Produce a list of your estate
Produce a list of all your estate. This will allow you to calculate how much
you will have to leave. Your list needs to include both 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) with the proportions.
Decide what sorts of gift to leave
You can leave any kind of gift: a share of our estate (residuary), an
amount of money (pecuniary) or specific items. Find out more about some
of the different types of legacy. 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 that wishes within your Will are carried out. This
can be a friend, 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 your area from The Law Society of Scotland or for England and Wales,
The Law Society
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing.law
Ensure that your Will is correctly drawn up
When you are satisfied that 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 solicitors office,
retaining a copy for your reference. Make sure your executors know where
to find your will.
Keep your Will up to date
Review your will regularly, whenever your circumstances change. It is
suggested that a Will should be reviewed every 2 years or following a
major event in your life
