments (e.g. stocks and shares)
• Vehicles
• Foreign assets
• Valuables such as jewellery or collectibles

You should also consider any outstanding debts or liabilities, such as mortgages, loans, or credit cards. This information will help calculate the net value of your estate.

Beneficiaries

Decide who you want to inherit your estate. You may wish to:

• Leave everything to one person (e.g. a spouse or partner);
• Make specific gifts (e.g. your wedding ring to a goddaughter);
• Leave cash gifts to friends, relatives, or charities;
• Decide who receives the residue of your estate after debts and specific gifts are paid.

It’s important to name alternative beneficiaries in case someone you name dies before you. You’ll also need to provide the full names and addresses of all beneficiaries. Note: Gifts to registered charities are usually exempt from Inheritance Tax. To qualify, you’ll need to include the charity’s registered number in your will.

Choosing the Executors

Your executors are responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will and administering your estate. This is a serious legal role, so choose someone reliable and capable.

• You can appoint one or more executors;
• You can name replacements in case they are unable or unwilling to act;
• Executors can also be beneficiaries;
• You may also choose to appoint a professional executor (e.g. a Solicitor).

Note: Full names and addresses of executors will be required.

Appointing Legal Guardians for Children

If you have children under the age of 18, your will should name legal guardians in case both parents die. Guardians will be responsible for your children’s welfare and upbringing. Note: You’ll need to provide the full names and addresses of your chosen guardians.

Creating a Trust

You may wish to set up a trust in your will to protect certain assets, particularly if:

• Your children are under 18;
• You want to control how and when beneficiaries receive their inheritance;

If a trust is created, you’ll need to appoint trustees they could be the same as your executors. Trustees manage the trust and its assets on behalf of the beneficiaries.

Types of Gifts in a Will

Your will can include different types of gifts:

• Specific gifts = Individual items like jewellery or personal belongings;
• Pecuniary gifts = Fixed sums of money;
• Residuary gifts = Share or the whole of what remains in your estate after all debts, expenses, and earlier gifts have been paid

Funeral Wishes

You can express your funeral preferences in your will such as burial or cremation but it’s worth noting these wishes are not legally binding and may not be seen until after the funeral. Consider also sharing your wishes with your loved ones directly.

Letter of Wishes

A Letter of Wishes is a separate, informal document that can accompany your will. It allows you to explain your decisions, provide personal guidance to your executors or trustees, or give additional instructions that don’t form part of the will. Note: Unlike a will, this letter remains private and confidential.

Providing for Pets

Under English law, pets are considered part of your estate. If you have pets, your will should specify who you would like to care for them after your death. You may also wish to leave a financial gift for their care.

Public Inquiries

If you’ve been affected by a large-scale incident or public disaster, our team has the experience to provide effective representation at public inquiries and related proceedings.