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Can I do it myself or should I get help?

It is possible to buy a DIY will writing pack but these are only suitable for the simplest of wills. If you have any doubt about your ability to write your own will it is advisable to consult a solicitor who will ensure that your wishes are clearly expressed and recorded. You can then be sure it will stand up in law and when the time comes to put your wishes in to effect that it will be as smooth running as possible. If you do not already have a solicitor ask a friend or relative if they can recommend one or look in the Yellow Pages. Check how much they charge before choosing one as fees may vary.

Won't all this be very expensive?

No. The cost of having a will written should be quite small. Solicitors charge by the hour but if you are well prepared it should not take long. In the long run, remember, it can save a great deal of further expense than if it is necessary to administer your Estate without a will or with a will which is not correctly drafted.

What do I need to do before I see a solicitor?

Make a list of the approximate values of all your assets, ie property, personal effects, stocks and shares, and all your liabilities, ie, mortgages, hire purchases, bank loans etc. It is not necessary to calculate accurately as this will change before your will comes in to effect. You may however be pleasantly surprised if you add up the approximate value of such items as your house, car furniture, jewellery and other personal effects. Next, decide who you would like to benefit from your will. Include the names and addresses of the people or the charities to whom you would like to leave specific gifts or property or money, and those to whom you would like to give the residue, that is, what is left when all other bequests are paid out. Remember that if you are married, your personal possessions such as a car, furniture, books and pictures will automatically be passed to your Spouse unless otherwise stated in your will. So, if you want particular possessions to go to other people, you should give exact descriptions of the articles in your will.

What does an Executor do and whom should I appoint?

The role of an Executor is to administer your Estate and to ensure that your wishes are carried out according to your will. This involves gathering in all your assets, paying any outstanding debts and distributing legacies. You must appoint an Executor. This is often a professional person such as a solicitor or Bank Official. They will usually ask you to have a clause in your will, which provides for a fee to be charged to your Estate for their services. It is also common to appoint one of the main beneficiaries of your Estate as the Executor, but always check with the chosen person before naming them as an Executor.

Does my will have to be witnessed?

Yes, in order for a will to be legal it must bear the signature of two witnesses who are not related to you or named as, or the spouse of, a beneficiary. Your solicitor will usually be able to provide you with two members of staff to act as witnesses.

When should I consider changing my will?

Once your will has been written it is essential to keep it updated. If you marry, it becomes automatically invalid. If you divorce, although the will is still valid, the provision for your ex-spouse to benefit is automatically revoked. A new will must therefore be made if you still wish your former spouse to benefit. It is always a good idea to review your will if there are any changes in circumstances such as any births or deaths, particularly of someone you have named as a beneficiary. You must not cross bits out of your will, or make any alterations whatsoever. The will is only valid in the form in which it stood on the day that it was signed.

Is it necessary to have a completely new will drafted if I only want my will slightly changed?

No, if you only want to make one simple alteration to your will, either by revoking any provision or by adding something, you could do this by making a codicil. There is no limit on how many codicils you may make but a codicil is only suitable for straightforward alterations. In other cases where a major change is required it may be preferable to have a new will drafted rather than risk there being any confusion. A codicil should be drawn up by your solicitor and signed and witnessed in the same way as a will.