Member Article

Wills- What To Include

Are you beginning to think about will writing, but stuck on where to start?

You are certainly not alone. Will writing can feel like a daunting or overwhelming task at times. However, to make it easier we’ve provided a list of the five core things that every will should include.

Funeral Wishes

In your will you can include funeral arrangements. This can include instructions regarding how you want your funeral to pan out. Perhaps you want guests to wear your favourite colour, or, you may want to state the music you wish to be played.

It can also include specifications about your body, most notably, would you like to be buried or cremated? Or, is there a particular place you would like your ashes to be scattered? You can also state your views on organ donation in this section too.

Executor(s)

The executor is the person you choose to be responsible for carrying out the wishes you have outlined in your will.

As we all know, life can be unpredictable, so it’s best to try to choose someone who will most likely still be there after you pass. If things don’t go to plan, you can also appoint substitute executors.

Who you choose is your decision, but you should have knowledge that they are willing to take up the role, and have faith that they will act in your best interest.

The executor can be someone you know well, like a friend or relative. Or, a legal professional, such as a solicitor.

Legal Guardians

If you have children under 18 years of age you need to name who you wish to be their legal guardians. If you do not outline this, it will be left in the hands of family courts. Of course, you should make sure the guardian you pick is willing and able to take on the responsibility.

You should also consider outlining any funding arrangements that you wish to be set aside for the care of your dependents. Usually this is done by setting up a trust. You can include details on how you want the trust to be managed.

There is also a chance that you have dependents who are not children. This can include, but is not limited to, disabled adults, elderly relatives, or even pets. It’s important that you consider making financial arrangements for their care too.

Your Beneficiaries

You need to decide who you want to leave things to after you pass. A beneficiary is anyone who receives some form of benefit from the individual who has passed. These benefits can take many forms, such as financial or material, and generally, the three forms of gifts are:

Pecuniary or monetary - calculated sums of money. Specific - usually physical items like a family heirloom or a car. Residuary - everything that is left once pecuniary gifts, specific gifts and any debts are paid off. You can name beneficiaries to be gifted the residual money.

How you wish to divide your assets

Once you have an idea of who you wish to be your beneficiaries, you can begin to divide your assets accordingly. If you are writing your will at a younger age it’s important to consider what assets you think you’ll have in the future, not just at the time of writing the will.

Of course, a major part of will writing revolves around what you want the people close to you, like relatives and friends, to be entitled to after you pass.

However, something that many individuals choose to do is give some of their money to chosen charities close to their hearts, which is something worth considering.

Regardless, it is very important that you make it clear how you want your assets to be divided, and who receives what.

**Is will writing on your mind? **

Head of Wills, Probate and Trusts at Winn Solicitors, Rebecca Harbron Gray, explains the importance of using an effective will writing service, saying:

“Many people avoid writing a will and making plans for death for many years because they think it is a morbid or depressing process. But the truth is often that, once complete, people get a sense of comfort and relief from knowing that they have done all they can to protect and care for their nearest and dearest.

“At Winn Solicitors, our team has decades of experience in this specialist field of law and we know how to make it simple and stress-free – no matter how complex your estate or family situation.”

With a dedicated team of legal specialists in settling affairs, Winn Solicitors can help you create a will that offers complete peace of mind and security for your family, no matter what the future holds.

If you’re looking for legal advice on wills and an expert will writing service, get in touch with Winn Solicitors today.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Winn Solicitors .