A Will is a paper that says what should happen to your money and things after you die. It’s important to make one, even if you don’t think you have much.
You can write a Will yourself if it’s simple. But it’s best to get help from a solicitor if:
Legal Will writing services can cost a lot of money but there are free options available to you.
If you are aged 55 or over, you can get a simple Will written or updated for free.
Free Wills Months brings together a group of charities which help cover the cost of a local solicitor who will help you. There are only a limited number of appointments per campaign so it is important you register your interest as soon as possible.
Many charities can help you write or update your Will for free. If your Will is simple, it usually won’t cost anything.
If your Will is more complicated, you might need to pay a bit more. This will be agreed between you and the solicitor. For example, adding something like a Power of Attorney may cost extra.
You can choose to leave a gift to the charity in your Will, but you don’t have to.
View a list of charities and solicitors offering will writing services on Leeds Directory.
Many people think their Will will be found when they die, just because it’s written down. But that doesn’t always happen.
If you register your Will with The National Will Register, it’s much easier for your family or solicitor to find it when it’s needed. It costs £30 to register your will. This helps your family find it easily when you die. It can stop arguments and save them a lot of money later.
It’s a good idea to keep all your important papers in one safe place. This helps others find them if they need to.
This should include your personal details like your name, address, and date of birth. You should include important papers like your birth or marriage certificate. You can also add details about jobs you’ve had. It’s helpful to write down names and phone numbers of people who are important to you, like family, friends, your lawyer, or your religious leader. You may also want to include any information that will help someone to access your social media accounts.
This includes your bank account information, any money you earn or own, and any debts or loans you have. Add your National Insurance number, any insurance papers, and details about your car, like your driving licence and car documents. You may also want to include information about any online accounts or subscriptions that you have, like Netflix.
Find out more about planning for your financial digital legacy.
This includes a list of any medicines you take, and any documents that say who can make decisions for you if you can’t, known as a Lasting Power of Attorney. You can also include a note about any medical care you do or don’t want in the future. This is sometimes called a Living Will.
This is just a starting point. You might have other things to add.
If you have a pet, write down the name and address of your vet. Also write what you want to happen to your pet and how they should be looked after. You can also register you and your pet with a charity to ensure that someone will be there for your pet after you are gone.
Some people like to make plans for what happens after they die. This can include planning their own funeral. Not everyone wants to do this, and that’s okay.
Planning a funeral can be simple but making plans can help your family and friends remember you in a special way. You can choose what you want and even pay for it before you die, if you like.
A funeral director is someone who helps plan and organise funerals. They can give you advice and help you with the costs. There are many funeral directors to choose from. Try to find one who listens to what you want and respects your choices.
You can find a funeral director on the National Association of Funeral Directors website. Or you might already know one near you.
You don’t have to pick everything the funeral director offers. You can choose your own:
Some people choose the cemetery or crematorium first, then find a funeral director who works there. You can ask to visit the place if you want.
You don’t have to pick a place near your home. You can choose any cemetery, crematorium, or natural burial ground.
