Writing a will is important regardless of your age as it means that you have clearly stipulated how you want your estate divided after your death. There are nuances that one should know before writing a will, keeping in mind that a defective will cannot be enforced, and this might result in your assets landing in the hands of the wrong people or being divided under the guidelines set down in law. To keep your will valid and enforceable, it is crucial that you are aware of the following facts:

The Validity Of A Will

A will must be signed by you, the testator, in the presence of two witnesses who must also sign in your presence. You must be of sound mind and over the age of 18.

Executor

This is the legal representative who takes responsibility for the assets after the testator dies. Their roles include: notifying your banks, paying any debts, completing inheritance tax forms, applying for probate and distributing the assets in accordance with the Will. This can be a family friend and can include your partner or even a professional.

Choosing A Guardian

You have the opportunity to choose a guardian for any minor children you may have. The choice is legally binding. This is particularly important as you and your partner can discuss this in advance and decide together who you would like to appoint and not leave it to the Courts.

Your Beneficiaries

These are the people who will benefit from your assets and estate in general. This can be by way of specific assets, sums of money, a right to live in your share of a property, or a share of your estate as a whole. You can also stipulate conditions on when some of these can occur.

Being acquainted with the facts mentioned above can prevent you from making mistakes which might cost you, or your estate in the future. It is always advisable to consult a professional.

I am a professional Will writer based in Leicester with over 18 years’ experience in this area of law. Get in touch today for a friendly, sensitive service that offers free home visits and weekend and evening appointments to make the process as easy as possible for you or your loved one.