Making a will need not be complex or expensive. However we would strongly advise you to go to a solicitor. Most solicitors charge a modest fee for drawing up a simple will. You may wish to telephone a few solicitors to find out their charges.
Your solicitor will make sure that all your wishes are clearly expressed and that your will is properly set out and witnessed.
To make things easier when you see a solicitor you should do the following beforehand:
- Compile a list of your main assets. Include your house, your investments, pensions, shares, savings as well as any valuable items such as jewellery, antiques or paintings.
- List any liabilities such as your mortgage and other loans.
- Decide who you want to appoint as Executors (those who will see to it that your will is carried out). It is wise to ensure that at least one is younger than yourself. You may wish to ask your solicitor to act as one of your Executors. He can also keep your will safe for you. If you have any dependent children it is advisable to appoint somebody as a Guardian for them until they are eighteen.
- Decide who you want to benefit from your will.
- If you want to leave particular items to specific individuals take appropriate details to your solicitor.
Amending Your Will
Once you have made a will you can revise it at any time. Minor changes can be made without needing to make a new will. This is done by completing a formal document called a codicil. This is placed with your will and forms part of your instructions.
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