Leave a lasting legacy: seven essential steps to writing a Will
21 June 2024
Discover the essential tips to writing a Will in our step-by-step guide. Start planning your legacy with ActionAid today.
Gulshanara (right) is a farmer, grandmother and president of a farmers' group in Bangladesh. Photo: Fabeha Monir/ActionAid
A well-prepared Will provides peace of mind; however, the process can seem daunting if you're not sure where to start. Whether you're considering your first Will or updating an existing one; from understanding the basic elements to including special bequests, we cover everything you need to know to create a Will that truly reflects your wishes.
Including a charitable gift in your Will can be a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy and support causes that are important to you. By naming ActionAid UK, you can help us continue our vital work fighting poverty and injustice worldwide for women and girls. Not only does this provide a sense of fulfilment, but it also makes a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Below are seven easy tips to help get you started on your Will-writing journey.
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1. Document your assets
Have all of your personal information ready such as your assets, investments, personal possessions that you wish to pass on.
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2. Make a list of your beneficiaries
Make a list of family members, friends, or any dependents who you want to include in your Will. Clear and precise details help ensure your wishes are honoured and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings or conflicts among your loved ones.
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3. Consider including an emotional Will or a letter of wishes
Leave behind a special message for your loved ones, capturing your personal values, life lessons, memories, and wishes that goes beyond the legal distribution of assets. Unlike a traditional Will, which focuses on financial assets, an emotional will can be a deeply personal legacy that shares your love, wisdom, and hopes to family and friends.
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4. Charitable contributions
Think about charitable donations and consider leaving a legacy to a cause close to your heart, such as ActionAid UK, to stand alongside women and girls who are fighting poverty and injustice worldwide.
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5. Get your Will written or updated for free
ActionAid UK offer a free Will writing service through our partnership with Octopus Legacy.
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6. Review and update your Will regularly
Life circumstances are constantly evolving, and your Will should evolve with them. Make sure to review and update your Will after significant life events such as marriages, divorces, births, or deaths in the family to ensure it accurately reflects your current wishes.
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7. Keep your Will safe
Store your Will in a safe place and inform your executor where it can be found.
Write a Will with ActionAid
We have partnered up with Octopus Legacy to provide an online free Will-writing service making it easier than ever to ensure your final wishes are honoured.
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a solicitor or use a free will-making service such as the one offered by ActionAid UK.
