A Guide to Making a Will: What You Can Include and Why it Matters

Thinking ahead isn’t just about what happens during your lifetime, it’s also about making sure your wishes are followed after you’re gone. That’s where making a will comes in. It’s a simple but powerful way to protect the people and things that matter most to you.

At Bridger’s Law, our Wills and Probate solicitors support individuals and families in creating wills that are tailored to their unique circumstance. In this guide, we’ll explain what you can include in your will, and why it’s such an important part of planning for the future.

Why should you make a Will?

Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy, which may not reflect your wishes.

Without a will, your estate will pass to your closest living relative, who may not be the person you would have chosen. If there is no spouse or civil partner, the estate is inherited in a set order: children first, then parents, siblings, and more distant relatives such as nieces and nephews. Sadly, unmarried partners, stepchildren, and close friends are not entitled to inherit under these rules. However, by naming them in your will, you can ensure they receive exactly what you intend.

A will drafted through a solicitor gives you control and peace of mind over key decisions, including:

• Inheritance planning – deciding who inherits your assets
• Appointing guardians – choosing who will care for your children (if under 18)
• Estate administration – selecting who will manage your estate
• Leaving specific gifts – ensuring personal items or money go to chosen individuals or charities

What can you include in your Will?

A will can cover much more than ‘who gets what.’ Here are the key elements you may want to include:

Who inherits your assets

Your will allows you to say exactly who inherits your assets – a house, money, jewellery, painting, or your treasured Lego. It also lets you plan for the unexpected by choosing who should inherit if your first choice is no longer here.  

Guardians for children

If you have children under 18, you can name legal guardians to care for them. This is one of the most important reasons for people with children under 18 to make a will.

Without one, the courts or local authority may decide who looks after your children, which may not align with your wishes.

A will allows you to be very specific so you can state that their inheritance will be held in trust and managed by your executors/trustees. This allows for your children to be looked after until they are 18 or another age that you feel would be better for them to inherit.

Appointing executors

You’ll need to name one or more executors for your will – the people responsible for managing your estate. This includes collecting assets, paying debts, and distributing your estate according to your instructions. You can also appoint a professional executor, such as a solicitor to take the pressure off the friend or family member. This also provides added reassurance.

Gifts of money or specific items

You can leave specific gifts, such as:

• Cash amounts to individuals or charities
• Personal possessions e.g. (jewellery, heirlooms, vehicles.)
• Shares or property

This ensures treasured items go to those who will appreciate them most, according to your wishes.

 Residuary estate

After debts, taxes, and specific gifts are settled, the remainder of your estate – known as the residue –can be left to one person or divided among several beneficiaries in any proportions you choose.

This will be stated in the will.

Funeral wishes

While not legally binding, including your funeral preferences in your will can be helpful to loved ones. You might specify whether you wish to be buried or cremated or request a particular type of service.

Charitable donations

Leaving a gift to charity in your will is a meaningful way to support causes close to your heart. It can also offer potential inheritance tax benefits.

Setting up Trusts

You can establish trusts in your will for various reasons, such as:

• Providing for children under 18
• Protecting assets from care fees or bankruptcy
• Supporting vulnerable or disabled beneficiaries

Trusts can be complex, so seeking expert legal advice is essential.

Common mistakes to avoid

• DIY Wills – These are often invalid or unclear, leading to costly disputes.
• Outdated Wills – Review your will regularly, especially after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, having children or buying property. If you don’t change it, it’s still legally enforceable, meaning someone you no longer want in your will may still inherit.
• Incorrect signing and witnessing – A will must be signed and witnessed properly to be legally valid.

Need help writing or updating a Will

At Bridger’s Law, our experienced Wills and Probate solicitors are here to help you create, update or check a will that reflects your wishes and protects your loved ones. We offer clear, compassionate guidance to ensure your will is legally sound and tailored to your needs and current circumstances.

Keeping your will up-to-date can make things much easier for your loved ones when the time comes. It ensures your wishes are clearly understood and helps simplify the legal process, giving your family peace of mind during a difficult period.

We can also help you with the following:

Lasting Power of Attorney for Finances and Property

Health and welfare power of attorney

Guide to probate

More reading…
What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?

What happens if you die without a Will?

Find out more about our Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney services