Getting Ready for Your Will Writing Consultation: What You Need to Know

Preparing to write your Will is one of the most thoughtful and important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honoured. If you’ve booked a consultation, well done—you're taking control of your legacy. To help you feel prepared and make the most of our time together, here’s a guide on what to consider and bring with you.

1. Decide Who Will Inherit and Why

Chances are, you’ve already thought long and hard about who you would like to inherit your estate. This is often the most personal—and sometimes emotional—part of the process. Whether you’re leaving everything to your children, making special gifts to friends or charities, or providing for someone in particular, it’s important to understand your reasons.

Ask yourself:

• Who are the most important people (or causes) in my life?

• What would I like them to receive, and why?

• Are there any sensitive family dynamics to consider?

Having clarity on this not only helps us draft a Will that reflects your wishes accurately, but also reduces the chance of disputes in the future.

2. Take Inventory of Your Assets

We don’t need a full financial breakdown, but it helps to have an overview of:

• Property you own (and how it’s owned—solely or jointly)

• Bank accounts and savings

• Investments or pensions

• Life insurance policies

• Valuables or sentimental items

This helps us structure your Will in a way that’s both practical and tax-efficient.

3. Choose Your Executors

Executors are the people you trust to carry out your wishes after you’ve gone. This can be one person or multiple (up to four). Think about:

• Who is reliable and organised?

• Will they be willing and able to act when the time comes?

• Do they know each other and work well together?

You can appoint family members, friends, or professionals—such as a solicitor or accountant.

4. Guardians for Young Children

If you have children under 18, your Will is where you nominate legal guardians. Think carefully about who you trust to raise your children in your absence, and whether they’d be willing and able to take on that role.

5. Specific Gifts and Personal Items

Do you want a particular person to receive your grandmother’s ring, or your record collection? These can be detailed in your Will or left in a separate “letter of wishes” to keep things flexible. Think about:

• Sentimental items

• Family heirlooms

• Personal possessions that may cause conflict if not addressed

  
  

6. Funeral Wishes

It’s not essential, but you can include your preferences for burial, cremation, or even the type of service you’d like. These aren’t legally binding, but they give your loved ones helpful guidance at a difficult time.

Final Thoughts

A Will is more than a legal document—it’s a way to protect the people you love and pass on what matters most. The more prepared you are for our consultation, the more we can focus on crafting a Will that truly reflects your wishes.

If you have questions before we meet, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.