Is your Will up to date?

It is most important to make a Will or just as importantly, ensure it’s up to date. Failing to do so may mean that your money and possessions are not allocated as you would have wished.

Whilst the making of a Will is a personal responsibility, personnel should be aware of the importance of making a Will not only when preparing for deployed operations but also as part of their normal Service routine duties. A Service person can make a Will, either by using the MOD Form 106 or privately.

Why is a Will Important?

Due to the nature of operations and the risks of Service life, it is recommended that all Service Personnel have a Will. Wills can distribute your property, name an executor, name guardians for children, forgive debts and more. Having a Will also means that you, rather than your state’s laws, decide who gets your property when you die.

Type of Will

If a Service Person decides to make a Will they can either choose to use the MOD Form 106 (Basic Will Form for SP) which provides a template for a basic Will or they can choose to make a Will privately; no advice will be given by Unit HR staffs with regard to recommendations for a Solicitor or content of the Will.

Personnel who wish to make a Will privately can be directed to The Law Society – Find a Solicitor:.

Alternatively, a number of Military charities offer advice and can signpost SP to solicitors who may be able to draw one up for free, through the National Wills Network. These include:

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

See also Information on Pensions for allocation wishes and various forms on GOV.UK.