Some general advice about Wills
- Leave directions about your funeral arrangements/organ donation etc in a separate letter addressed to a close relative or tell them your wishes now (in case the Will is not read/discovered until after the funeral).
- Ensure your Will is accessible when required by keeping a copy and leaving a copy and details of storage with someone you really trust. It is amazing how many Wills (sometimes "conveniently") go missing. You can also deposit your Will 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).
- 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.
- Ensure that the witnesses to the Will are independent and not beneficiaries or their spouses (otherwise they will forfeit ALL benefits).
- 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 (e.g. an ex-spouse).
- Don't procrastinate! "Tomorrow" is never a good time to make a Will (it may never come!).
