Leaving a Gift in Your Will
Why make a Will?
Making a Will and keeping it up-to-date is the way to make sure your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes when you die. A properly drawn Will can reduce the exposure of your assets to tax. It also enables you to avoid the complex rules of intestacy that apply on distribution of estates which can often lead to difficulties.
Making a Will is the best and simplest way to safeguard everyone's future and ensure your assets go to the people and causes closest to your heart. If you die without a legal will, your estate will still be divided up but by the courts, not you.
Making a Will makes life easier for those left behind, and helps eliminate misunderstandings. With your solicitor's help you might also be able to minimise the inheritance tax payable on your estate. Most charitable donations are inheritance tax free.
For more information of Making a Will please download the following PDF Document:
Changing an existing Will
Codicils (supplements to a Will) can be added to an existing Will. These must be signed and witnessed in the same way as the Will.
Codicils should only be used to deal with minor amendments to the Will. If you want to change a number of points, you would be well advised to have a new Will drawn. You should never make alterations on the original Will.
If you marry, remarry or enter into a civil partnership your Will becomes invalid (unless it was made in contemplation of marriage or partnership and specifically states this). You should always make a new Will in these circumstances.
Divorce does not automatically invalidate a Will but any reference to your former spouse or civil partner (such as appointing them as executor or naming them as a beneficiary) will not be effective. It is therefore usually necessary to change your Will after divorce.
For a form to help you making amendments, please download the following PDF Document: