Making a will
Why making a will is so important
It is most important to make a will; failing to do so may mean that your money and possessions are not allocated as you would have wished.
Whilst a spouse, parents or child can automatically benefit as the Next of Kin (NOK), if an individual dies intestate (without a will), it is risky to assume a person will benefit from the estate just because they were living together, or in a relationship. If a Service person wishes a partner to benefit from their estate, they must specifically make provision for them in their will.
Wills may not be valid for evermore
You should review your will every 5 years and after any major change in your life, eg:
- getting separated or divorced
- getting married (this cancels any will you made before)
- having a child
- moving house
- if the executor named in the will dies
Useful guides for making a will
Royal British Legion (Free will writing service – funded by RBL)