How to Add Special Requests in Your Will

When writing your Will, it’s important to consider not just the distribution of your assets but also any special requests or instructions you may want to include. Special requests can range from how your funeral should be handled to specific personal items you wish to leave in particular circumstances. Adding special requests ensures that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are clear on any unique instructions you have.

This article will guide you on how to add special requests to your Will, so that your desires are properly documented and legally enforceable.

Why Special Requests Are Important in Your Will

Adding special requests in your Will allows you to:

Ensure your personal wishes are honored: Whether it’s a specific funeral request, care for a pet, or a charitable donation, special requests help ensure that your loved ones know exactly what you want.
Avoid family disputes: By clearly outlining your desires, you reduce the risk of disagreements among family members after your passing.
Provide peace of mind: Your loved ones will have clear instructions, reducing confusion or uncertainty about what you wanted.

Special requests can range from simple instructions to more detailed provisions, so it’s important to be as clear and specific as possible.

Types of Special Requests You Can Add to Your Will

There are many types of special requests you may want to consider adding to your Will. These can relate to a wide range of matters, from funeral arrangements to guardianship of children. Here are some common categories of special requests:

1. Funeral and Burial Instructions

One of the most common special requests in a Will is funeral or burial instructions. These instructions help ensure that your wishes regarding your funeral, cremation, or burial are followed. You may wish to specify:

Whether you want to be buried or cremated
The type of funeral service (religious, secular, etc.)
The location of your burial or cremation
Any particular songs, readings, or rituals you want to include
Whether you prefer a simple or elaborate ceremony

Example Request:

“I request to be cremated and have my ashes scattered at [specific location]. I do not wish for any memorial service to be held.”

2. Guardianship of Minor Children

If you have young children, your Will is the primary place to designate a guardian who will care for them if you pass away. This is a critical special request that ensures your children are cared for by someone you trust.

You should name one or more guardians in your Will and specify their responsibilities. Some parents choose alternative guardians in case their first choice is unable to fulfill the role.

Example Request:

“If both parents are deceased, I appoint [name] as the guardian of my children, [children’s names], until they reach the age of 18.”

3. Pet Care Instructions

Many people want to make arrangements for the care of their pets after they pass away. You can specify who should look after your pets, any medical care they need, and the funds for their care.

Example Request:

“I leave £5,000 to my friend [name] to care for my dog, [dog’s name], and ensure that they receive proper veterinary care.”

4. Personal Item Distribution

You may wish to leave personal items, like family heirlooms, jewelry, or artwork, to particular people. If there are valuable or sentimental items that you want to ensure go to the right person, list these items in your Will. Be as detailed as possible about the item and the recipient to avoid confusion.

Example Request:

“I leave my grandmother’s gold necklace to my daughter, [name], and my antique clock to my son, [name].”

5. Charitable Donations

If you wish to leave money, assets, or items to charity, you can include a charitable donation in your Will. This is a great way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that are important to you.

Example Request:

“I leave £10,000 to [charity name] for the support of their education programs.”

6. Digital Assets and Online Accounts

As more of our lives are conducted online, it’s important to consider digital assets such as social media accounts, email accounts, and other online possessions. In your Will, you can specify how you want these accounts to be handled after your death.

Example Request:

“I direct my executor to close my email accounts and delete my social media profiles, ensuring that all personal information is securely removed.”

7. Specific Financial Bequests or Loans

You may want to include instructions for the repayment of any loans or debts or distribute specific financial assets, such as savings accounts or investments.

Example Request:

“I leave my savings account with [bank name] to my son, [name], to be used for his education expenses.”

8. Memorial Requests

Some people prefer a living memorial rather than a traditional gravestone. You may want to request a donation to a charity in your name or even ask that your loved ones plant a tree in your memory.

Example Request:

“In lieu of flowers, I request that donations be made to [charity name] in my memory.”

How to Add Special Requests to Your Will

Adding special requests to your Will is straightforward but requires careful consideration to ensure your instructions are clear and legally valid. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Be Specific and Detailed

The more specific you are, the less chance there is for confusion or disputes. For example, instead of writing “I want my wedding ring to go to my daughter,” write “I leave my gold wedding ring, described as [detailed description], to my daughter, [daughter’s name].”

2. Consider Legal Requirements

While your special requests should reflect your personal wishes, they must also be in line with legal requirements. For example, if you’re naming a guardian for minor children, it’s crucial to ensure the guardian is legally capable of assuming responsibility.

3. Work with a Legal Professional

While you can write a Will yourself, it’s a good idea to consult with a legal professional to ensure your special requests are properly documented. A solicitor can help ensure that your wishes are legally binding and that the Will is correctly executed.

4. Use a Clear and Valid Witnessing Process

For your Will to be legally binding, it must be signed by you in front of two independent witnesses. These witnesses must not be beneficiaries of the Will and must sign the document in your presence. This ensures the validity of your special requests and overall Will.

5. Update Your Will Regularly

As life changes, so too might your special requests. Whether it’s a change in guardianship or an update to funeral preferences, review your Will regularly and make amendments as necessary. Ensure that any updates are signed and witnessed properly.

FAQs About Special Requests in Your Will

Q: Can I change my special requests after my Will is written?

A: Yes, you can update your Will to reflect changes in your special requests. It’s important to make sure that any changes are legally documented to avoid confusion.

Q: What if my special request is not feasible after my death?

A: It’s important to consider the feasibility of your requests. If a specific request cannot be fulfilled (for example, a location for burial that is no longer available), your executor will need to make decisions in line with your overall wishes. You can also include a clause that allows flexibility in your instructions.

Q: Can I leave a special request for someone who is not a beneficiary?

A: Yes, you can leave special requests to anyone, whether or not they are named as beneficiaries of your estate. Just be clear about the request and who it is directed to.

Conclusion

Adding special requests to your Will ensures that your unique wishes are respected after your passing. Whether it’s funeral instructions, guardianship of children, or gifts to charity, your Will can reflect your personal desires. By being clear and specific, consulting with legal professionals, and regularly updating your Will, you can ensure that your wishes are honored in the future.