Ten top tips when writing a will

No-one really wants to plan and write a will. Here are ten top tips which should help to explain why it’s important and what you need to do.

It’s so easy to put off writing a will. The fact that one in three people die without having ever written a will is proof enough.
Not writing a will can cause financial worry and family disagreements for loved ones. If you take the time to write a will you can make provisions for those you care about.

Make sure you choose who draws up your will wisely. It is recommended that you use a professional who is qualified and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Using a solicitor means that you will receive advice about how to make sure your wishes are met. If there are inheritance tax implications these can be discussed and appropriate measures put into place.
If, for any reason the firm of solicitors stops trading, you are automatically covered and your will will be transferred to another solicitor.
DIY will kits are available and seem like a cheaper option. If mistakes are made though there is no come back. The result may be that the estate is liable for a larger tax bill and may not be distributed to the beneficiaries you chose.

Planning who will get what should help to avoid disputes and arguments.
By being clear about what your wishes are you should make it easier for those you leave behind to cope with your death.
If you don’t have anyone to leave your estate to you can still decide where you want it to go e.g. a charity, a club, a park bench.
You can also decide about funeral arrangements e.g. the songs you want to be played.