Writing A Will
A will is the only sure-fire – and legal – way to ensure your estate (money, property, possessions and investments) goes to the people and causes you care about. Writing or updating a will is one of those things we often push to the bottom of the To Do list, but it needn’t be an onerous task and the start of the new year is a good opportunity to get your affairs in order. We’ve broken it down into these simple steps:
Step 1:
Start by valuing your estate. Draw up a list of your assets and debts. Assets usually include any property you own as well as items such as jewellery, antiques, cars, furniture etc, financial savings, premium bonds, life assurance, pension funds, stocks and shares or investment trusts. Debts may include a mortgage, credit card balance, overdraft, loan and equity release.
Step 2:
Be absolutely clear on who you want to benefit from your will. This may include specific gifts to particular people, where/who any of the estate should go to once funeral and administrative expenses, legacies and taxes are paid – and what should happen if any of your beneficiaries die before you.
Step 3:
If you plan to leave a charitable donation in your will, make sure you include your chosen charity’s full name, address and registered charity number to ensure they receive the gift.
Step 4:
Executors are the people who deal with distributing your estate after you’ve died; it can involve a lot of work and responsibility, so choose wisely – and don’t forget to let them know where your will is lodged.
Step 5:
Writing the will itself can be done in a variety of ways.
- Lawyers: most people receive advice from a lawyer (solicitor or chartered legal executive), often one who specialises in wills and probate.
- Professional will writers: these aren’t qualified solicitors and may not be regulated so be sure to check whether they are a member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters.
- DIY will: A will is a legal document so it needs to be written and signed correctly. If you decide to make your own will, or use a DIY pack from a stationers, it’s worth seeking advice first.
- Charities occasionally offer free will-drafting services to encourage will-making and charitable legacies (although there’s no obligation). If there’s a particular charity that you wish to support, find out if they provide this service.
- Banks: Some banks offer will-writing services and advice about estate planning. Contact your local branch to book an appointment with an adviser to find out what they can offer.
Step 6:
Now you must sign your will in the presence of independent witnesses for it to be valid.
Step 7:
Store your will safely with a solicitor, bank, securely at home or with the Probate Service.
Other articles you may like
- Slow cooked beef casserole
We love Nicky Corbishley’s take on a lighter version of this classic British dish. It’s become a staple over the summer and our resident’s have enjoyed the fresh variation, which makes use of crisp vegetables and couscous. - Why routine matters later in life
As we grow older, familiarity often becomes increasingly important. Small daily routines – whether it’s enjoying a morning cup of tea, reading the newspaper after breakfast, tending to the garden, or listening to a favourite song before bed – can provide comfort, confidence, and a reassuring sense of normality. - Kentish Treacle and Lemon Tart
Chef John always creates the most delicious desserts, and he hasn’t missed with this one either. The mouth-watering Kentish lemon tart has not disappointed and is super easy to make. We have taken inspiration from BBC Good Food. - How can we protect our residents in the sun?
A few years ago, we’d be lucky to see a summer that would hit mid-twenty degrees. July would usually fall between 19°C to 23°C, and whilst it would be hot, it was nowhere near the mid-thirties! - Chicken Caesar Salad
Chef John’s salads are always a hit, so here’s another variation on a timeless classic. Chicken caesar salad uses little ingredients to create maximum flavour, and the dish is easily customisable to whatever you fancy. We’ve taken inspo from BBC Good Food for this one. You can also boost this dish with extra veg, like cucumber, carrot, radishes and tomatoes. In this heat, veg with high water content (such as lettuce) is also great for staying hydrated. - What are the different roles in a care home?
At Birchwood, everyone plays their part. We take so much pride and care in the work that we do, and knowing we can make a difference in our residents’ lives makes all the difference. We genuinely care about our residents, and the connections we make is what makes us so special. We make sure every resident can enjoy their time here, and feel cared for every day with loving, qualified staff. And because our team is nothing short of exceptional, we thought it’s time to introduce everyone! Here, we want to spotlight all the different roles in our care home, and just how each person supports our residents’ wellbeing. - How can we support adults with neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is increasingly talked about in care, especially when it comes to meeting emotional needs. And whilst it’s so good to see this happening, sometimes older adults are left out of the conversation. Focus tends to be on children, particularly for school support and early diagnosis. - Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlée
The Pistachio and Honey Crème Brûlé offers a sumptuous take on a timeless dessert, balancing comfort with sophistication. Hidden beneath its signature, shimmering caramel crust is a silky custard, enriched with the warm, floral sweetness of golden honey. - Prawn and chorizo pasta
This prawn and chorizo pasta offers a perfect mix of sweet and smoky flavour. The prawn brings a lighter, more delicate touch, whilst the chorizo gives the dish a richness. Plus, the fat from the chorizo is great for creating the sauce base! This one is from BBC Food and it’s super easy to prep and make, mixing lots of flavours in a way that feels warm and comfortable. Perfect for spring!
