POINTS TO REMEMBER

WHEN TO UPGRADE YOUR WILL

When any major change occurs in your life, you should review your will and consider whether it needs updating. Situations that may require you to review your Will include births or divorces in your family, a change to your financial circumstances, or if someone mentioned in your Will dies. If you get married, you must make a new Will. If you get divorced, anything left to your ex-spouse will be invalid, but the rest of the Will would prevail. Generally, it’s wise to review your Will if you divorce. You can change your Will as often as you like. However, you must not make changes to the original document as this make it invalid. It’s possible to change your Will by adding a Codicil. This must be signed and change is minor, we recommend you make a new Will. You should preferable seek professional advice before drafting any Codicil or new Will.

REASONS FOR YOU TO MAKE OR UPDATE YOUR WILL

It is sensible and practical step which allows you to make the important decisions about what happens to your property and possessions.

A properly made will provides peace of mind.

Without a legally valid will, those you leave behind could be faced with confusion, delays and legal costs.

LIST OTHER IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND ITEMS THAT MAY BE NEEDED AFTER YOUR DEATH

It is advisable to make lists indicating where important items and documents can be found. These lists should be kept in a safe place, and you should tell your Executor(s) and/or next of kin where to find them:

A copy of your funeral instructions (which may be needed before your Will is read).

A list of people who should be notified about your death and funeral.

Where important keys can be found.

A list of things that should be returned/cancelled after your death to the authorities that issued them (e.g. passport, driving licenses, pan card, library card/books).

Any wishes you have about donations to charity.

Where to find other important documents/items such as certificates, passport, licenses, policies and deeds.

A list of organizations which should be notified about your death, such as your bank/building society, pension provider and companies supplying you with services (electricity, gas etc.).

Things to destroy (e.g. credit and debit cards after the companies have been notified of your death).