Like all legal documents, your will must meet certain requirements.
A will must be signed and witnessed to be valid. You must have two witnesses who can’t be beneficiaries or be married to a beneficiary. If your circumstances change – perhaps by having a child – you will need to update your will. Any changes must be signed and witnessed.
If you marry, any previous will you have made will usually be invalid, so you must make a new one. Remember, unmarried partners don’t automatically inherit, and stepchildren won’t automatically be included in provisions for ‘children’. If you are excluding a close family member, give reasons.
You should name at least two executors to sort out your financial affairs after you die. Executors can be beneficiaries.
If you would like help with your will you can seek professional advice.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate will writing, trusts and some forms of estate planning.
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