Everyone aged over 18 should have a will. It doesn’t need to be expensive or difficult to set up; in fact, you can write a will yourself. Let’s look at the steps involved.
Consider a UK power of attorney first
Most people have heard of a will, but fewer have heard of a UK power of attorney, which is sometimes known as a living will. You can create one online through companies such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/ to determine how you would like your healthcare and financial affairs to be handled if you lose mental capacity.
Check criteria
Before you write a UK power of attorney or a will, check the requirements. You must be 18 or above and be of sound mind. You must not be acting under pressure or coercion.
Prepare your will
Decide what you want to include in your will, detailing your assets and the beneficiaries. You can also include funeral wishes and choose your executors, who will carry out the instructions in your will after you die.
Choose the will writing method
You can either use a solicitor or an online service. The online services are cost-effective. A solicitor is reliable if you need advice, although it is usually more expensive.
There are sometimes opportunities for a free will to be written by a solicitor; for example, there is a Free Wills Month. If you give a gift to a charity, they will sometimes include a free will-writing service. Sign your will in the presence of two witnesses and store it somewhere safe.