A will is an essential legal document that allows you to specify what should happen to your belongings and loved ones after you’re gone. Many people place off registering their will because they think it’s a morbid task, but it’s an essential step in protecting your loved ones. If you die without a will, the state gets to decide how your assets are divided among your loved ones, which may be different from what you would have wanted.
Here are 7 tips to follow when writing your will:
Determine What You Want To Include In Your Will
What will happen to your possessions when you die? Will everything go to your spouse, or will some things go to your children as well? What about charities or other organizations that are important to you? Consider who you want to give your assets to and how much you want them to have. Do this thing in a detailed and specific way.
You should consider including specific bequests for certain items, such as your home, car, jewelry, or other valuable possessions. You can also name a guardian for your children in the event of your and their other parent’s death.
Choose An Executor
After you die, this is the person who will be in charge of your estate. Choose somebody reliable and organized whom you trust to follow through with your final wishes.
When choosing an executor, remember that this person will have a lot of responsibility. They will be responsible for managing your estate, distributing your assets, and dealing with any legal issues that arise. Make sure you pick someone who is excited and willing to take on the challenge.
Create A Checklist Of Your Assets And Debts
Include your debts and assets in your will. This will help your executor to know what they need to distribute and how to settle any outstanding debts.
Assets can include anything from your home and car to your investment accounts and life insurance policy. Be sure to include all of your assets, even those that may not have much monetary value, such as family heirlooms.
Debts can include things like credit card debt, mortgages, and other loans. Your executor will be responsible for working with your creditors to settle these debts.
Get Your Affairs In Order
Before beginning the will-writing process, it’s advisable to put your affairs in order. This means organizing all of your important documents and making sure that your loved ones know where to find them.
Important documents include your birth certificate, marriage certificate, tax returns, and bank statements. You should also make a list of your online accounts, such as social media accounts and email accounts, and include any login information.
Find A Will Template
Once you have all of the above information ready, you can start writing your will. There are many different will templates available online. Be sure to choose one that is valid in your state, and that includes all of the information you need to include.
If you’re not comfortable writing your own will, you can hire a will and probate solicitors in London to help you. Hiring an attorney can be a costly process, so it’s important to compare rates and get multiple quotes before making your final decision.
Sign And Date Your Will
Once you have finished writing your will, be sure to sign and date it. You’ll need two witnesses to sign off on it as well. These witnesses should be people who are not named in the will and who are not related to you.
After you have signed and dated your will, be sure to store it in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box. You should also give copies to your executor and your loved ones.
Review Your Will Regularly
Everyone should frequently look over their will, but it’s especially crucial to do so after major changes in your life, like getting married or becoming a homeowner. If you need to complete any modifications to your will, be sure to do so legally and validly.
If you’re unclear about how to write your will, contact will solicitors London. They’ll aid you in streamlining the process and guarantee that your will is legal.
Conclusion
We sincerely hope this guide has helped clear the air on how to write a will. It’s important to have a will, as it can assist in guaranteeing your final desires are brought out once you’re gone. So, be sure to take the time to write one that is thorough and legally binding. Thanks for reading!