A quick guide to writing a Will

Why should you write a will? 

•  A will makes it much easier for your family or friends to sort everything out when you die – without a will the process can be more time consuming and stressful. 
• If you don’t write a will, everything you own will be shared out in a standard way defined by the law – which isn’t always the way you might want. 
• A will can help reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that might be payable on the value of the property and money you leave behind. 
• Writing a will is especially important if you have children or other family who depend on you financially, or if you want to leave something to people outside your immediate family. 

When should you write a will? 

• Getting married, entering a civil partnership, or having children are time when you should consider updating or making a will 
• If you aren’t married but setting up home with your partner, it’s probably even more important as your unmarried partner won’t get any of your estate without a will that leaves it to them.  
• Your will also want to speak to the people you want to act as ‘executors’, to carry out the wishes stated in your will. This can one person, it can be two or more depending on your estate 
• The executors will go through the process of probate, and eventually will be granted permission to distribute your assets to your beneficiaries. 
• Also, if you and your partner (unmarried, spouse or civil) have children, you really need to think about who will look after your children should something happen to both of you. 
• Not having a will could mean that you are not in control of who looks after your children. 
• If you have business