Online will services

Why is a will important?

Having a will is the best way to ensure that your plans are fulfilled. You can:

– Name your beneficiaries, including family, friends, charities, organisations, or institution
– Allocate personal and/or business assets
– Appoint guardians for any young children
– Detail plans for your funeral.

What happens if I don’t have a will?

Making plans for when you are no longer here, is not something we want to think about. But if you die without making a will, there can be serious consequences including:

– The court deciding who should have responsibility for your children
– An unfavourable relative or business associate gaining control of your assets
– A potentially costly, lengthy, and unnecessary court battle for your loved ones.

When should I make a will?

You can make a will from the age of 18 years old, but most people do not generally make one until they:

– Buy or acquire a property
– Get married or divorced
– Have children
– Own their own business.

What is classed as my estate?

Your estate consists of everything that you own including money, property, and personal possessions.

What is an executor?

An executor is a named individual in a will who is appointed to carry out the wishes of the deceased person.

How many executors do I need?

Handling a loved one’s estate is a big responsibility, so it is a good idea to appoint at least two executors so they can support one another. But a maximum of 4 people can be appointed as executors in a will.

Who can be an executor?

Anyone aged 18 years and older can be an executor of a will, but it should be someone you know and trust and can take on this role. Executors therefore tend to be a relative or a close friend.

Do I have to give my executors a copy of my will?

You do not need to give your executors a copy of you will. But it is important that they know where it is stored and how it can be accessed.

How can I keep my will safe?

You can keep your will yourself, but there is a risk that it could get damaged or lost. Many people therefore choose to use a solicitor or will writing service to safely store their will for them. But as there is often an extra charge for doing so, it is important to check the cost first.

Can a will be challenged?

A will can be challenged, but there must be legal grounds for doing so and it should ideally be done before probate.

Can a will be changed?

A will can be altered, but if your circumstances have significantly changed it may be better to write a new will. If you only want to make a small amendment to your will, such as changing your executors, then a codicil will enable you to do so.

What happens if the people I want to benefit die before me?

If one of your beneficiaries dies before you, their benefit from your estate will either fail or lapse. If you do not name another beneficiary in their place, the gift intended for them will usually be divided among the remaining beneficiaries.