This section tells you everything you need to know to begin drafting your Last Will and Testament. Below you will find a summary of what a Will is and why you need one. If you would like to find out more information, click on the relevant links to access more articles and documents. For information on the Wills we offer with the service, visit our selecting a Will article.

A Will is a written declaration setting out the way in which a person's property, assets and wealth is to pass on their death. It can also appoint a guardian for any children you may have who are under the age of 18 and appoint one or more executors, who carry out the instructions in your Will. Die without a Will, and the state decides who gets what, without regard to your wishes or your heirs' needs.

It is important to make a Will because:

• If you die without a Will, there are certain rules that dictate how the money, property or possessions should be allocated. This may not be the way that you would have wished your money and possessions to be distributed.
• Unmarried couples and gay couples who have not registered a civil partnership cannot inherit from each other unless there is a Will, so the death of one partner may create serious financial problems for the remaining partner if there isn’t one.
• If you have children, you will need to make a Will so that arrangements for the children can be made if you die.
• It may be possible to reduce the amount of tax payable on the inheritance if advice is taken in advance and a Will is made.
• If your circumstances have changed, it is important that you make a Will to ensure that your money and possessions are distributed according to your wishes. For example, if you have separated and your ex-partner now lives with someone else, you may want to change your Will. If you are married or enter into a registered civil partnership, this will make any previous Will you have made invalid.

Having a Will is the only way to be sure that your estate is dealt with according to your wishes when you die. Without a Will, your assets may end up being distributed by prescribed regulations (intestacy laws). It is not the case, as many assume, that if a husband or wife dies their estate automatically passes to their spouse. In fact, a substantial amount may go to other relatives.

A Will ensures therefore that your estate is distributed as YOU would like it to be, and that your loved ones are properly provided for. It will also ensure that the people you leave your estate to do not have to pay more tax than absolutely necessary. If you are not married or in a civil partnership, it is even more important that you make a Will, particularly if you have a partner and/or children to whom you wish to leave many or all of your assets.

Most people put off making a Will until it is too late, thinking that it is too complex or expensive. With our service that is not the case - it is simple and inexpensive.