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Why it's important to make a will

Leaving a gift to a charity

Why not leave a gift to charity in your will?

• Remember a charity - leaving a gift in your will Opens new window

A will sets out who is to benefit from your property and possessions (your estate) after your death. There are many good reasons to make a will:

• Financial reasons to make a will (money, tax and benefits section)

Preparing your will

Although it is possible to write a will by yourself, it is advisable to use a solicitor as there are various legal formalities you need to follow to make sure that your will is valid. You may also need legal advice for more complicated matters. A solicitor can also advise you about how Inheritance Tax affects you.

A solicitor may be able to visit you in your own home, care home or hospital.

The cost of writing a will can vary between solicitors and will depend on how complicated your affairs may be and the experience of the solicitor.

As well as solicitors, voluntary organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau and Age UK can also help with your will.

• CAB guide to making a will Opens new window

• Age UK guide to making a will Opens new window

What should be included in your will

Before you write your will or consult a solicitor, it's a good idea to think about what you want included in your will. You should consider:

An executor is the person responsible with passing on your estate. You can appoint an executor by naming them in your will. The courts can also appoint other people to be responsible for doing this job.

Leaving a gift to charity in your will

You may also want to consider supporting your favourite charities with a gift in your will, after you’ve taken care of friends and family. Follow the link below to the 'Remember A Charity' website to find how to do this.

• Leaving a gift to charity in your will Opens new window

Where to keep your will safe

Once you've made your will, it is important to keep it in a safe place and tell your executor, close friend or relative where it is. If a solicitor makes your will, they will normally keep the original and send you a copy. You can ask for the original if you wish to hold it.

Keeping your will up-to-date

You should review your will every five years and after any major change in your life - such as getting separated, married or divorced, having a child or moving house. Any change must be by 'codicil' (an addition, amendment or supplement to a will) or by making a new will.

Making a will in Scotland

Scottish law on inheritance differs from English law. If you live in Scotland and want to make a will, you can contact a solicitor or voluntary organisations such as Age Scotland or Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

The Scottish Government's 'Rights of succession' guide explains what happens if someone dies in Scotland without making a will.

• Age Scotland factsheets Opens new window

• Citizens Advice Bureau in Scotland Opens new window

• Rights of succession - a guide from the Scottish Government Opens new window