Why make a will?

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you should consider making a will.

• Do you own property? If so  it is important that you set out clearly what should happen to it in the event of your death.
• Have you recently sold property referred to in your will? If you have then it is important to update your will to reflect this .
• Are you married? If you have recently married  it is important to make a will or review your old one. On marriage all previous Wills are considered revoked.
• Do you have children? If the answer is yes you will want to leave specific instructions to provide for their care both physical and financial.
• Are you in a long term relationship? This is a complicated area, as in the event of you dying without making a will the state will not recognise (as they do with married couples) the other persons right to inherit the estate. If you wish to make provisions for your partner in the event of your death it must be done so by making provisions in your will.

The steps to take:

• Contact us to make an appointment with one of our solicitors to discuss your wishes.
• You should complete a full record of all your assets including property, contents, cash, insurance policies, life policies, pension policies, bank and building society accounts, stocks or shares, credit union or post office accounts and any personal items such as jewellery etc.
• Choose the person/ persons you wish to handle your estate, called an executor. It is advisable to appoint two executors.
• On your instructions we will draw up your will and you can review it.
• If you are happy with your draft will we will then arrange for you to sign your will in our office.
• We can then hold on to your signed will for you in our Wills safe, if you wish, and give you copies. Alternatively, you may wish to take the original.