A Will is a document which enables the testator to give specific instructions for the disposal of his/her estate on death.
Consider the following:
Once your instructions have been received, your Will will be sent to you within seven working days.
Please refer to our prices page.
Yes, of course, providing you are of sound mind.
You can appoint up to any four executors of your choice such as family members, friends, solicitors or even a bank. However, an executor must be over the age of 18.
If you have made provision for minor children in your Will, it is preferable to appoint at least two executors.
If you have minor children, it is important to appoint guardians so that parental responsibility can pass to the person of your choice when you are no longer here to care for your children yourself.
In cases where no guardians are appointed, the court will decide who looks after your children.
If you get married or enter into a civil partnership after making a Will, the Will is automatically revoked unless the Will expressly states that it is made in contemplation of marriage/ civil partnership. If you get divorced after making a Will, the Will remains valid but any gifts or appointment of your former spouse will fail.
Assets written in trust and most pension benefits including a death in service benefit will not usually form part of your estate and will be dealt with under a separate trust. This may be beneficial for inheritance tax purposes and also means the monies may be released before probate is issued. You are usually able to name your chosen beneficiaries by requesting a beneficiary nomination form from the policy provider.
Where a beneficiary predeceases you, their legacy or gift will usually form part of your residuary estate unless you have made provision in the Will for another person to receive it.
You do not need to amend your Will simply to change your address. However, it is important that you inform your solicitors of any change of address in order for correspondence to be sent to the correct address.
If you have specifically gifted your home in your Will, you may wish to check with your solicitors whether your Will needs to be amended.
Your Will should be kept in a safe and secure place e.g. at a bank or in a locked drawer. BMA Wills Service can store your Will for you, please refer to our charges section.
You should review at least every three to five years, or sooner if your personal circumstances change. This may include any of the below:
