What is a will?

A will is a legal document that sets out your wishes for what happens to your money, property, and possessions after you die. It allows you to decide who inherits your estate, who will manage your affairs (your executor), and who will look after your children if they're under 18 (your guardians).

Without a valid will, the law decides who gets what through intestacy rules, which rarely match what people actually want. A will gives you control over your legacy and makes things much easier for your family during a difficult time.

To be legally valid in England and Wales, your will must be in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two independent people who are not beneficiaries.