How to make a will
Our online will writing service is designed to make writing a will quick, simple and stress-free. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about writing a will and protecting your family’s future.
Part 1
Everything you need to know before writing a will
Thinking about making your will but not sure where to start? Here's everything you need to know before writing a will.
Part 2
What happens if you don't write a will?
When someone dies without writing a will, their estate is shared out following the rules of intestacy. Here, we’ll cover what this means and who can inherit when there isn’t a valid will in place.
Part 3
What are the rules of intestacy?
The rules of intestacy decide what happens to someone’s estate when they die without a will. The spouse or civil partner inherits the first £270,000 plus half of anything that’s left over. The children then get an equal share of the rest.
Part 4
What is the best type of will for married couples?
For most married couples, a joint will is usually the best option. This allows each of you to write your own individual wishes without having to pay for two separate wills. For more complex relationships, a trust may be a better option.
Part 5
How to appoint a legal guardian in your will
If you have children under 18, you need to write a will and appoint legal guardians to protect their future. Here’s everything you need to know about guardians, their responsibilities and how to choose them.
Part 6
What happens to pets when their owners die?
Writing a will lets you do more than appoint guardians for your children, you can also choose who looks after your pets if something happens to you. Here's everything you need to know to make sure your pets are provided for when you’re gone.
Part 7
How to choose who inherits your estate
One of the most important things to consider when writing a will is who is going to inherit your estate. Here, we cover everything you need to know before choosing your beneficiaries.
Part 8
What to put in a will
Thinking about writing a will but unsure where to start? This simple guide explains the key steps involved so you know exactly what to expect when you start writing your will.
Part 9
What is a mirror will and do I need one?
When couples in the UK think about writing a will, the term ‘mirror will’ often springs to mind. But is it really the best option for you and your partner?
Part 10
What happens to my house if I die?
Your home is probably the most valuable asset you own, so it's important that you have a say over what happens to it when you die. Here's everything you need to know about including property in your will.
Part 11
What happens to your business when you die?
When it comes to writing a will, it’s important to have a plan in place for your business. Here’s everything you need to know about leaving a business in your will.
Part 12
What is an executor of a will and how do you appoint them?
One of the most important parts of writing a will is choosing your executors. Here, we’ll cover who can be an executor, what they do and why they’re so important.
Part 13
What are STEP provisions and why are they important?
When you write a will with Farewill, it includes some general provisions that grant additional powers to your executors and trustees. Here, we’ll cover what these are and why you need to know about them.
Part 14
How to avoid inheritance tax
You can avoid inheritance tax by leaving everything to your spouse or civil partner in your will. Alternatively, you could reduce your inheritance tax bill by giving gifts while you're alive or leaving part of your estate to charity.
Part 15
What happens after you’ve written a will?
Our online will writing service makes it quick and easy to write a will from the comfort of your own home. Here, we'll cover what happens next to make your will legally binding, plus some tips on storing it safely at home.
Part 16
How to update or amend a will
Our update service makes it quick and easy to change your will in the future. Here, we look at how it works and why it's so important to keep your will up to date.
Part 17
Who can witness and sign a will?
A will can be witnessed and signed by anyone over the age of 18 – such as a neighbour, friend or colleague. The only rules are that they can't be a beneficiary of your will, married to a beneficiary, or blind.
Part 18
How to manage your Farewill account
We created our online will writing service to make writing a will simple and stress free – and the same goes with managing your account. From resetting your password to cancelling your subscription, you can find out exactly how to do it here.
Part 19
Do unmarried couples need a will?
Unmarried partners don’t inherit anything when their partner dies in the UK, so it’s really important to have a will in place to set out your wishes. This can cover everything from money in the bank, to pensions, to the property you share.
Part 20
What is a codicil to a will?
A codicil is a legal document that allows you to amend an existing will. This can be helpful if you want to add new family members or leave gifts to charities, but it’s better to write a new will for larger changes.
