Lasting will & testament

Dying without a will could have a significant impact on your loved ones; without one you have no say on what happens to your possessions or even who will look after your children and the courts may decide on your behalf.

Steps to creating a Will

1

Do you need a will?

If you have any assets like a home or have children you need a will in case anything happens to you. The importance of a will

2

Collate your assets

Write down all of the items you want to leave; these include physical ones and digital ones. Make sure these are securely stored and kept updated.

Digital store

View an example of a digital store which details out your assets, bills and social media wishes.

3

Choose executors

Choose people you trust who will carry out your wishes. They need to agree and be available, well organised, and digitally savvy. Find out about being an executor.

4

Decide on recipients/beneficiaries

The complexity of the will will depend on your circumstances leaving everything to one person is simple, but think about other scenarios such as you and your partner dying at the same time.

5

Write your will

You can do it free through a charity , write one yourself or get a solicitor to do it. The complexity of your situation will determine which to choose. Make sure it is legally binding though. Options for making your will.

In this guide

Jargon buster

Main residence nil-rate band

The tax band set at £175,000 for each person if you leave your main property to a child or grandchild. This is addition to the basic IHT of £325,000.

IHT

Inheritance tax

Intestate

When a person dies without having a will.

Estate

All of your assets, not just your physical home.

Legal guardian

The person or persons you entrust to look after your children if under 18, once you are gone.

Beneficiary

The person or persons who will receive any assets that are covered in the will.

Executor

A person who is named in the will to undertake probate.

Probate

Applying for the legal right to deal with someone's property, money and possessions (their 'estate') when they die is called 'applying for probate'.

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