Q. When is the right time to set up a will?

A. Understandably most people turn their attentions to wills later in life. However, sadly many people die early than expected and often this is when a will is at its most useful. For example, you may wish to leave something to your partner but society or indeed your immediate relatives may not recognise their importance in your life.

Perhaps the test is to think is there anyone who I want to leave a reminder to show I loved them should the worst happen. The answer to this question is often more far reaching than you would imagine. Most people will try putting themselves in the position of their close ones to think what they might do. This is arguably a good start point but as you get older you realise it is often more rewarding to give than receive. Also there is pleasure in doing something that has an element of surprise. For example, being left an item of jewellery you loved unexpectedly by a remote Aunt.

Sometimes the mere fact you have a will can surprise the ones you leave behind. They might have had an impression that your fun loving approach to life would have been reflected by tardy administration of your financial affairs.

There is no reason why you should not start this process early in life and most should certainly consider this when they are in a long term committed partnership and absolutely at the point of having children or buying a property. For most this is in the twenties and thirties bracket.

It is also unwise to leave the process until a point in your life when financial affairs are mentally changing or indeed when others could lean on you without you realising their in honourable intentions.

Q. What Will is the best one for me?

A. It is really an individual decision and one which benefits from expert advice. Wills do vary in price and perform differing levels of protection and after sale service.

As with virtually anything in life the simple rule of thumb can be applied – the lower the charge offers the least benefit. And regrettably, the very cheapest are probably not actually worth the paper they are written on, even should you believe your requirements are straight-forward.

Q. Where is the best place to obtain advice about a will?

A. There are a vast number of will specialists and solicitors on the internet or in the telephone directory. Unfortunately, like in all trades there are often some unscrupulous firms. The good news is they are easy to avoid, just ensure the firm has the kite mark of recognised industry standards such as The Society of Will Writers. This will ensure their knowledge and qualifications are of the highest order and ultimately that your advice will be to your maximum benefit.

Q. When is the right time to set up a will?

A. Understandably most people turn their attentions to wills later in life. However, sadly many people die early than expected and often this is when a will is at its most useful. For example, you may wish to leave something to your partner but society or indeed your immediate relatives may not recognise their importance in your life.

Perhaps the test is to think is there anyone who I want to leave a reminder to show I loved them should the worst happen. The answer to this question is often more far reaching than you would imagine. Most people will try putting themselves in the position of their close ones to think what they might do. This is arguably a good start point but as you get older you realise it is often more rewarding to give than receive. Also there is pleasure in doing something that has an element of surprise. For example, being left an item of jewellery you loved unexpectedly by a remote Aunt.

Sometimes the mere fact you have a will can surprise the ones you leave behind. They might have had an impression that your fun loving approach to life would have been reflected by tardy administration of your financial affairs.

There is no reason why you should not start this process early in life and most should certainly consider this when they are in a long term committed partnership and absolutely at the point of having children or buying a property. For most this is in the twenties and thirties bracket.

It is also unwise to leave the process until a point in your life when financial affairs are mentally changing or indeed when others could lean on you without you realising their in honourable intentions.

Q. Are wills only for the super rich?

A. Absolutely not. A will is more about showing you care about loved ones that the size of the gift.

Q. Can you alter a will once it is place?

A. Do not put off setting up a will as it will be reflective of your wishes right now and regrettably today could be your last. A will can be amended as you go through life and in fact it is appropriate to do so as your life often takes different paths than those planned.

Typical reasons for change include: an increase in worldly goods, partnership break-ups, new born children, recognition for the ones who may have looked after you in your dotage.

Some will packages allow for changes without additional cost, others limit the number of changes before a charge and others it is a straight addition.

Q. What do I need to set up a will

A. Relatively little other than interment knowledge of your financial affairs, clear thoughts on the beneficiaries and be able to prove your identity.

You will also need to choose two witnesses of your signature. They should not be beneficiaries and do not have to see the contents of the will. The witnessing can also take place in the comfort of their own home.

Q. Don’t I need a solicitor?

A. A Will does not have to have been written by a Solicitor to be legally binding. For a correctly worded will who actually wrote it is completely irrelevant.

Furthermore, to be legally valid a Will does not have to be witnessed by a Solicitor either – it can be witnessed by any two competent people who are not beneficiaries or directly related to a beneficiary.

The only instances that it would be necessary to engage a solicitor would include:

• You are not a British citizen and your permanent home is not in the UK.
• You are a sole trader and wish to leave specific instructions as to the continuation of your business.
• You are a farm owner.

Q. Can you alter a will once it is place

A. Absolutely, and indeed it is appropriate to do so as your life often takes different paths than those planned.

Typical reasons for change include: an increase in worldly goods, partnership break-ups, new born children, recognition for the ones who may have looked after you in your dotage.

Some will packages allow for changes without additional cost, others limit the number of changes before a charge and others it is a straight addition.

Q. Can I revoke a Will?

A. Yes, a person can revoke their Will by deliberately destroying it. Furthermore:

- A marriage or civil partnership revokes a previous Will, unless the Will states that it is was made in anticipation of marriage or civil partnership.

- If a person revokes a Will without making a new Will, they will die intestate.

- The appointment of a spouse or civil partner as an Executor is cancelled by subsequent divorce or dissolution.

- Divorce cancels any benefit under a Will to a former spouse or civil partner, unless the wording clearly states that divorce or dissolution should not effect the entitlement.

Q. Should I transact on the internet or in an advisors office

A. It is down to personal preference. We understand that many people view meetings uncomfortably and see them as an intrusion, however we recommend that even if you decide to transact via the internet or post that it is probably in your interests to have a conversion on the telephone as it is a complex and vital life decision, and one which is more easily understood when talked through.