Members area

Loading...

Register

Don't have a login?

Join us

Become a member

  • Connect with others through events, workshops, campaigns and our NEW online forum, Your Community
  • Discover information and insights in our resource hub and receive the latest updates via email
  • Access one-to-one support and tailored services which help reduce barriers for deaf children
Menu Open mobile desktop menu

How to make or update your Will

Photo: Small child looking up at the camera.

A Will can give you peace of mind and make your intentions clear for your family and friends at a difficult time. It can ensure the people and causes you care about are provided for exactly as you want them to be. 

Decide on the type and size of gift you’d like to leave in your Will

The choice is yours. Some people simply leave a specific amount of money. However, we completely respect that you will want to prioritise your family and friends. Many people prefer to include a gift that is a percentage or share of whatever is left, once all the other gifts you leave your loved ones have been made.

Seek professional advice 

Whether you are making a new Will or updating an existing one, we recommend that you seek professional advice from a solicitor or a professional Will writer. They have the legal expertise to ensure your Will is valid, and they can clearly express and carry out your wishes.

You can find a solicitor in your local area using The Law Society’s website.

Our free Will-writing partners, Octopus Legacy 

We are delighted to be able to offer you the chance to write your will for free through our partners at Octopus Legacy

Inheritance Tax and how it can affect you

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged on the portion of your estate that exceeds a certain value at the time of your death. A gift to charity in your Will is tax-free and could reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax due. Also, under current law, if you leave 10% of your estate to charity, it may reduce the overall rate of inheritance tax to be paid.

We would always recommend talking to your solicitor or financial advisor as the rules around inheritance tax can change, and everyone’s circumstances are different.

Updating an existing Will

Once you have made your Will, it’s important to regularly review it to take into account any changes in your life. You can make amendments to your Will at any time. If the changes are simple and straightforward it might be possible for you to use a form called a Codicil. As the addition of a Codicil will affect the contents of your Will, we always recommend that you seek professional advice. If the changes are more complicated, it is likely you will need a new Will.