Your will lets you decide what happens to your money, property and possessions after your death.

If you make a will you can also make sure you do not pay more Inheritance Tax than you need to.

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There are different rules for Scotland and different rules for Northern Ireland.

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You need to get your will formally witnessed and signed to make it legally valid.

If you want to update your will, you need to make an official alteration (called a ‘codicil’) or make a new will.

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Your will should set out:

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• who you want to benefit from your will

• who should look after any children under 18

• who is going to sort out your estate and carry out your wishes after your death (your executor)

• what happens if the people you want to benefit die before you

 

You can also include a charity in your will.

When you need legal advice

 

You can get advice from a professional if your will is not straightforward, for example:

 

• you share a property with someone who is not your husband, wife or civil partner

• you want to leave money or property to a dependant who cannot care for themselves

• you have several family members who may make a claim on your will, such as a second spouse or children from another marriage

• your permanent home is outside the UK

• you have property overseas

• you have a business