Sorting out a will can feel like a big task, but it’s an important step in ensuring your wishes are upheld once you are gone. It can be difficult to know where to start, so we’ve pulled together some answers to some of the more commonly asked questions below.
If you want to speak to a member of the team about leaving BeyondAutism a gift in your will, get in touch today! Your generosity can safeguard the future of our charity.
What is a will, and why do I need one?
A will (or last will and testament) is a legal document which determines what happens to your possessions after you die.
Making a will is the only way to ensure that your estate (made up of your money, property and possessions) goes to the people and causes that you care about.
What happens if I die without a will?
When a person dies without a will, this is called dying intestate. Without a will, there is no one to act as your executor and your estate may not go to the people you want.
Usually, married partners, civil partners and some relatives can inherit through the rules of intestacy. However, if there are no relatives that can inherit through rules of intestacy, then your estate will pass to the crown.
Rules of intestacy are complicated so it is advised that you have a will in place to avoid any difficulties with your estate.
Who should I choose as my executor?
Executors are the people you choose in your will to carry out your wishes. They are legally responsible for dealing with your estate after your death – this includes distributing your estate to your chosen beneficiaries, dealing with any outstanding tax bills or debt and arranging the funeral.
It can be a lot of work, so you need to think carefully about who to choose as an executor and ensure they’re happy to do it. You can choose up to 4 executors to share responsibility – it is recommended more than 1 is chosen in case they are no longer able to carry out the duties.
Executors can also be named as beneficiaries in your will.
Can I change my will, and how often should I update my will?
It is recommended that you review your will every few years or after any major life changes such as moving house or the birth of a child. If you need to make small changes to your will, it is possible to do so by adding a supplement known as a codicil. This needs to be signed and witnessed in the same way as your original will (although the witnesses don’t need to be the same people).
You should create a new will if you marry, separate or divorce as these life events will change the way your will is interpreted.
Can I write my own will, or do I need a lawyer?
It’s not a legal requirement for a will to be drawn up or witnessed by a solicitor, and you can make a will yourself if you wish to do so. It is advised that you use a solicitor to create the will, or at least check it to make sure it covers all the legal requirements to ensure your wishes are carried out as you have chosen.
The more complex your will is, the more you should consider involving a solicitor. Using a solicitor provides peace of mind and reduces the risk of costly legal problems for your executor and beneficiaries.
What to write in a will
What goes into a will varies for each individual depending on their estate. Key things to include in a will are:
- Any property you own in the UK and abroad
- Information on savings and investment accounts
- Valuable personal property such as vehicles, jewellery, antiques
- Insurance policies and pensions
- Outstanding loans, debts, mortgages
Once you have an idea of how much your estate is worth you can start looking at how you want to distribute it. You can name beneficiaries in your will, who are people that you want to leave assets to, following your death. If you want to leave specific items to beneficiaries, this should be listed in the will as well as whether you would like to leave anything to charity. Learn more about leaving a legacy gift for BeyondAutism here. If you have children under the age of 18, you should appoint a guardian in your will.
How can I include charitable donations in my will?
Many people choose to leave gifts to charity in their will. It is a great way to ensure your values live on as well as safeguarding the future of your chosen charity.
In order to leave a gift to charity, you need to specify:
- The organisation’s name
- Their charity number and address
- The size of the gift you wish to donate
- Any conditions or purposes for the gift.
If you have any questions about leaving a legacy gift for BeyondAutism, get in touch today.
Writing a will online
It’s now quick and easy to create a will online. If your estate isn’t complex, an online will can be a convenient and secure way to make a will. BeyondAutism have teamed up with Make a Will Online so that supporters can create their will in a matter of minutes, and what’s more – it’s free! Every will is checked by a solicitor, and you get access to free legal advice at the same time. Find out more about creating your free online will today.
While we are working with Make a Will Online to offer free online wills, there is no obligation to include BeyondAutism in your will. However, if you are able to do so, your gift could ensure that no child is left behind.
How much does a will cost?
Costs for wills vary. Online wills can start from around £30 and are usually cheaper than solicitor drafted wills. In person wills are more expensive and can range from £100s to £1000s. Solicitor-drafted wills tend to be more expensive as they deal with more complex estates and may offer additional services.
Whilst it does cost money, a will provides peace of mind that your wishes will be honoured. That’s why we’re working with Make a Will Online, so you can set your will up totally free of charge.
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