Preparing for Your Will Appointment

Begin With the People Important to You

A will is not simply a list of possessions. It is a way of creating clear arrangements for the people, relationships and causes that matter to you.

You may wish to think about:

• Your spouse, partner or former partner
• Children, stepchildren and grandchildren
• Other relatives
• Friends or people who have played an important part in your life
• Charities or community organisations
• Anyone who depends on you financially or practically

There is no single correct way to arrange a will. Your instructions should reflect your own relationships, responsibilities and wishes.

Who Would You Trust to Deal With Your Estate?

Your executors are the people responsible for dealing with your affairs after your death and making sure the instructions in your will are followed.

Consider people who are:

• Trustworthy and responsible
• Likely to deal calmly with practical matters
• Willing and able to take on the role
• Comfortable communicating with family members and organisations

You may appoint more than one executor and can also name replacement executors. You do not need to ask anyone formally before the meeting, but it may be helpful to think about who would be suitable.

Caring for Children Under 18

Where children are under 18, a will can record who you would wish to care for them if you and anyone else with parental responsibility were no longer able to do so.

When considering guardians, think about:

• The relationship they already have with your children
• Their values, circumstances and ability to provide care
• Where your children might live
• How contact with wider family could be maintained
• Whether the same people should manage money left for the children

These can be difficult decisions. You are not expected to resolve every detail alone, and the options can be discussed carefully during your appointment.

Family Circumstances That May Need Careful Thought

Please mention anything that may affect how your will should be prepared, even if you are unsure whether it is legally relevant.

This may include:

• Children from an earlier relationship
• A partner to whom you are not married or in a civil partnership
• Separation, divorce or plans to marry
• Someone who may expect to benefit but whom you do not intend to include
• A beneficiary who is vulnerable or needs additional support
• Difficult or changing family relationships
• Someone who receives means-tested benefits
• Property owned jointly with another person
• A business, farm or overseas asset

These circumstances do not necessarily make the process complicated. Knowing about them allows suitable options to be considered and helps reduce uncertainty for the people affected.

Preparing as a Couple

Couples often share similar wishes, but each person makes an individual will and must be free to give their own instructions.

Before the appointment, it may help to discuss:

• What should happen when the first person dies
• What should happen after both of you have died
• How children from current or previous relationships should be treated
• Who should act as executors
• What should happen if you die at the same time or close together

You do not need to agree on every detail beforehand. Any differences or uncertainties can be explored calmly during the meeting.

Information That May Be Helpful

Where available, please have the following details to hand:

• Full names of the people you may wish to include
• Their relationship to you
• Addresses for proposed executors, guardians and beneficiaries
• Details of any existing will
• A general outline of your property and financial circumstances
• Information about jointly owned property
• Details of any business or overseas assets
• Notes of any particular wishes or questions

Do not delay the meeting because information is missing. Details can usually be confirmed afterwards.