Mountbatten Isle of Wight's guide to making a will

CLICK HERE for up to date information and a link about making your free Will

Making a will is an essential step to ensure your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are respected after you are gone. Despite this, many people delay writing a valid will, leaving their estate at risk of being distributed in a way they would not have intended.

Mountbatten Isle of Wight urges everyone to keep their will up to date and reflective of their current wishes.

Why is making a will important?

A will is a legal document that ensures your estate, possessions, and assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without a will, your estate will be divided according to UK intestacy laws, which may not reflect your preferences.

It is especially important to make a will if:

You are not married or in a registered civil partnership. Cohabitants (unmarried partners) do not have the same rights as spouses or civil partners, so your partner may not inherit anything without a will.
You have children or dependents who may not be able to care for themselves.
You wish to leave specific keepsakes, financial gifts, or charitable donations to individuals or organisations.

What can you include in your will?

In your will, you can:

Appoint a guardian to care for your underage children.
Provide for children from a previous marriage or partnership.
Appoint executors (family, friends, or a professional such as a solicitor) to administer your estate.
Leave keepsakes, financial gifts, or sentimental items to family and friends.
Include your favourite charities as beneficiaries.
Specify your funeral wishes, such as cremation or burial arrangements.

How to make a will.

It is advisable to use a solicitor to create your will to ensure it is valid and comprehensive. Solicitors can help you navigate complex situations, such as:

Blended families or children from previous relationships.
Property ownership or joint assets.
Appointing lasting guardianship for dependents.

How to make a simple free will online:

We have partnered with Bequeathed to offer you a free online will-writing service that allows you to make a simple will in a way that suits you best.

Click HERE to read more about our free will service with Bequeathed.

You can also find information about making a will from:

Your solicitor.
The Citizens Advice Bureau.
The UK Government’s website on making a will.

Planning for your loved ones and leaving a gift in your will to charity

Making a will is not just about distributing possessions; it is a way to protect your loved ones and ensure they are supported in the future. It also offers an opportunity to support your favourite charities by leaving a gift in your will.

Click HERE for information on leaving Mountbatten a gift in your will.