A will is a legal document setting out a person's wishes regarding disposal of their properties and possessions (belongings) after their death. It contains details of how the property of a person should be divided among his loved ones to provide for their needs in the event of their unfortunate death. A properly worded will will ensure that the property of the deceased will go only to the people who are close to them and not to those individuals who they do not like to benefit.



Who should Make a Will?

Any person who is of 18 years of age and above and of sound disposing mind can make a will. If a person is married, then both husband and wife should make a will. A will can be made and changed at any time, depending on major changes in one's life or personal circumstances. A person making the will is called a testator. A will is needed in the following situations:

• If you are single (otherwise your possessions may go to the Crown and not to your family members)



• If you are married (for there is no guarantee that all your assets will go only to your spouse or children)



• Couples in civil partnership (to secure inheritance on the death of a partner)



• Person living with an unmarried partner (to ensure that the other partner inherits what is due to them)



• If you have children (will allows you to choose the guardian of your children, otherwise it will be decided by the court)

The will enables a person to ensure the distribution of his or her assets after death, according to their choice. A never made ?will? could only cause sufferings or disputes to the near and dear ones in the family and may ultimately benefit the government and not the relatives who are entitled to a share in the estate.

Normal Contents of a Will

A will is an exhaustive document and normally contains the following information:

• Total assets of a person writing a will. It normally includes cash, all the immovable properties, individual savings, work-related retirement fund, personal annuity, public and private equities, insurance policies etc, minus all the liabilities payable.



• Details of beneficiaries to whom money and other mentioned belongings are due.



• Amount payable to charity and how it will be paid.



• Details of minor children and their guardian - who should get how much and when?



• Details of pets.



• How one wants to be treated after death (to be buried or cremated).



• Handing over of the gifts in possession.



• Alternative arrangements for beneficiaries in case anyone predeceases.



• Names of the executors who will take responsibility for administering the will after one's death.

Making a Will

It is easy for anyone to write a will. However, this may land the dependants of the deceased in difficulties if the will is not properly worded and all the factors relating to formal requirements of a legal will, provisions for dependants like minor children, a second wife or the children from the first marriage, inheritance tax (IHT) etc are not taken care of. It is, therefore, desirable to seek the help of a solicitor or other online legal agency while writing a will.

Some Will-related Issues

• A written will can be changed either by rewriting the will afresh or making a codicil. Rewriting a will is always suggested.



• A written will can be cancelled by rewriting or just shredding and flaming it.



• Unless specifically stated, a will written earlier will be automatically cancelled when someone gets married or enters into a civil partnership. It is advisable to write a new will when there is a major change in one's life.



• A will should be stored in a safe place and this should be informed to the executors in writing. It must be remembered that an untraceable will is as good as an unwritten will, which cannot be enforceable in a court of law.

How does Someone Get a Will?

When you choose to make will, it is advisable to take the assistance of a good solicitor or a reputed legal online agency that provides Will Writing Service. Being professionals, they are in a position to give fast and affordable services at a reasonable price. They will also offer you expert legal advice on reducing the Inheritance tax for your loved ones on your death. All you have to do is fill up a simple form furnishing the basic details.

A well-written and well-thought about will enable everyone to remember the dead. It will also help in peaceful transition of assets to the inheritors and the timely payment of liabilities.