8 Steps to making a Will

1. What is your Estate worth?

List all your significant possessions, such as your house, car, savings and insurance, and other items of value.

2. Think about who you would like to benefit from your Estate.

Once you have taken care of those people closest to you, you may want to consider leaving a gift in your Will to charities you have supported in your lifetime. It doesn't matter what size the gift, they are always highly appreciated for the difference they can make to people's lives.

3. Decide which sort of gift to leave

You choose which sort of gift to leave. A share of your Estate (known as a residuary gift) is reasonably inflation-proof. An amount of money (a pecuniary gift) or specific items are also options to consider.

4. Next, choose who you want to act as your executors.

You can have between one and four people who are responsible to ensure that the wishes within your Will are carried out. You need to be satisfied they are happy and able to do this. You could choose your bank, your solicitor, or willing friends or relatives to fulfil this important role.

5. Make a list of any questions you may want to ask your solicitor.

Try to think of the things you want the solicitor to explain, or any things that might be worrying you. By considering them before you go will save both you and your solicitor time and are more likely to ensure a satisfactory answer.

6. Make an appointment to go and see your solicitor to make (or amend) your Will.

This shouldn't take long - but it's important to involve a legal professional to draw it up for you. If all the legal formalities are not correctly followed, your Will could be declared invalid.

7. Ensure that your Will is correctly drawn up.

When you are happy with the contents of your Will, make sure that it is executed and witnessed properly. Your solicitor can advise you on this.

8. Keep your Will up to date.

You can update your Will at any time to reflect changes in your circumstances - such as the sale of your house, or the death of friends or loved ones. Your solicitor can advise you on the best way to change your Will - either by re-writing it or by adding a codicil.

Download our Preparing to visit your Solicitor form to help you think through what you want to put in your Will.