Making a Will

Making a Will is the only way to be absolutely certain that your money and possessions go to the people and causes you care about.  If your estate, including your home, is worth more than £250,000 your home and possessions won't necessarily all go to your spouse unless you have a Will. If you aren't married your partner may get nothing.

Find out what would happen if you died without a Will.

Keep it up-to-date!

Even if you have a Will, it's important that you update it whenever your circumstances change to ensure it's still valid. For instance, when you marry or have children.

6 Simple steps to making your will 

1. Choose a solicitor

Choose a solicitor from the list of Local Participating Solicitors and contact them directly to make an appointment.

2. Plan your Will 

Use our Will Planner to help you prepare for your meeting. The Jargon Buster explains some legal terms you might need to know.

3. Meet your solicitor

Use your Will Planner to talk through your instructions with your solicitor and they will advise how to word a basic Will. If you need them to, your solicitor can arrange an executor or advise you on tax planning. They may charge for this advice.

4. Approve your Will 

Your solicitor will send you the Will to approve and any changes can be made at this point. Once you are happy with the document, you will need to sign it in the presence of two witnesses.  

5. Make a donation 

Your solicitor will invite you to make a donation. You can make a cheque out to Will Aid and give it to your solicitor to pass on to us or donate safely online and give your solicitor a copy of your receipt.  The suggested minimum donation is £40 for a codicil to an existing Will, £75 for a single Will, £110 for a pair of mirror Wills.

6. Keep it safe!

Keep your Will safely at home or your solicitor may offer to hold it in their strong room. Don't forget to let your family know where it is.  With Will Aid you can register your Will for FREE with the Certainty National Wills Register (usual cost £28.75 per Will) during November's campaign. For more information and to register a Will, visit http://www.certainty.co.uk/willaid/default.asp

 

Which charities will I be supporting?

Find out more about the Will Aid charities.