Some general advice about Wills
- Leave directions about your funeral/parts for transplant etc in a separate letter addressed to a close relative or tell them your wishes now (in case the Will is not read/discoverd until after the funeral.
- Ensure your Will is accessible when required by keeping a copy and leaving a copy with someone you really trust. It is amazing how many Wills (sometimes "conveniently") go missing. You can also deposit a copy with the Principal Probate Registry or store your Will free of charge with Xpress Legal Services. We notify your executor where the Will is stored (at no extra cost).
- Ensure that the witnesses to the Will are independent and not beneficiaries or their spouses (otherwise they will forfeit all benefits).
- Review the Will frequently especially when there are major changes in personal and financial circumstances e.g. marriage, divorce, children, grand-children, change of address, death, etc. Xpress contact clients every 3 years to advise on changes in the law and check up on any change of circumstances.
- Never be tempted to have a go at making your own Will. Even if you don't use Xpress, please use a professional Will writer. For the sake of only a few hundred pounds each, you can save (or lose) your children thousands. There are endless legal technicalities involved in preparing a Will. The slightest error can result in the Will being made invalid, or not achieving the intentions you desired.
- Don't join the 75% of adults in the UK who have never made a Will. If you've read up to this point, you've no excuse any more!!!
- You must always have two independent witnesses or the Will is invalid.
- You can make sure that sentimental items go to the person you really choose (they could otherwise be sold).
- You can make a statement to go with your Will to prevent someone claiming against your estate if you don't want them to.
- Don't procrastinate! "Tomorrow" is never a good time to make a Will (it may never come!).
