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Although you can create your own will, it is always preferable to have the advice of a legal professional. They can ensure your will is completed in a manner which abides by legal

requirements, which should prevent messy legal hassles for your loved ones if your will is contested after you have passed. Having the guidance of a solicitor or will advisory service when you are writing your will should also ensure your estate is divided in the way you wish. It’s important to remember that solicitors and will-writing specialists are experts in their field, and are experienced in ensuring the process is as simple and practical as possible.

There are several options available to you if you are looking for legal advice to help you through the will-writing process. You can make an appointment with a local solicitor (find them in your local business directory or by searching online), or you can contact one of the services listed below:

• Society of Will Writers and Estate Practitioners

Eagle House
Exchange Road
Lincoln
LN6 3JZ
Tel : 01522 687888

• The College of Will Writing

Eagle House

Exchange Road

Lincoln

LN6 3JZ

Tel: 01522 687888

Fax: 01522 694666

• Search the Society of Will Writers’ Member Database: http://willwriters.com/findMember.html

• Consult a Building Society or Union to which you are a member. They often offer will-writing services.

Remember to ask your solicitor or advisor if they are a member of the Society of Will Writers, and if they have professional indemnity insurance. This protects you in the unlikely event that your solicitor makes a mistake or is not fully qualified to complete your will.

Before you start writing your will, you need to consider a number of factors:

• If you have children under the age of eighteen, they cannot legally inherit anything you bestow until they have turned eighteen. Anything you leave to them in your will is held in a trust (managed by a solicitor or guardian) until they come of age. If you would prefer that they inherit at a later age, you can stipulate this in your will.

• Another important factor to consider is whether you need to appoint a guardian for your children. This is a good idea if you specifically have someone in mind who may not perhaps be the obvious choice.

• If you have already written a will but have since married or remarried, you will need to update your will. It will otherwise be declared invalid.

• If you have already written a will but have since divorced, anything you have gifted to your divorced spouse will lapse. If you do still want to leave an asset or gift to your divorced spouse, it is advisable to update your will.