Making a Will Checklist

Making a will is more than filling in a template. This tool builds a personalised checklist based on your circumstances, covering what to decide before you write anything and how to make sure it's validly signed.

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Making a Will Checklist

You own property (sole or shared)You have childrenBlended family (children from a previous relationship, step-children)You own a business or business assetsYou hold assets abroadYou already have an existing will

Your personalised will checklist

7-point personalised checklist ready

List your assetsProperty, savings, investments, pensions, life insurance and personal possessions of value

Choose your executor(s)One or more people (or a professional) to carry out your wishes; name a backup in case your first choice can't act

Appoint a guardianName who should look after any children under 18 if both parents die

Decide how property passesConfirm whether property is held as joint tenants or tenants in common, as this affects whether it can be left in your will at all

Sign correctlySign in the presence of two independent witnesses, who then sign in your presence. Neither witness (or their spouse) can benefit under the will

Store it safelyKeep the original somewhere secure and tell your executor where it is; consider registering it with a will registry

Review it periodicallyRevisit after marriage, divorce, a new child, or any major change in assets. Marriage automatically revokes an earlier will unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage

This is a planning checklist, not a will template and not legal advice. It's designed to help you prepare before you write or instruct a will, not to replace professional drafting, particularly if a trust, business asset or blended family situation applies.

Confirm your figure with a probate specialist

Estimates get you close. A specialist confirms your exact inheritance tax position, what reliefs and nil-rate bands apply, and the quickest route to grant of probate. No obligation, and we reply within one working day.

DIY, online or solicitor: how to make a will

A DIY paper will kit costs very little, often under £30, but carries the highest risk of an invalid signature, ambiguous wording or a missed asset, any of which can cause serious problems (and cost) after death. An online will service, typically £50 to £150, adds some guided structure and basic checks but usually won't flag more complex issues like a blended family or a business interest.

A solicitor-drafted will typically costs £300 to £1,000 or more for a straightforward single will, with mirror wills for a couple usually priced at a discount to double the single fee, and considerably more where trusts, business succession or cross-border assets are involved. The cost buys tailored advice on the situations a template can't handle well: protecting an inheritance for children from a first marriage while providing for a second spouse, structuring Business Relief correctly, or coordinating with a will in another country.

Whichever route you choose, the will only becomes valid if it is signed correctly: you must sign (or acknowledge your signature) in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time, and who then sign in your presence. A beneficiary or their spouse acting as a witness can void that person's inheritance under the will, even though the will itself remains valid, so choosing witnesses carefully matters.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I die without a will?

Your estate is distributed under the intestacy rules, a fixed legal order that may not match your wishes, particularly for unmarried partners (who have no automatic entitlement) or blended families. A will lets you choose who benefits and appoint guardians for children.

Does marriage or divorce affect an existing will?

Marriage automatically revokes an earlier will unless it was made specifically in contemplation of that marriage. Divorce doesn't revoke the whole will but generally treats a former spouse as having died before you for the purposes of any gift or executor appointment to them, so both events call for a review.

Can I write my own will without a solicitor?

Yes, there's no legal requirement to use a solicitor, provided it's validly signed and witnessed. It carries more risk of errors for anyone with property, a blended family, business assets or anything beyond the simplest estate.

Who can't witness my will?

Anyone who is a beneficiary under the will, or married to one, shouldn't act as a witness, as it can void their own inheritance. Your executor can be a witness provided they aren't also a beneficiary.

Do I need separate wills for assets in another country?

It depends on the country and how the assets are held. Some jurisdictions recognise a UK will, others require a local one, and conflicting wills can cause serious problems. This is worth checking with a specialist if you hold significant assets abroad.

How often should I update my will?

Review it after any major life event, marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, a significant change in assets, or roughly every five years even without a specific trigger, to make sure it still reflects your wishes and circumstances.

Want to be sure of your position?

A calculator gives you the shape of the answer. We confirm your exact figure and the reliefs that apply to you. Tell us about your situation for a no-obligation review.