Step-by-Step Guide About Wills

Once you have decided that the time is right for you to make your Will with Think Wills & Probate Ltd we will arrange a meeting with you which usually takes an hour. This meeting can take place at our office in Knowle, or at your home.

Prior to the meeting you should give some consideration to the following areas:      

• An estimation of the value of your estate, i.e., all your assets and liabilities (including employer Death in Service Benefits, Pension Death Benefits and Life Assurance Sums Assured).
• Who you would like to appoint as your Executors.
• If you have children, who you would like to appoint as their guardians.
• If you would like to leave any specific gifts or money to anyone.
• Who you would like to benefit from your Will and in what proportions.
• If you would like to leave any money to charity.
• The full names, including middle names, of everyone to be mentioned in the Wills.
• Funeral arrangements – i.e. preference for burial or cremation.

Q) Who are guardians?

A Guardian is the person you appoint within your Will to look after your children for you in the event that both parents die before your children reach the age of 18.

Q) Who is allowed to witness my will?

It is vital that your Will is signed, dated and Witnessed correctly.  You must sign your Will in the presence of two independent witnesses.  Your witnesses must be over the age of 18.  They cannot be beneficiaries, or the spouses of any beneficiaries.

Q) When does my will become valid?

Your will becomes valid as soon as it is signed and witnessed and dated.

Q) How do I change my will?

Please do not attempt to do this yourself as this is likely to render it invalid. A new Will can be drawn up and once signed, the old one is automatically revoked.  If we have prepared your original Will, then simple changes are quick to carry out and are inexpensive.

For further information or to arrange an appointment, Call Eleanor Betts on 0121 663 0975 or 07717 862705.