Will making and codicils

What you need to know 

• It is important to get your will right as it decides what happens to your assets when you die. 
• Start by listing everything you could include in a will including property, money and other assets. Your will should deal with all of your property.  If it does not, then some of it could pass to people who you did not intend it to. 
• You should think carefully about who you want to benefit: friends, family, your favourite charities etc, and note their names and addresses. 
• You should decide on your executors, who will be responsible for sorting out the estate: it is usual to appoint two executors, in case one is not available when the time comes; they are usually family members, trusted friends or a professional advisor such as a solicitor. 
• Your will should be clear as you will not be around to explain what it means. 
• You should follow the laws of will making.  These set out steps you must take when making your will and are there to protect people who make wills.  For example, you have to sign the will and get it properly witnessed.  If your will is not legal, it could be null and void. 
• Review your will on a regular basis to check that it is up to date. 
• The best way of making a valid will is to ask a professional advisor, such as a solicitor.  They will be able to discuss your wishes with you and prepare a will which follows the laws of will making.  
• Although it may be tempting to make a homemade will, these can cause problems when the time comes.  If there is a problem with your will, only the court can provide a definite answer.  This can be expensive and distressing for the people involved. 

For help finding a solicitor visit the Law Society website.