Writing a will is simpler than people fear

For anyone browsing Ridents, here is a clear starting point on the subject.

A will is a short list of who should receive what, who should carry it out and who should look after any children. For most people with a home, some savings and a family, a straightforward will takes an hour with a solicitor or a reputable will-writing service and costs less than a weekend away. Without one, the law decides, and it often decides differently from what you would have chosen.

A will is a short list of who should receive what, who should carry it out and who should look after any children.

Sign it in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries, tell your executor where it is kept, and review it after every big change: a marriage, a child, a house move or a death in the family. Keeping a list of accounts and policies alongside it saves your family weeks of searching at the worst possible time.