Wills
Making a will: turn wishes into a workable plan.
Organise the people, assets, responsibilities and circumstances that a properly prepared will must address.
The planning conversation
A will is more than a list of gifts.
A will can appoint executors, set out who should benefit from the estate and address other wishes within the legal framework. A useful drafting conversation considers family and dependant circumstances, ownership, existing arrangements and what should happen if a chosen person cannot act.
The law includes formal requirements for a valid will. Capacity, pressure, signing and witnessing should be handled carefully, particularly where circumstances may later be questioned.
What to prepare
Begin with the family picture and broad estate map.
List spouses or civil partners, children, dependants and anyone who may reasonably expect to be considered. Record broad categories of property, savings, investments, pensions, insurance, business interests, digital assets and liabilities without sending account credentials through an enquiry form.
Note how property and accounts are owned. Some assets may pass outside the will or depend on separate nominations, trusts or ownership rules. A professional can explain what further information is needed.
- Family, dependants and important relationships
- Broad assets, liabilities and ownership arrangements
- Proposed executors and substitute choices
- Specific wishes, charities or items requiring explanation
Executors and beneficiaries
Choose people for the role, not only the relationship.
Executors are responsible for administering the estate. Consider willingness, location, practical ability, potential conflict and substitute appointments. A professional executor may be an option, but charging and suitability should be understood.
Clarity about beneficiaries and contingencies can reduce ambiguity. Explain unusual or potentially contentious wishes privately to the adviser so the drafting and file record can be considered.
Signing and storage
A final draft is not yet an executed will.
The will must be signed and witnessed in accordance with the applicable formal requirements. Do not improvise the signing process or ask a proposed beneficiary to act without checking the consequences.
After execution, keep the original safely and ensure executors know how to locate it. Do not attach or alter the document casually; seek guidance if a change is needed.
When to review
A valid plan may still stop matching current circumstances.
Marriage, civil partnership, separation, divorce, births, deaths, a move, a business change or a significant shift in assets may justify a review. The legal effect of a life event should be checked rather than assumed.
A review should include related nominations, trusts, ownership and lasting powers of attorney where relevant.
Preparation sequence
Prepare a useful will enquiry
- 01
Map the people
List family, dependants, proposed executors and anyone requiring particular thought.
- 02
Map the estate
Record broad asset and liability categories and how major property is owned.
- 03
State the wishes
Explain intended beneficiaries, specific gifts, charities and alternative outcomes.
- 04
Flag complexity
Mention businesses, trusts, overseas connections, capacity concerns or likely disagreement.
Questions to clarify
Common questions before the first conversation.
These answers are general orientation for England and Wales, not advice on a particular matter.
Can a handwritten or online will be valid?
Validity depends on the applicable legal requirements and circumstances, not the label or format alone. Professional advice can reduce drafting and execution risk.
Can a beneficiary witness a will?
Witness choice can affect gifts and create problems. The signing process and witnesses should be checked before execution.
Where should the original will be kept?
It should be stored securely and remain locatable by the executors. Ask the provider about storage, retrieval and what evidence is supplied.
Official starting points
Check the current source.
These official links support general orientation only. They do not replace advice about a particular matter.
Prepare the first conversation
Turn the will plan into a concise, useful brief.
Collect the people, dates, documents and practical outcome before contacting a regulated legal provider. Do not include confidential information in this prototype.