How do I make a Will?
Choose a Solicitor
It is important to consult a solicitor to ensure that your Will is worded correctly. Homemade Wills are often worthless because one simple mistake can invalidate the whole document and prevent your wishes from being carried out. A solicitor should be able to give you an idea of the cost of making a Will over the telephone. The fee is usually relatively small and certainly a lot less expensive in emotional and financial terms than to die intestate.
Decide what you want to leave
Before visiting a solicitor, it will help if you have a list of what you want to leave. Many people do not write a Will because they are unaware of how much they are worth.
Decide who will benefit
Make a list of all those you would like to benefit from your Will. If you have children and immediate family you will want to secure their future first. You may then decide to leave a gift to a charity and we hope that you will consider Redwings at this stage. Any money left to a charity is free of inheritance tax. You can leave a gift in one of several ways:
- Pecuniary Legacy – a specific sum of money
- Specific Bequest – a particular item of value, such as jewellery
- Residuary Legacy – what is left after all your other wishes have been carried out and expenses met
Choose your executors
Decide who should be responsible for ensuring that your wishes are carried out as per your instructions in your Will. Such nominated persons are called ‘executors’. It is important to check in advance that they are willing to take on this responsibility. You could nominate a close friend, work colleague, relation or your solicitor, although they will probably charge for this service.
We are here to help
If you would like help or advice on making or changing your Will, please contact our Legacy Officer on 01508 481030, email legacies@redwings.co.uk, or complete the Contact Us. Or if you prefer write to The Legacy Officer, Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Hapton, Norwich, NR15 1SP.
