Make a will

Making a will

If you do not own property or a business then making a will is probably very straight forward for you.

However if you own a house, or a business then you will need to sort out a will so that things are sorted out when you die.

It isn't morbid thinking about a will. It is an essential part of your life which needs to be sorted out. Family disputes over estates where no will has been left can be traumatic and costly for everyone involved. Make sure that your estate is sorted out in your will.

You can start yourself by writing a list of everything you own and what you would like to happen to it when you die. This is basically all a will is, but for it to be legal and proper it must meet certain requirements.

Get a will made

Other places giving will help and advice

Age concern have a free leaflet you can download about making a will - right click to file save as - this is a pdf file.

http://www.clsdirect.org.uk/ - can give you numbers of local solicitors who make wills free under legal aid. See this page on making a will

Wills can cause disputes within the family so its important to get it right. Only a quarter of people make a will!

Only do it yourself if it's very straightforward - but get advice if you're unsure on any points or how to leave things to grandchildren.

A will is not valid until you've signed it in front of witnesses. This is important.

Change it if your circumstances change. Remember to update it. Add new grandchildren to the will.

Leave a list of all your assets, accounts and policies with the will. Make it easy for people to sort out your financial affairs by making a good list with info on how to access each item or account.

Ensure that someone knows where to find your will. You might find it hard to talk about but mention it to the kids or your other half.

Age concern factsheet on making a will - age concern do a range of leaflets and may offer free or subsidised will services in your area.

CAB guide to making a will.

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