Mountain Rescue England and Wales

Produce a list of your estate

This will allow you to calculate how much you will have to leave. Your list needs to include assets such as property, investment, savings and life policies, as well as what you owe such as mortgage, loans and commitments.

Decide who you would like to benefit

Work out what you want to give from your estate, to whom (family, friends and favourite charities such as Mountain Rescue England and Wales and in what proportions.

Decide what sorts of gift to leave

You can leave any kind of gift – a share of your estate (residuary), an amount of money (pecuniary) or specific items. Your solicitor will provide advice on the benefits of different types of legacy

Choose your executors

Select between one and four people to act as executors, who will be able and willing to ensure the wishes within your Will are carried out. An executor may be a friend or relative, your solicitor or bank.

Make a list of any other questions

You may want to ask your solicitor all sorts of things such as the different types of legacies, a list will make sure you don't forget.

Arrange to see your solicitor

If you have not appointed a solicitor you will find a list of solicitors in England and Wales from The Law Society or, for solicitors in Scotland, The Law Society of Scotland.

Ensure that your Will is correctly drawn up

When you are satisfied your Will has been drafted in accordance with your wishes, ensure it is executed and witnessed properly. Your solicitor will support you in this.

Keep your Will safe

Keep your Will in a safe place, like a bank or your solicitor's office, retaining a copy for your reference. And make sure your executors know where to find it!

Keep your Will up to date

Review your Will regularly, whenever your circumstances change – we recommend a review every two years, or following a major event in your life.