Making a will

Making a will is a crucial step in ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of and your wishes are respected after you’re gone.

Despite its importance, writing a will can seem daunting or easy to put off. That's why we've written this article to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Having a legally binding will in place gives you peace of mind, knowing that your estate will be handled as you wish.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making a will in the UK — from the essentials to the practical steps to get started.

Why making a will is important

A will is more than just a legal document; it’s a way to ensure that your loved ones are looked after and that your wishes are respected. And that’s not the only reason making a will is so vital.

Avoiding family disputes

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If you pass away without a will, there are strict rules that determine how your money, property, and possessions will be distributed. These rules may not reflect your personal wishes, and your loved ones could face unintended complications at an already difficult time.

For those in committed but unmarried relationships, or for partners who have not registered a civil partnership, the implications can be particularly harsh. Without a will in place, your partner will not automatically inherit from you—potentially leading to serious financial challenges on top of the grief of your loss.

Protecting your children

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If you have children, creating a will is even more essential. It allows you to specify who should care for your children if either one or both parents pass away, providing security and clarity for their future. It also ensures that your wishes are honoured in terms of how your estate should support them.

Planning ahead with a will may also help reduce the inheritance tax burden on your estate. By seeking professional advice early and making strategic choices, you can potentially lessen the financial impact on those you leave behind.

Making end-of-life arrangements

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Life is full of changes, and if your circumstances have shifted—such as going through a separation, remarrying, or entering a civil partnership—it is crucial to update your will. This ensures that your money and belongings go to the people you care about most.

For instance, if you have separated and your former partner is now in a new relationship, you may wish to adjust your will to reflect your current wishes. Likewise, if you marry or register a civil partnership, this can invalidate a previous will, making it important to create a new one.

Steps to make a will

Follow these steps to create a will that accurately reflects your wishes:

Step 1: List your assets

Begin by making a list of everything you own, including

  • property,
  • bank accounts,
  • investments,
  • personal possessions,
  • and digital assets.

Understanding the full scope of your estate will help you make informed decisions.

Food at wake

Step 2: Choose your beneficiaries

Next, you’ll need to decide who will inherit your assets. These could be family members, friends, or charities. Consider backup beneficiaries in case your primary choices are no longer available.

You can include your children as beneficiaries in your will, even if they are still young. You have the option to specify the age at which you would like your children to have access to their inheritance—this is often set at 18, 21, or 25. Until your child reaches this age, their inheritance will be safely held in a trust, managed by trusted individuals known as trustees.

You can appoint these trustees in your will, ensuring that your children’s interests are thoughtfully looked after.

Step 3: Appoint an executor

An executor is someone you trust to carry out the terms of your will. You only need one executor, however, you can appoint up to four. Keep in mind that, if any of your beneficiaries are under 18 years of age, or your will includes a trust, you’ll need to appoint at least two executors.

Executors will manage your estate, pay any debts, and distribute your assets, so, it’s important you take care in choosing someone who is responsible. Make sure to discuss your choice with them beforehand, to ensure they are willing to take on the responsibility of this role, as they have a right to refuse.

Step 4: Name guardians for minor children

If you have children under 18, it’s crucial to name guardians who will care for them. This is one of the most significant decisions parents make in a will, so take care to choose someone who will act in your children’s best interests.

This appointment will only take effect if, at the time of your passing, there is no one else with parental responsibility for your children.

Again, it’s important that you discuss your choice with them beforehand, to ensure that they are willing to take on the responsibility of this important role.

Step 5: Detail your funeral or cremation wishes

Specify any end-of-life preferences, such as a direct cremation. Including these instructions can alleviate the stress on your loved ones during an emotionally difficult time.

If you are considering direct cremation, you can learn more about our services and funeral plans at Distinct Cremations.

Step 6: Write your will or seek professional assistance

You can either write your will using DIY templates, many of which are available online, or consult a solicitor or a professional will-writing service.

While writing it yourself may save money, professional advice can ensure there are no mistakes that could render your will invalid.

Step 7: Sign and witness the will properly

Ensure your will is signed and witnessed according to UK legal requirements. This step is crucial, as an incorrectly signed will could be contested or declared invalid.

