Free guide · England and Wales

Wills and planning ahead

Prepare for a useful conversation about a will, executors and keeping wishes up to date.

Sources checked 2 October 2026 · General information, with links to advice for your circumstances.

Read at your own pace

Two people discussing paperwork across a table.

Part 1 of 5

What a will is for

A will records what should happen to your estate after death. It can name executors and make arrangements for those you want to provide for. Without a valid will, inheritance rules decide who receives the estate; this may not match your wishes. A will does not give someone authority to manage your finances while you are alive. That is a different planning question, covered in our power of attorney guide.

Your next step: Ask whether there is an existing will and whether its location is known.

Prepare your questions

Before meeting a solicitor, list property, savings, other assets, debts and the people or organisations you want to consider. Think about executors and what should happen if someone you name dies before you. Mention children, anyone who depends on you, overseas assets, a business, previous relationships and family disagreements. You do not need to solve every issue first: the list helps the solicitor identify what advice you need.

Your next step: Write down the three questions you most want answered.

Three people discussing documents at a table.

Part 3 of 5

Make sure the formalities are right

A valid will has legal requirements, including capacity, a voluntary decision, writing, signing and witnessing. Ordinary witnessing requires two adult witnesses; gifts to witnesses or their spouses or civil partners can fail. Follow current official instructions and seek advice instead of guessing. If illness, communication difficulties or pressure from others are concerns, tell the solicitor. Do not sign for another person or make changes to their will without proper legal advice.

Your next step: Ask the solicitor to explain the signing arrangements before the appointment.

Two women having a private conversation at a table.

Part 4 of 5

Use advice suited to your circumstances

The Law Society explains how a solicitor can help and provides a solicitor-finding service. Ask about relevant experience, fees, what the fee includes and who regulates the service. A simple template may not deal with a complicated family or estate. If someone cannot make a will themselves, creating one for them is not an ordinary family task; seek specialist advice about the lawful options.

Your next step: Request a written explanation of the work and price before instructing someone.

Document folders and a notebook on a desk.

Part 5 of 5

Keep it safe and revisit it

Tell your executors where the original will is held and how to access it. Review arrangements after major changes in family life, relationships or finances. Ask a solicitor how marriage, civil partnership, separation or divorce affects your own will. Keep practical wishes and useful contacts accessible too, so people can find them when needed. Do not write alterations on an existing will and assume they will be effective.

Your next step: Set a reminder to review the documents and their location.

Your next-steps checklist

Print this page, or choose “Save as PDF” in your print options. Your notes stay with you.

Where is the current original will?
Who are the executors and do they know?
What assets, responsibilities and dependants should be discussed?
Have circumstances changed?
What legal advice and signing arrangements are needed?
Who needs to know where documents are stored?

My next step: ____________________________________

Who will help, and when: ____________________________

Sources and further help

Based on the published guidance below. Last checked 2 October 2026. Applies to England and Wales. These organisations have not endorsed or approved this Pheon Academy guide.

For a decision about your own care, finances or legal documents, use these services to find appropriate individual advice. Official pages carry current fees, eligibility details and contact information.

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