Why should I make a will?

Every adult should have some sort of a will. It is best to contact a solicitor or will writer and have a proper discussion with them in order to have a proper will. At the very least March and October are free will months where you are expected to give a little to charity (and they will pester you for a small monthly donation and a gift in your will) but it is still drawn up correctly and legally by a solicitor. This is better than a DIY will from a stationers. Although a DIY will may well have the same information on it, it is also easier to pick it apart and find holes in it so you may find that your wishes are not carried out over a technicality whereas if you make a will through a will writer they are trained in every individual scenario and will anticipate possible loopholes.

Wills can often be more complicated than you think. f you have property or assets you should definitely have a will and most definitely in cases where there is a divorce or separation and a new partnership. I know of a lady in her eighties that wants to leave her property to charity but has not made a will so as it stands the property will automatically be divided equally by her estranged family.

I recently had to arrange a funeral for a friend and I was pretty certain that he wanted cremation but we needed to find his will to be certain. Luckily we did eventually find it on the floor so I was able to arrange his cremation according to his wishes. I also know of people that have changed their minds over the years due to the staggering and ever increasing cost of burials and the burden to the family. 80 percent of funerals nowadays are cremations so you may be one of those who have changed their minds.

It is a good idea to update your will every few years especially if you have more than one beneficiary as their circumstances may change. One of them may need help more the others. One may have gone through a divorce or maybe one of them married into a wealthier family. Maybe one or more of them are estranged

It is polite to ask your nominated executor if they are willing to do it. It is a privilege but it is also a huge responsibility. I know of a nephew that had no idea he was executor for his uncle. He was a very responsible and sensible young man but it would still have better to have advised him of his role particularly as he wasn't also a beneficiary.

So what happens if there is no will? If the deceased has only one beneficiary and no property and few assets then it is only necessary to do an online probate form which is very simple and costs just under ￡300. The website says it takes about 8 weeks but having completed one almost a year ago, I am still waiting so a year or so would be more realistic. If the deceased does have property and assets it will eventually go to the next of kin regardless or individual circumstances,

I was interested in the story of Aretha Franklin whose 2014 will was a handwritten note was found down the side of a sofa and replaced the previous will. I am surprised that someone with Aretha Franklin's fame and fortune would not have a proper will but at least her last wishes were carried out.

As a funeral celebrant I have no expertise in wills and therefore cannot advise you but I can recommend an expert who can help.