Will writing glossary
Some of the words used when writing a will can sound like “legalese” but they normally have quite simple meanings. Select a word below to get a definition.
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Mutual Wills
Discover the differences between mutual wills and mirror wills, the issues surrounding mutual wills and your alternatives for making a will.
When to update your will
Discover the most common life events that may require you to update your will, from marriage, children and finances changes.
Are Make a Will Online’s wills valid in Scotland?
Are wills from Make a Will Online valid in Scotland? Our wills are only valid in England and Wales as they conform to English and Welsh law. They are not valid in Scotland.
Are online wills legal?
The short answer is yes; online wills are legal, if you fill in the information correctly and sign/witness the document correctly.
Choosing executors for your will
Your executors are the people who will manage your estate after your death. This is an important responsibility and you should let your executors know if you want them to perform the task.
Do you need to make a will?
If you want to be 100% sure that your possessions are distributed according to your wishes after your death, you need to write a will.
Do you need a solicitor present to write a will?
You do not need a solicitor present to write a will. This said, there are some important reasons why you should want your will to be checked by a solicitor.
FAQs
Do you need a solicitor present to write a will? You do not need a solicitor present to write a will. This said, there are some important reasons why you should want your will to be checked by a solicitor.
Remembering a charity in your will
Gifts left in wills are one of the major sources of income for UK-based charities.
How do you cancel a last will and testament?
Cancelling your will is known as revoking your will. You can do this at any time by simply destroying your will, either by tearing it up, shredding it or burning it.
What happens if you die without a will?
Dying without a valid will is called “dying intestate” or in a state of “intestacy”. Around a third of people in the United Kingdom die intestate.
Video Conference Execution: the new rules (now revoked)
New rules for executing (i.e. signing and witnessing) wills came into force in 2020 to take account for people trying to witness their last will and testament during self isolation.
Storing a last will and testament
The original versions of legal documents, such as Wills and Powers of Attorney are the only legally binding versions.
Who can witness a will?
Witnessing the last will and testament on the attestation clause is an essential step in making your will legal. If your will is not correctly witnessed, it is not valid.
Will writing glossary
Some of the words used when writing a will can sound like "legalese" but they normally have quite simple meanings.
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