No one likes to prepare for the time when they die. But we all have to, for the sake of our loved ones. A properly drawn-up Will makes things easier for your family when the time comes and ensures that those closest to you receive exactly what you want them too.

Six simple steps to making a Will:

1. Write a list of all your assets to estimate the value of your estate.
2. Write a list of all the people (including full names and addresses) you would like to benefit from your Will.
3. Decide on a particular solicitor or bank to draw up your Will. We can’t stress how important it is to have your Will made properly. That way, you can be sure that everything is carried out exactly as you would want it. Perhaps you know a solicitor who has handled your family’s affairs before? Or a friend may be able to recommend one. A straightforward alternative is to approach your bank. Just ask if they have a Will-making service and adviser.
4. Choose an executor for your Will. You will need at least one person. They will be responsible for making sure your Will is carried out. You can choose a solicitor, bank manager or accountant. However, they may charge you a fee. Instead, you could ask a family member or close friend.
5. To be legally binding, your Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, who must then sign it themselves. They and their spouses must not be beneficiaries.
6. Keep your Will safe. One good way of doing this is to entrust it to your solicitor or bank manager.

The following is our recommended wording:

I give (%) of the residue of my real and personal estate which I can dispose of by Will in any manner I think proper to– The Forever Friends Appeal , also known as The RUH 2001 Appeal (Registered Charity No. 1058323 ) of Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG and the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or the proper officer for the time being of The Forever Friends Appeal shall be a complete discharge to my Executors.

OR

I give the sum of ……. pounds to The Forever Friends Appeal – also known as The RUH 2001 Appeal (Registered Charity No. 1058323 ) of Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG and the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of The Forever Friends Appeal shall be a complete discharge to my Executors.

Please also ensure that the following clause is inserted in both cases:
If at my death any charity named as a beneficiary in this Will or any Codicil hereto has changed its name or amalgamated with or transferred its assets to another body then my Executors shall give effect to any gift made to such charity as if it had been made (in the first case) to the body in its changed name or (in the second place) to the body which results from such amalgamation or to which such transfer has been made.