Wills
A Will is a legally binding document which sets out your wishes now, detailing what you would like to happen to your property and possessions when you die. You decide how you would like everything to be distributed and to whom; ensuring those you would like to benefit, do. Not only that, but you can also decide who should care for any minors (children under the age of 18) or other dependants in the event of your death.
Don’t forget, making a Will is just the first step. Keeping it up to date and safe is necessary to avoid complications for your loved ones.
An Overview
With lots of information out there about Wills, writing yours can seem daunting. We’ve boiled the essential information down into manageable sections.
Will Storage
Secure storage of your Will, and other important documents
Will Updates
Simple process to update your Will
Retrieve A Will
Fast and efficient Will retrieval process
Will Signing
Support and advice, signing and witnessing your Will
The National Will Register
Free of charge Will registration
Revoke Will
Advice on how to revoke an old Will
Contest Will
Advice if you feel you have grounds to contest a Will
Storing Your Will
If you store your Will with us, it is currently locked away in our state-of-the-art secure document storage vault; protected from fire, theft and damage.
When needed, your Will can be quickly retrieved and delivered directly, and securely, to the people you have expressly chosen, ensuring it is always safe.
If you currently store your Will at home, or elsewhere, and would like the peace-of-mind offered by using a safe storage facility for your Will, or other legal documents, contact us now; we will explain our affordable options and help you through the process.
Family and Friends Vault
Not only can you store your important documents with us, but as part of a unique storage service we have available, your family and friends can take advantage of our facilities as well*. Find out now if you qualify for this exclusive offer.
*Subject to status
Updating Your Will
As your circumstances change, so must your Will, which is why we have made the process of updating your Will as simple as possible.
We will go through what sort of changes you would like to make by email, letter or telephone. Once we have a clear idea of how your situation has changed, a member of the Legal Support Team will either make the changes for you, or we will recommend that you need to speak to one of our Later Life Planning advisers so they can continue to give you the best possible advice.
Our commitment to you means we ensure that you have the flexibility to change your wishes in the most convenient way for you, and as often as you need to. Click the ‘Contact Us’ button below to get in touch or book a callback, and we’ll call you!
Details We Need
Along with the changes to your Will, please include your name, date of birth, postcode and reference number, which can be found on your original consumer agreement.
How long does it take to update a Will?
Once we have finalised your updates, you can expect to receive your new Will within one calendar month.
How do I retrieve a Will?
Will Registration
You know where your Will is, and that it is in a safe place; but does anyone else? Registering your Will on the National Will Register is the process of recording your Wills location. When your Will is needed, this makes things a little easier for your loved ones; while safeguarding your wishes.
If a Will cannot be found after your death, it can cause all sorts of complications.
If you have made a Will with Trust Inheritance, we automatically register your Will with the National Will Register; free of charge (usually £30 including VAT).
You can update The National Will Register yourself using this Will Registration Form, even if you made your Will with another company. It only takes a couple of minutes to fill out.
How do I sign my Will?
You’ve taken the first step of having your Will drafted. It is now of vital importance that you execute your Will (sign it, date it and have it witnessed) correctly. Here are some do’s and don’ts to help. Our Customer Care Team are also on hand via live chat, telephone and email to guide you through what to do.
Please read and follow the simple checklist below when signing and witnessing your Will:
- Do have TWO independent witnesses present at all times when signing (or initialing) your Will.
- Witnesses do not need to read the Will or know its contents, although they should be told what it is. They are simply witnessing your signature and acknowledging that you have signed the Will freely, and on that basis that the contents of the Will have been understood and approved by you.
- Witnesses must be over 18 years old (do not let a minor witness your Will).
- Do sign your name at the bottom of each page first (except the final page). Your witnesses aren’t required to do this.
- Do sign the Will in the same colour as both witnesses i.e. all signatures completed using black ink.
- Do where indicated write the date clearly in full, including the year. e.g. 12th day of January 2014, on the final page.
- Do sign with your usual signature alongside where it says ‘Signature of Testator’ on the final page.
- Do get your witnesses to sign and print their names, write their address and occupation on the final page.
- Do make sure all signatures are witnessed by all those present.
- Do make sure that if you correct your Will in any way, it must be initialled by you and by both your witnesses in the margin alongside.
All Wills have to be signed and witnessed correctly to make them effective. Failure to do so will make your Will invalid.
- Do not sign or initial any part of your Will without your witnesses being present.
- Do not ask a beneficiary, nor the spouse or registered civil partner of a beneficiary, to witness the Will, as any benefit or interest to which they are entitled within the Will, will be lost.
- Do not use correction fluid or Tipp-Ex on your Will if you make a mistake.
- Do not fasten anything to your Will, e.g. staples, paper clips.
How do I revoke my Will?
Revoking a Will means that you do not want your current Will to stand, so in effect you are ‘cancelling’ it. There may be several reasons for this – you have updated your wishes, you have married, or you simply do not want your current Will to take effect. You can also revoke your Will by destroying the original.
To ensure there are no problems in the future, please let us know if you do revoke a Will we have produced for you so we can update our records.
How do I contest a Will?
The law makes provision for disappointed beneficiaries to challenge a Will in two scenarios. The circumstances most commonly arise:
- If you were given assurances by the testator during their lifetime about inheriting land or property, only to have those promises not honoured in the Will. In this case, you could use a legal challenge called Proprietary Estoppel.
- If you wish to argue that not enough was set aside for you in the Will given your financial dependency and the nature of your relationship with the deceased, you would use the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975; sometimes referred to as the Inheritance Act.
If you believe you have strong grounds for challenging or contesting a Will, contact us for further information.
How much help do I need?
Not sure where to start? Complete our simple questionnaire. It only takes a few minutes and is designed to help you decide how much professional assistance you need making a Will, whether it’s online, via the telephone or face to face.
*You will be directed to the How Much Help website to complete the questionnaires
Get in Touch
Have a question? Need some help? We are happy to go through any queries you may have. Call, email or CHAT with us LIVE online using the link in the bottom right of the screen for an instant response.
