What to Include in Your Will and Why It Matters

Writing a will is one of the most important steps you can take when preparing for the future. A will allows you to decide what should happen to your money, property, and possessions after you die. It gives you control and helps protect your loved ones from unnecessary stress and confusion.

Many people delay writing a will, thinking it’s only for the elderly or very wealthy. But the truth is, anyone with belongings, savings, or children should consider making one. Without a will, the law decides who gets what, and it might not be what you want.

Your will is a legal document that clearly sets out your wishes. It covers who should receive your estate, who should take care of your children, and who will manage everything after your death. It can even include special gifts or instructions for your funeral. Having a will also makes things much easier for your family.

They won’t need to guess your wishes or go through a long legal process. Instead, they can focus on supporting one another and remembering your life. Whether your estate is large or small, having a valid and up-to-date will is a key part of good planning. It gives you peace of mind and helps your family during a difficult time.

Beneficiaries and How You Want to Divide Your Estate

One of the most important parts of a will is choosing your beneficiaries. These are the people or organisations who will receive part or all of your estate. Deciding how to divide your estate makes sure everything is passed on the way you want.

Choosing Your Beneficiaries

You can choose anyone to be a beneficiary. Most people name close family members like a spouse, children, or siblings. But you might also want to include friends, carers, or charities that matter to you. You don’t need to treat everyone the same, and you can leave different things to different people. Try to be as specific as possible when naming beneficiaries. Use full names and describe your relationship with them. This helps avoid any arguments or confusion later on.

Dividing Your Estate

Your estate includes everything you own, such as your house, car, money in the bank, jewellery, furniture, and personal items. You can divide these items in any way you like. Some people leave certain items to individuals and divide the rest equally. Others choose to give set percentages of the total estate. You might also want to make gifts to people who helped you during your life, like a neighbour or long-time friend. Writing these gifts into your will shows your appreciation and ensures your wishes are followed.

What Happens if You Don’t Choose

If you do not list beneficiaries in your will, or if your will is not legally valid, then the law steps in. The rules of intestacy will decide who inherits your estate. This may leave out important people in your life, especially if you are not married or have a blended family. To avoid problems, be clear in your choices and make sure your will is kept safe and easy to find.

Changing Your Beneficiaries

Life changes, and your will should too. If you get married, divorced, have a child, or someone you named dies, you might need to update your will. It’s a good idea to review your will every few years to make sure it still matches your wishes. Changes must be made properly to keep the will valid. A small update is called a codicil, while big changes might need a new will. Either way, keep everything clear and legal.

Executors Who Will Handle Everything After You Die

In your will, you need to name at least one executor. This is the person or people who will make sure your instructions are carried out. They have a big responsibility, so choose someone you trust and who is good at managing tasks. Executors have many jobs. They need to collect information about your assets, pay off any debts, deal with banks and legal paperwork, and share out your estate to the right people. If there is a house to sell, they may also need to handle that.

You can choose a friend, family member, or a professional, such as a solicitor. It’s often a good idea to name two executors in case one of them is unable or unwilling to act. Some people choose one personal and one professional executor to balance trust and knowledge. Before you name someone, ask them if they are happy to take on the role. Being an executor can take time and effort, especially for large or complex estates. Make sure they understand what’s involved and know where to find a copy of your will. Having reliable executors means your estate will be managed smoothly, and your beneficiaries will receive what they are due without unnecessary delay or confusion.

Guardians for Any Children or Dependants

If you have children under the age of 18, or anyone who depends on you due to illness or disability, your will should name guardians. A guardian is the person who will take legal responsibility for their care if you are no longer around. This is one of the most important decisions a parent or carer can make. Without a named guardian, the court will decide who looks after your children, and it might not be someone you would have picked. Making your wishes clear in your will avoids uncertainty and gives your children stability.

When choosing a guardian, think about their age, health, values, and lifestyle. You want someone who shares your views on raising children and who has the time and means to care for them. Talk to the person before naming them to be sure they are willing and able to take on the role. You can also write a letter to explain why you chose them and include any guidance about how you’d like your children to be raised. This can offer support and reassurance during a difficult time. If your children receive money or property through your will, the guardian may also need support from a trustee who manages their inheritance until they reach adulthood. This structure helps protect their future while keeping everything in trusted hands.

Gifts That Have Sentimental or Personal Value

Not everything in a will needs to be about money or large assets. Many people want to leave behind gifts that have emotional meaning. These special items can help keep your memory alive and show your loved ones how much they meant to you. Including personal gifts in your will can also stop disagreements about who gets what. By being clear, you help avoid tension or upset within your family or circle of friends.

Family Heirlooms

Heirlooms are items that have been passed down from generation to generation. They might not be worth a lot of money, but they often hold deep meaning. This could be a piece of jewellery, a family Bible, an old watch, or a photo album. In your will, list these items clearly and say who should receive each one. You can even write a note about the history of each item to help keep your family’s story alive.

Personal Keepsakes

You might also want to leave behind smaller personal items that carry happy memories. This could be a painting, a set of tools, or letters you’ve written over the years. Giving these gifts through your will is a special way to pass on love and memories. Think about who would value each item the most. Even something simple can mean a lot if it comes from the heart.

Explaining the Reasons

Sometimes people do not understand why you gave certain things to certain people. To help with this, you can include a letter of wishes. This is a personal letter that sits alongside your will. It’s not legally binding, but it can help explain your choices and avoid confusion. This letter can also give guidance to your executors or offer kind words to your loved ones. It adds a personal touch that can bring comfort and meaning during a time of loss.