What info for making a will?

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My wife and I are going to a solictor tomorrow to make our first will.

My query is, what questions will the solicitor ask us about the will? We don't know what level of detail will be required.

We have 2 kids so I guess they will ask about who we want to be their guardian should we both pop off.

Any help is appreciated.

Phil_rich

We made our first one a couple of weeks ago, they will want to know who should get your estate if you die, who will get your wifes if she should die, who would get it if both of you die along with who will be gaurdians for your children. Also who would get your family estate should all 4 of you die. You will also need to nominate someone or 2 people to be executors, they sort out everything if the worst does happen.

I think that is the main info, also thet will ask small things like what age your kids would get the ££ if you were both brown bread.

Hope this helps, Good luck.

Phil

WestonDave

Usual form is to leave all to your wife (or vice versa) then to your kids in equal shares (all of which is easy enough as you'll know their names etc). However you need to consider what you want to happen in the unlikely event that all 4 of you are in some form of fatal accident and die at the same time - do you have other family you'd want to have it or favourite charities etc? Its unlikely this would ever be relevant but as its possible its worth having something in mind.

You don't have to specify guardians for your kids and bear in mind that this cannot override sensible child protection measures (i.e. social services may have a say), but if you have someone in mind it avoids any arguments later especially if you happen to favour one set of grandparents.

Its worth having a brief tot up of what assets you have (remember to include the proceeds from any life insurance) as if its going to be a lot more than the nil rate inheritance tax band you may be able to do something to help ease the burden on the Chancellor of finding ways of spending 40% of the excess!

Have you got any specific items you'd want either of the kids to have - Dad's watch or Mum's jewellry?

Beyond that, have full names and addresses to hand - if you can type them out for all the relevant persons (beneficiaries and executors) then it should save any drafting typos.