Will Introduction

What is a will?

Your will is a legal document that determines what will happen to your estate (money, property, possessions and investments) after you pass away.

Your will sets out:

Who should receive your estate
Who should look after your children (if they are under 18)
Who is going to carry out your wishes for you (your executor)
What happens if the people named in your will die before you
Any legacy gifts you would like to make to charity

Why should you write a will?

If you pass away without a legally valid will, the intestacy rules will govern how your assets are distributed. This also means you will not get to decide who will take care of your children if they are under 18 years old. If you do not have any living close family members, then the Crown will receive all of your property and possessions.

If you want to ensure that your estate goes to the people and causes you care about, it is important that you write a will.