  • You will need to assign two witnesses. However, keep in mind that they (or their married partners) cannot receive any inheritance from you in the will.
  • Both you and your witnesses will need to sign the exact same document.
  • When signing your will, both witnesses must be able to clearly see you and the act of your signing.
  • If you're unable to sign yourself, you can designate someone to sign on your behalf.
  • When it’s time for your witnesses to sign, you must also have a clear view of them signing, although your witnesses don’t need to sign at the same time as each other.
  • If meeting with witnesses in person isn’t possible, you and your witnesses can sign the will remotely, such as through video conferencing. However, remote signing is only available if you are in England or Wales.
  • If you make any changes to your will, the signing and witnessing process must be followed again to ensure it’s valid.

Step 8: store your will safely

Finally, keep your will in a safe place, such as with your solicitor, in a bank, or with a trusted individual. Make sure your executor(s) knows where to find it in the event of your passing.

Updating or amending your will

A person's life is subject to many changes, and so your will should and can be amended when necessary.

You should review your will regularly, especially after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant changes in your financial situation.

To amend your will, you can either make a codicil (an official alteration) or create an entirely new will.

Will

Common mistakes to avoid

Will

Writing a will is a straightforward process, but there are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

  • Incorrect witnessing: Ensure your will is signed and witnessed correctly to avoid it being challenged in court.
  • Being vague with instructions: Be specific to prevent confusion or misinterpretation.
  • Failing to update your will: Keep your will current to reflect any changes in your family or financial circumstances.

Take control of your legacy

Creating a will is an essential part of protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are respected. By taking the time to make a legally binding will, you gain peace of mind knowing that your estate will be handled the way you want.

Remember, making end-of-life arrangements, such as specifying your cremation preferences, is also a crucial part of planning for the future.

At Distinct Cremations, we’re here to help you plan with confidence. Learn more about our simple and affordable direct cremation services, funeral plans, and how we can support your end-of-life planning needs.

Ready to secure your future and protect your loved ones? Start planning your funeral today, and take control of your legacy.

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What our customers say about us

We offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.

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Anonymous, on Feefo 19 Dec 2024
perfect service thank you
Richard Ingram, on Google 18 Dec 2024
My wife and I decided to sort out our funeral arrangements we looked at various brochures phoned all the major company's .The best one we found was Distinct cremations not the cheapest but the best . The lady who dealt with me was so informative and patient . Everything was explained and all my questions were answered ,I didn't feel pushed into making a decision there and then .This company do really care I've never spoke to anyone in the industry with such knowledge of their company and such compassion when discussing what is a delicate and personal subject . We have recommended this company to my wife's sister and husband and they too have taken out a policy with them . Fully recommended
Anonymous, on Feefo 18 Dec 2024
Everything was done to the highest standard and the staff were very helpful and respectful of our needs
Trevor Alan Flack, on Feefo 17 Dec 2024
Distinct Cremations have been exceptional in the way they dealt with everything for us during a very difficult time. They were respectful and caring and very very helpful, they kept in constant touch showing empathy and compassion; excellent.
Anonymous, on Feefo 16 Dec 2024
I did not purchase this plan it was purchased by my sister who is the one that died. However I have been extremely impressed by the service provided by Distinct Cremations from day one. Their staff have been helpfull, courteous and polite throughout my dealings with them and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
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Excellent and caring communication via mail, email and phone. Very impressed with the courtesy and quality of service.
Earl Batty, on Google 12 Dec 2024
Upon deciding what future wishes I wanted I contacted distinct and spoke to a wonderful lady called Sarah Jordan who explained everything I needed to know regarding my future wishes in the most calming, stress free way, Sarah made the whole process feel so natural,where people may find this sort of thing quite a difficult subject to approach, Sarah has an undoubted ,reassuring quality about her and her calming and caring nature shone through like a lighthouse guiding the ship to port, very professional in her attitude and mindful of what the customer may or not need without the pushy type nature of a sales person selling a product, I was so grateful for the input I received and without doubt I would recommend this company for your future wishes to be taken care of, very competitively priced with so many different options to choose from,and also a good financial plan for spreading the cost that makes it manageable for your own personal choice,and most importantly someone who has a good idea of what you are going through but also the reassurance you need to make your final wishes and decisions when the time comes thanks Sarah
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