How to Write a Will UK

Howtos

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a Will in the UK, ensuring it is legally valid and reflects your wishes:

A Will is a legal document that sets out how your assets and property should be distributed after your death. Writing a valid Will ensures your wishes are carried out and reduces disputes among beneficiaries.

For a Will to be legally valid in the UK, it must:

  • Be made by a person aged 18 or over.
  • Be made voluntarily, without pressure from others.
  • Be in writing.
  • Be signed by the person making the Will (the "testator") in the presence of two witnesses.
  • Be signed by the witnesses in the presence of the testator.

2. Gather Information

a. List Your Assets

  • Include property, savings, investments, vehicles, and personal belongings.
  • Detail any debts that may need to be paid from your estate.

b. Decide on Beneficiaries

  • Specify who will inherit your assets (e.g., family, friends, charities).
  • Consider who should inherit if a beneficiary predeceases you.

c. Appoint Executors

  • Choose one or more people to carry out your wishes (e.g., family members, friends, or solicitors).

d. Consider Guardianship

  • If you have children under 18, appoint a legal guardian.

e. Make Plans for Special Requests

  • Include instructions for funeral arrangements or specific gifts (e.g., jewelry, heirlooms).

3. Draft the Will

a. Title

  • Begin with "Last Will and Testament of [Your Full Name]."

b. Declaration

  • State that you revoke all previous Wills and codicils. Example:
    "I, [Your Full Name], of [Your Address], declare this to be my last Will and Testament, revoking all previous Wills and codicils made by me."

c. Appoint Executors

  • Clearly name your executor(s). Example:
    "I appoint [Executor's Name] of [Address] to be the executor of this Will."

d. Specify Beneficiaries

  • Clearly state who receives what. Example:
    "I give my property at [Address] to my son, [Name]. I give £10,000 to my niece, [Name]."

e. Address Residual Estate

  • Outline how any remaining assets will be distributed. Example:
    "The rest of my estate, I leave to my spouse, [Name]."

f. Guardianship

  • Include guardianship details if applicable. Example:
    "I appoint [Name] as the guardian of my children if they are under the age of 18 at my death."

g. Funeral Wishes (optional)

  • State any preferences for burial or cremation.

h. Sign and Date

  • Sign and date the Will in the presence of two witnesses.

4. Witnessing the Will

  • Witnesses must:
    • Be over 18 years old.
    • Not be beneficiaries or married to beneficiaries.
  • Witnesses must watch you sign the Will and then sign it themselves.

5. Store the Will Safely

  • Keep the Will in a secure location, such as with a solicitor or in a safe.
  • Inform your executor(s) of its location.

6. Review and Update

  • Update your Will when major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Example Will

Last Will and Testament of John Smith

I, John Smith, of 123 High Street, London, declare this to be my last Will and Testament, revoking all previous Wills and codicils made by me.

1. Appointment of Executors I appoint Jane Smith of 456 Elm Street, London, and Robert Brown of 789 Oak Road, London, as the executors of this Will.

2. Distribution of Assets

  • I give my house at 123 High Street, London, to my wife, Jane Smith.
  • I give £5,000 to my niece, Emily Brown.
  • I give all my personal belongings to my daughter, Anna Smith.

3. Residual Estate The remainder of my estate shall be divided equally between my two children, Anna Smith and David Smith.

4. Guardianship If my children are under the age of 18, I appoint Jane Smith as their legal guardian.

Signed by me, John Smith, on this 16th day of January 2025, in the presence of: Witness 1: Sarah White, 10 Maple Lane, London
Witness 2: Michael Green, 20 Pine Avenue, London

Tips

  • Use plain language to avoid confusion.
  • Seek legal advice if your estate is complex.
  • Consider using a solicitor or Will-writing service for added assurance.

By following these steps, you can create a clear and legally valid Will.

We are delighted to extend our professional proofreading and writing services to cater to all your business and professional requirements, absolutely free of charge at Englishtemplates.com. Should you need any email, letter, or application templates, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at englishtemplates.com. Kindly leave a comment stating your request, and we will ensure to provide the necessary template at the earliest.

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