Create a will

Create a Will – A Complete Guide to Writing Your Will in the UK

Why Should You Create a Will?

Creating a will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death. Without a will, UK law determines how your estate is divided, which may not align with your preferences.

Legal Requirements for a Valid Will in the UK

A will is legally valid if it meets these conditions:

  • It is in writing.
  • It is signed by the person making the will (testator).
  • It is witnessed by two independent people who sign it in the testator’s presence.

Who Needs a Will?

  • Homeowners and property owners.
  • Parents with minor children.
  • Individuals with savings, investments, or valuable assets.
  • Business owners.
  • Anyone who wants to specify their beneficiaries.



How to Create a Will in the UK

There are different ways to create a will, depending on your needs and budget.

1. Write a DIY Will

  • Suitable for simple estates.
  • Can be done using a will template.
  • Must follow legal requirements for validity.

2. Use an Online Will Service

  • Faster and more affordable than solicitors.
  • Ideal for straightforward wills.
  • Some services offer legal reviews for added security.

3. Hire a Solicitor

  • Best for complex estates or tax planning.
  • Ensures legal compliance and accuracy.
  • Costs more than DIY and online wills.

What to Include in Your Will

A well-prepared will should cover:

1. Personal Details

  • Full name and address.

2. Executors

  • Individuals responsible for carrying out your wishes.

3. Beneficiaries

  • Names of people who will inherit your estate.

4. Guardianship for Children

  • If you have minor children, appoint a guardian.

5. Distribution of Assets

  • Specify who gets what, including property, savings, and possessions.

6. Funeral Wishes (Optional)

  • Indicate burial or cremation preferences.

7. Signatures and Witnesses

  • Two independent witnesses must sign the will.

How Much Does It Cost to Create a Will in the UK?

Method Cost Range
DIY Will £20 – £50
Online Will £50 – £150
Solicitor-Drafted Will £150 – £500+
Complex Will (with trusts, tax planning) £500 – £2,000+

Updating Your Will

You should update your will when:

  • You get married or divorced.
  • You have children or grandchildren.
  • A beneficiary or executor passes away.
  • Your financial situation changes.

Why Choose CreateWills.uk?

At CreateWills.uk, we offer:

  • Legally compliant wills based on UK law.
  • Online and solicitor-reviewed options.
  • Affordable pricing for every budget.
  • Secure storage and easy updates.

Please click here to Create a will

Q&A

1. Why should you create a will?

Creating a will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your death, rather than following the default rules set by UK law. Without a will, the government determines how your estate is divided, which might not align with your preferences. Having a will in place allows you to choose beneficiaries, appoint guardians for children, and designate executors to manage your estate. It brings peace of mind, knowing that your assets will be handled in the way you intended, reducing confusion or disputes among your loved ones.

2. What are the legal requirements for a valid will in the UK?

In the UK, a will is legally valid if it meets the following conditions: It must be written, signed by the testator (the person making the will), and witnessed by two independent individuals who must sign in the presence of the testator. These requirements ensure that the will is legally enforceable and reflects the testator’s genuine intentions. The witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the will to avoid conflicts of interest. Following these legal criteria ensures that the will is legally sound and can be executed without issues.

3. Who needs a will?

Anyone who has assets, dependents, or specific wishes for the distribution of their estate should consider creating a will. Homeowners, property owners, parents with minor children, individuals with savings, investments, or valuable assets, and business owners especially benefit from having a will. A will allows you to specify your beneficiaries and ensures that your wishes are carried out according to your plans. It is particularly crucial for those with complex estates or young children, as it provides clarity on guardianship and asset distribution.

4. What are the different methods for creating a will in the UK?

There are several ways to create a will in the UK, each suited to different needs and budgets. The DIY method is best for simple estates and can be done using a will template, ensuring legal validity if the correct requirements are followed. Online will services offer a faster, more affordable alternative, ideal for straightforward wills, with some providers offering legal reviews for added peace of mind. Hiring a solicitor is recommended for complex estates or tax planning, ensuring professional legal advice and compliance, although this method is more expensive.

5. What should be included in a will?

A well-prepared will should include the following elements: personal details such as your full name and address, the appointment of executors responsible for carrying out your wishes, and the names of beneficiaries who will inherit your estate. If you have minor children, you should appoint a guardian. You should also specify how your assets—such as property, savings, and possessions—are to be distributed. Optional funeral wishes can also be included. Finally, the will must be signed by you and witnessed by two independent individuals to ensure its validity.

6. How much does it cost to create a will in the UK?

The cost of creating a will in the UK varies depending on the method chosen. A DIY will typically costs between £20 and £50, making it the most affordable option. Online will services range from £50 to £150, providing a cost-effective solution for straightforward wills. Solicitor-drafted wills generally cost between £150 and £500, with higher costs for complex wills that require trusts or tax planning, ranging from £500 to £2,000 or more. The costs reflect the level of complexity and professional services involved in drafting the will.

7. When should you update your will?

You should update your will whenever significant changes occur in your life that could impact the distribution of your estate. This includes events such as getting married or divorced, having children or grandchildren, or when a beneficiary or executor passes away. Additionally, if there are changes to your financial situation, such as acquiring new assets, selling property, or experiencing significant changes in wealth, you should revise your will to reflect these updates. Regularly reviewing and updating your will ensures it remains accurate and reflective of your current wishes.

Conclusion

Creating a will is one of the most important steps in estate planning. Whether you choose a DIY template, an online service, or a solicitor, ensuring your will is legally valid protects your loved ones and your assets.

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