Your Last Will & Testament is one of the most important legal documents you will ever sign.

A Last Will and Testament, commonly referred to as a "will," is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of their property, assets, and the guardianship of any minor children.

Here are key elements of a Last Will & Testament:

1. Asset Distribution: The primary purpose of a Will is to specify how your assets property, money, investments, personal belongings, and other valuables should be distributed among their beneficiaries after your death.‍
2. Executor: Your Will appoints an executor  who is responsible for ensuring that the wishes outlined in the Will are carried out. The executor manages the estate, pays debts, and oversees the distribution of assets or chooses a solicitor to do this work..‍
3. Guardianship of Minor Children: If you have minor children, your Will typically designates a guardian to care for them.‍
4. Debts and Taxes: Your Will may address how your debts and taxes should be handled after their death.‍
5. Funeral Instructions: Your Will can confirm your preferences regarding funeral arrangements and burial or cremation.
6. Organ donation: Your Will can confirm your preferences regarding what happens to your organs after your death.

If you die without a legally valid Last Will & Testament or if it cannot be found the state will decide who receives your estate. If you have a spouse and children, your spouse will inherit the first £270,000 of your estate and 50% of the rest of your estate, your children or grandchildren will inherit the remaining 50% of your estate. Therefore, it is important to ensure you have made a Last Will & Testament which is currently legally valid so the people you wish to inherit your estate receive their inheritance.

If you die without ensuring your Last Will & Testament is currently up to date and continues to accurately reflects your current wishes, the people you wish to inherit your estate may not receive their inheritance. Instead, your estate could be inherited by people you no longer wish to inherit or the people you wish to inherit may receive different amounts than those you intended. Therefore, it is important to ensure your Last Will & Testament is always up to date.

If your circumstances change, you should review your Last Will & Testament to ensure it continues to remain legally valid and continues to accurately reflect your wishes.  Examples of changes of circumstances which could require a review of your Last Will & Testament include moving home, the death of somebody named in your Will, the change of legal name of somebody named in your Will or the birth of children.

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