What Are The Options?

Making a will

Even in what can seem to be the simplest of circumstances, it is generally advisable to use a solicitor to make a will so that your wishes may be fully captured. It is also possible to get a will-making kit from stationers and to do it yourself, but the risk can be a will that won’t work as you would have hoped - for example, if it doesn’t cater for unexpected future circumstances or isn’t tax efficient.

Using a solicitor

You can find a solicitor in your area through the Law Society.
The Law Society provides independent advice on topics such as choosing a solicitor and preparing for your first meeting.

The cost of using a solicitor varies depending on how complicated your Will is and where in the country you live. The solicitor should make it clear from the start how much they will charge.

How to find a solicitor

Citizen’s Advice Bureau can provide a list of local solicitors. They don’t have a central phone number, so check your telephone directory or you can search for your local bureau’s number at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The Law Society has a solicitor finding service at www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing/findasolicitor.law or on 020 7242 1222
A small number of people may qualify for free advice under the Legal Help scheme if they meet certain income and circumstantial criteria. To check, phone 0845 3454 345 or visit www.communitylegaladvice.co.uk

Using a Will writer

Professional Will writers are another option, but they are currently less regulated than solicitors. It is important to check that they belong to a professional body and follow a code of conduct. The Institute of Professional Will writers, is just one of the bodies that can help you find a Will writer in your area.

Using a bank

Many high street banks are also able to assist with Will writing. Please contact your local branch for further information.

We can’t recommend a particular solicitor or Will writer, but if you need any general advice on choosing a professional then you can call the Head of Fundraising on 01789 290266.

Will-making service

We are pleased to advise that a highly respected award-winning firm of solicitors, @@@@@@@@@, is providing a will-making service at a discount to The Jennifer Trust supporters and staff.

The @@@@@@ service is entirely independent of The Jennifer Trust The service is strictly confidential - we are informed of individual gifts only if the client requests it and receive no commission from use of the service.
The service is provided via the Internet, but the solicitors are also available over the phone or at their offices in @@@@@@@@. They have arrangements with firms in Northern Ireland and Scotland to meet the different legal requirements there.

You can find out more about the service and its prices here. To give you an idea, a single basic will costs £69.95 plus VAT (reduced from £89.95 plus VAT).

Work out your assets

Before arranging to have a Will written, it is worth drawing up a list of your assets (and your debts). This should give you a clearer idea of what your final estate will look like.

You could set it out like the one below:

House
Cash savings
Bank/building society/savings account
Shares
Bonds
Life policies
Pension funds
Household contents, jewellery, possessions
Debts:
Mortgage
Loans
Other debts

Choose the type of legacy

There are several different types of legacy and choosing how to make your gift is an important decision.
Consider each option carefully and select the one that’s right for you.

Residuary legacy

This is a gift of the remainder or percentage of your estate after all other legacies have been made and debts cleared.

Residuary legacies keep up with inflation and are an effective way to divide the value of an estate between a number of people and causes that are important to you.

If you are considering what type of legacy to leave The Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a residuary legacy can help your gift go further.

Pecuniary legacy

A gift of a fixed sum of money. The value of pecuniary legacies will decrease over time, as the cost of living increases.

Specific legacy

A particular named item left as a gift in your Will is known as a specific legacy, for example, a piece of jewellery.