a parent, leaving the majority of your estate to your husband, wife or partner and the remainder (after specific gifts), or Extra care needs to be taken when you are making a will and including instructions about property such as your house or flat. In some cases there might be a clause in the title deeds called a 'survivorship destination' clause. These clauses can override what it says about the property in a will. A solicitor can give advice about the impact of these clauses. Choosing executors A codicil must be signed by the person who made the will and be witnessed in the same way as the original will was witnessed. However, the witnesses do not have to be the same as for the original will.

Any obvious alterations on the face of the will are assumed to have been made at a later date and so do not form part of the original legally valid will.

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who should look after any children under 16 and what provisions need to be made for them and any older children

We do not make, nor do we seek to make, any recommendations or personalised advice on financial products or services that are regulated by the FCA, as we’re not regulated or authorised by the FCA to advise you in this way. In some cases, however, we have included links to regulated brands or providers with whom we have a commercial relationship and, if you choose to, you can buy a product from our commercial partners. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you should make a will, you should consult a solicitor - find out how to get legal advice. What does the charity do? Researches the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer. The Stroke AssociationYou should always approach anyone you are thinking of appointing as an executor to see if they will agree to take on the responsibility. If someone is appointed who is not willing to be an executor, they have a right to refuse. September: Will Relief Scotland is a partnership between Scottish solicitors and four charities: Blythswood Care, EMMS International, MAF and Signpost International. You can set trust provisions in detail, deciding how the trustees should manage your property for both the 'life tenant' and the ultimate beneficiaries.

Your last Will and testament by definition is the most recent. However, the first lines of any Will usually revoke (cancel) any previous Wills you might have made. Appointment of executorsIf you get married or enter into a civil partnership, there are rights of succession that apply even when neither of you has made a will. The surviving spouse or civil partner has what are called 'prior rights'. This means they're entitled to a certain amount of property and possessions of the person who has died. If you don't make a will, other family members might inherit less than you wanted them to because of the 'prior rights' rules. In some circumstances, it’s good practice to Ask a lawyer for advice to ensure that you’re complying with the law and that you are well protected from risks. You should consider asking for advice if: For further information about these requirements, including exceptions, see Who can make a Will? Witnesses and beneficiaries Extra care needs to be taken when you are making a Will and including instructions about property (eg a house or a flat). In some cases, there may be a clause in the title deeds of a property called a ' survivorship destination' clause. These clauses can override what it says about the property in a Will. A solicitor can give advice about the impact of these clauses. there are several family members who may make a claim on the will, for example, a second wife or children from a first marriage