A will is a legal document that says who should get your money, property and belongings after you die, known as your estate. 

Having a will can: 

• let the people you care about sort things out more quickly and easily, with less stress when you're gone

• let you decide who should care for any dependants, including children under 18 

• help avoid family disagreements 

• make it easier to plan for Inheritance Tax. 

If you own a home with someone and you’re not married or in a civil partnership, they might not automatically inherit your share if you do not have a will.

If you die without a will, your estate will be divided up based on standard rules. This is called intestacy law and might not be what you want. For example: 

• Your estate will go first to your married or civil partner. If you have children, it might also be split between them

• If you do not have a spouse, civil partner or children, your estate will pass to other close relatives in a set order – unmarried partners, carers or close friends will not receive anything. 

• If you have no living relatives, your estate will go to the Crown as ownerless property.  

To write your will, you’ll need the following information:

• Your full name and address.

• A statement of your capacity – if your ability to understand information and make decisions might be questioned. A legal professional can tell you if this is needed.

• What you want to happen to your estate, including: 
  • who gets what (called beneficiaries) and what happens if one dies before you do
  • how much beneficiaries should receive
  • if you want to leave specific items to certain people, like a ring to your niece
  • if you want to leave any specific gifts (called legacies) or charitable donations 
  • what to do with anything that’s left – you can read more about residuary clausesOpens in a new window on The Gazette.

• Who you’d like to care for any dependants you’re responsible for, including choosing a guardian for children under 18 and a trustee to look after their assets.

• Who you’d like to be your executors (the people who will carry out the instructions in your will).

• A letter of wishesOpens in a new window giving more information to your executors about your preferences. 

In the UK, anyone can write a will. You can write it yourself or use a will-writing service. But not all will writers have formal qualifications or belong to professional bodies.

A will that's poorly written or incorrectly witnessed might not be legally valid. This means your money and possessions could go to the wrong people, or be divided up according to intestacy rules rather than your wishes.

A will can be legally valid whether it's written by you, a solicitor or a professional will writer. What matters is that it's done correctly.

To be valid, your will must be:

• in writing

• dated 

• signed by you and two witnesses at the same time. 

Your witnesses must be independent. They cannot be beneficiaries named in your will, or the spouse or civil partner of a beneficiary.

If you use a professional to write your will, check they're qualified. Look for a solicitor or a member of a recognised professional body.

If your situation is complex, consider getting your will checked by a solicitor

There are three main options for writing a will:

1. Write your own will using a DIY template (cheapest but comes with risks).

2. Use a will-writing service (mid-price option with varying levels of regulation).

3. Use a solicitor (most comprehensive but most expensive).

The best option depends on how complex your situation is and how much you want to spend.

You fill in a will-writing form (paper or online) that creates a will for you.

When it’s suitable: If you have a simple estate and are comfortable following instructions. For example, a home and savings with a few beneficiaries to leave it to.

How much it might cost: up to £30.

You’ll get help from a specialist will-writing company to complete your will. This can usually be done online, by phone or face-to-face.

When it’s suitable: If your wishes are not simple but you do not want to pay full solicitor costs.

How much it might cost: Often around £50-£350 for a basic will. Check if you can get a free or reduced cost will from your trade union or employer, as some offer will-writing as a workplace benefit.

Your will is prepared by a qualified solicitor. You’ll get legal advice and the document is tailored to your situation.

How much it might cost: Costs vary a lot depending on how complicated your case is, your location and the firm you choose. Expect to pay at least £200 and much more for complex cases.

When it’s suitable: If your estate is complex, or you want peace of mind. For example, it’s worth considering using a solicitor if: 

• you have children from a previous relationship 

• you're divorced, separated or cohabiting  

• you run a business 

• you have a blended family 

• you want to set up trusts 

• you own property abroad  

• your assets are worth more than the Inheritance Tax threshold 

• any of your beneficiaries are vulnerable or receiving means-tested benefits 

• you share property with someone who isn't your spouse or civil partner.

Some companies offer ‘free’ will-writing but charge ongoing storage fees that can increase over time. Others might make it difficult to retrieve your will without paying extra costs.

• Ask about all costs upfront, including any storage fees.

• Find out what happens if you want to retrieve your will later.

• Read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.

• Consider whether you need to pay for storage at all – you can keep your will at home or use the Probate Service.

While writing a will is mostly straightforward, there are unfortunately scams particularly related to wills.