Creating a will without close family members is still very important to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Here are some steps you can follow to create a will:
Even if you don’t have close family members, you can leave your assets to friends, distant relatives, charities, or other organisations that are important to you. Consider who you want to benefit from your estate.
Make a comprehensive list of all your assets, including property, bank accounts, investments, personal belongings, and digital assets. This will help ensure nothing is overlooked.
An executor is responsible for carrying out the instructions in your will. This can be a trusted friend, a professional like a lawyer, or an organisation such as the Public Trust.
If you have no close family, you might want to leave part of your estate to charitable organisations. This can also provide tax benefits for your estate.
Include instructions for handling your digital assets and social media accounts. Specify who should have access and what should be done with these accounts.
While you can create a will yourself using online tools or DIY kits, it’s often best to seek professional advice to ensure your will is legally sound and covers all necessary aspects.
Clearly outline your wishes in the will. Be specific about who gets what and include any special instructions.
For your will to be valid, it must be signed by you and witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. This ensures the will is legally binding.
Keep your will in a safe place and let your executor know where it is. You can also register it with the Public Trust or a similar organisation.
Regularly review and update your will to reflect any changes in your circumstances or wishes.
By following these steps, you can create a will that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, even if you don’t have close family members.
If you would like to find out more or want to start the process of creating a will, our team is here to help. We can help you get peace of mind that everything will be done as you wish after you’re gone.
