The most important things to consider
Writing a will for the first time can feel daunting — and it’s often why people put it off. At Keily.legal, we guide you through every step, answering your questions and helping you make decisions that reflect your wishes and your circumstances.
Before your appointment, reading through this guide and thinking about your priorities will help you make the most of your meeting.
Things to Consider When Making a Will
Executors
Your Executors are responsible for ensuring your wishes are carried out after your death. They will:
- Obtain probate
- Pay any debts or taxes
- Distribute gifts as stated in your will
- Handle business matters if relevant
- Ensure all beneficiaries receive what they are entitled to
You can appoint up to four Executors, and they can also be beneficiaries. Appointing more than one is often wise, as the role can be demanding, especially at an emotional time.
If your affairs are complex, we can also discuss the option of appointing a professional Executor.
Trustees
Trustees look after money or assets placed in a trust, for example for your children. Trustees are often the same people as your Executors, but not always.
Guardians
Choosing guardians for your children is an important step. This avoids interim court appointments and ensures your children are cared for according to your wishes if something happens to you.
Consider:
- Who will provide a similar upbringing, environment, and values to yours?
- Grandparents may be an option, but age and health are important factors
- You can specify wishes, such as local schooling, home environment, or family connections
Guardians only act if all people with parental responsibility have passed away.
Pets
Our non-human family members are often overlooked. Think about who you would trust to care for your pets if you were no longer able to.
Specific Gifts
If you have sentimental items, jewellery, or family heirlooms you would like certain people to receive, make a note of them. We can help ensure these gifts are clearly documented in your will.
Distributing Your Estate
Your estate is everything you own after debts are settled and specific gifts are given.
It’s worth thinking about contingency arrangements for wider family or friends, to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes, even if your immediate family is no longer alive.
Funeral Wishes
Documenting funeral wishes is optional, but can guide your family and make decisions easier. You may wish to include:
- Cremation or burial preferences
- Organ donation
- Service type and style
Even with a pre-paid funeral plan, it’s advisable to discuss your wishes with family to avoid any confusion.
Charitable Donations
Many clients choose to leave gifts to charities close to their hearts. There may also be inheritance tax benefits. We can explain how charitable legacies can be included in your will.
Business Owners
If you own a business, consider:
- Whether the business can continue under someone else’s management
- How shares or partnerships are handled under any shareholder agreements
- Leaving the value of the business to someone while another manages it
We can also liaise with accountants, financial advisers, or other legal specialists to ensure your business planning aligns with your will.
Trusts in Your Will
Trusts can help protect assets for vulnerable beneficiaries or ensure children inherit in a controlled way.
For example, if your estate passes to your spouse first, a trust can ensure your children still ultimately inherit, even if your spouse remarries or makes changes to their own will.
Trusts can apply to property, financial assets, or other valuable items. There is an additional cost, and we will discuss whether this is appropriate for your situation.
Feeling Unsure?
It’s normal to feel uncertain — making a will involves personal decisions. At Keily.legal, we have extensive experience creating wills that reflect our clients’ wishes, whatever their circumstances.
We will guide you, answer your questions, and ensure your will provides clarity, protection, and peace of mind.
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Keily.legal – helping clients in Billericay, Chelmsford, Brentwood, Basildon Essex and surrounding areas secure their future with confidence.