1. Start with the people, not the document
Before drafting anything, list the people who matter to the plan: executors, beneficiaries, substitute beneficiaries, guardians for children and, where a trust is needed, trustees.
An executor deals with the estate after death. A trustee may have a longer-term role where assets are held for children or other beneficiaries. They can be the same people, but the roles are different.
2. Work out what the Will needs to deal with
Make a simple estate inventory: property, savings, investments, personal possessions, business interests, digital assets and any existing trusts. Also note assets that may pass outside the Will, such as jointly owned property passing by survivorship or certain pension and life-policy benefits.
The Will normally deals with specific gifts first and then the residue — what remains after debts, tax, expenses and specific gifts.
3. Choose executors carefully
Executors should be trustworthy, organised and willing to deal with administration that can last many months. It is usually sensible to name replacement executors in case a first-choice executor dies, loses capacity or is unwilling to act.
See our executor guide for the practical responsibilities involved.
4. Plan for children and vulnerable beneficiaries
Parents can use a Will to appoint guardians for minor children. The Will can also state the age at which a young beneficiary becomes entitled and can create trusts where immediate outright inheritance would be inappropriate.
For a beneficiary who is disabled or otherwise vulnerable, specialist trust and tax rules can apply. See our vulnerable beneficiary trust guide.
5. Consider how you own your home
Property ownership can determine whether a share of the home passes under the Will at all. A beneficial joint tenant does not have a separate share passing by Will; a tenant in common does.
This distinction is particularly important for couples considering Property Protection Trust Wills.
6. Make sure the Will is executed correctly
GOV.UK states that, for a Will to be legally valid, it must be made voluntarily by a person aged 18 or over who is of sound mind, be in writing, and be signed in the presence of two witnesses aged 18 or over. The witnesses must then sign in the testator’s presence.
7. Store the original and tell executors where it is
The original signed Will matters. Keep it somewhere secure and make sure the executors know how it can be located after death. Avoid attaching items to the Will in a way that could later create questions about missing documents or alterations.
8. Review the Will when circumstances change
Review after major family or financial changes: marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of an executor or beneficiary, moving home, buying a business, a large inheritance or a significant change in tax exposure.
Do not make handwritten alterations to an executed Will. Changes usually need a properly executed codicil or a replacement Will.
Frequently asked questions
Can I write my own Will?
Yes, but the risk is not just the wording. Ownership, tax, family circumstances and execution formalities can all affect whether the Will achieves what you intended.
Do both witnesses have to be present when I sign?
Yes. GOV.UK says you must sign in the presence of two witnesses, and both must have a clear view of you signing.
Can my executor also be a beneficiary?
Yes. An executor can also be a beneficiary. The separate issue is witnessing: a beneficiary should not witness the Will.
Does moving house invalidate my Will?
Usually not, but a move is a good reason to review the wording, ownership and any property-specific gifts.
Tell us what you want to achieve
You do not need to know the name of the legal document or trust before speaking to us. Explain the family, property or planning issue and we can discuss the relevant options.