making a will is quick and easy to do

It really doesn't take long to make a new will. Just arrange to see your solicitor, let them know the things you own and who you'd like to leave them to. You also need to think about who you'd like to act as your executors (these are the people who will make sure your wishes are carried out).

In your will you can also make important arrangements like appointing legal guardians for your children and including specific funeral requests. If you fail to make arrangemens for what happens to the things you own a lrage amount could be lost in Inheritance Tax.

To ensure your will is valid, it should be prepared by a solicitor. Do-It-Yourself wills may save a little on fees, but are often invalied or at best unclear and this can cause problems later.

Updating an existing will can be even quicker, expecially if you are only making minor changes like including a gift to charity.

some simple steps to will-making

• STEP 1: prepare a list of assets and liabilites
• STEP 2: Write down the full names and addresses of the people who you would like to be your executors of your will and guardians for your minor children
• STEP 3: Make a note of how you wish to divide up your estate and ensure that you have made proper provision for your family and friends. Make a list of their full names and addresses for your solicitor
• STEP 4: Is there a charity that has really helped you or your family? Which causes are most important to you? Which charity appeals have impressed or affected you most? make a note of the official charity name, address and registered charity number to give to your solicitor or ask for advice as to which charity to choose

For more information on finding and choosing a solicitor consult the Law Society of Northern Ireland website www.lawsoc-ni.org or telephone 028 9023 1614 quoting Will to Give.

News: Law Society lends support to Will to Give Appeal: April/May 2011