Top Tips on Making a Will
Since the Corona Virus outbreak, it’s been necessary to change how we hold our meetings to phone and video appointments.
I know that making a will can feel a bit daunting so I’ve put together some top tips to help you prepare.
1. Choose your method: phone or video appointment
Whilst home visits are temporarily suspended, you can choose to have your appointment over the phone or via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype.
You should choose whatever method you feel most comfortable with and you can pick a date and time that suits you via my website.
2. Relax!
Please don’t worry if you’ve got pets, children, or any other types of noise going on in the background. I’m used to this from home visits!
Remember that your appointment is confidential and there is no such thing as a silly question so you will get the advice you need.
3. Make a List!
It helps to make in advance of our meeting, an approximate list of assets (e.g. property and savings) and any debt such as mortgages or loans. Approximate values are fine so it does not need to be to the exact penny. This gives a snapshot in time of what your estate is worth and identifies any potential inheritance tax issues.
4. Who do you want to be your beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries are the people who will receive your estate or any specific gifts you want to make. You can name specific people or a group of people (e.g. my grandchildren) to inherit the whole or a share of your estate. If you have concerns about the age or vulnerability of beneficiaries or you want to protect certain assets then we can talk about trusts during your appointment.
5. Who do you want to appoint as executors/trustees/guardians?
Executors are responsible for carrying out the wishes of your Will and following the legal procedures involved in administering your estate. If you include a trust in your Will, then often the people who you choose as executors will also act as trustees, however, you can choose to appoint others. If you have children under the age of eighteen, then it is recommended that you appoint guardians. I can advise you on the role of executors, trustees and guardians. You don’t have to have made definite choices prior to our meeting but it is very helpful for you to have thought in advance about who you might choose so we can discuss suitability.
6. Names and addresses!
And finally, it’s really helpful if you’ve got names and addresses of people who you do want to feature as guardians, executors and beneficiaries because that will avoid delays in getting your documents drafted.
I hope that these top tips have been helpful and if you or others have any questions at all about making a Will then please do get in touch. We are here to help you protect your loved ones and are very proud of the customer reviews and recommendations on social media about the service we provide.
If you would like to book a no-obligation consultation, please call 0115 8461446 or visit our website www.trentwillsestates.co.uk and click on ‘book free consultation’ to choose a date and time that suits you.
