Wills and testaments

Why make a will?

It is important for you to make a will whether or not you consider you have many possessions or much money. It is important to make a will because:-

if you die without a will, there are certain rules which 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 partners and partners 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 you have children, you will need to make a will so that arrangements for the children can be made if either one or both parents 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.

Living Will

The following Living Will has been adapted by the Natural Death Centre from those put out by the Voluntary Euthanasia Society, the Terrence Higgins Trust and others. The British Medical Association approves of Living Wills. You would be well advised however to discuss your Living Will with your G.P or another doctor if necessary; and to lodge a copy with a doctor (it may be best to change doctor if necessary, in order to find one who is sympathetic to the Living Will concept) and with your relatives. If you go into hospital, you can show it to your doctors there and have a copy put in your notes.

Download Living Will Form (Word version)

You may also want to update the form every few years, even if just to sign and have witnessed the statement to the effect that it still represents your wishes. Strike out any parts which you do not wish to apply to your case - or write your own version entirely. If you appoint representatives these should be people you trust absolutely, especially if they would benefit financially from your death.

For more information on making a will please visit the Citizens Advice Bereau website.