1. Understand Why You Need a Will

A will ensures your money, property, and possessions (your estate) are distributed according to your wishes after death.

• 🏠 Protects your family and loved ones

• 👶 Appoints guardians for children

• 🏥 Sets out funeral wishes

• 🚫 Avoids intestacy rules (where the government decides)
  

2. Decide If You Need a New Will or Just a Review

• New Will: If you don't have one or your circumstances have changed significantly (e.g., marriage, divorce, children, house purchase).

• Review Existing Will: Recommended every 5 years or after big life events.
  

3. Choose the Right Option for Making a Will (see table below)


4. Gather Key Information

Before making or reviewing a will, prepare:

• Full list of assets (savings, property, pensions, investments)

• Debts (mortgage, credit cards)

• Who you want to leave gifts to (beneficiaries)

• Choice of executors (people who carry out your will)

• Guardians for children under 18

• Funeral wishes (optional)
  

5. Write or Review the Will

Depending on the option you chose:

• Follow DIY or online guides carefully

• Sit down with a solicitor if needed

• Double-check names, addresses, and instructions are correct
  

6. Sign and Witness the Will Correctly

• You need two independent witnesses (not beneficiaries or their spouses).

• All must sign in each other's presence.

• Mistakes here can invalidate the will!
  

7. Store the Will Safely

• At home (fireproof box)

• With your solicitor

• Probate service (£20 fee via HM Courts & Tribunals Service)

• Tell your executor(s) where it's kept!
  

💡 Hints and Tips

• Think about inheritance tax (IHT) if your estate is close to £325,000 (single) or £650,000 (married).

• Update your will after marriages, divorces, births, and deaths.

• Mirror Wills are common for couples (nearly identical wills).

• Letter of Wishes can accompany a will — gives guidance to executors without being legally binding.

• Use a regulated professional if your situation is complex.

• Don’t rely solely on joint ownerships or "next of kin" rules — these do not guarantee your wishes are carried out.

Summary

1. Understand why you need a will

2. Check if you need a new one or review existing

3. Choose method (DIY, solicitor, online, free will month)

4. Gather financial and family information

5. Write or review carefully

6. Sign and witness properly

7. Store it securely