Leave a gift in your will

This includes the obvious - your name/address/marital status. It’s also about whether you have children or pets, and if so, naming a guardian(s). If this isn’t stated anywhere else already (in a life-insurance document for example), or you haven’t previously discussed this with the person(s) your naming, it’s important you ask them if they’re happy taking on this responsibility.

This includes anything from property, to bank accounts, pension and vehicles. Basically anything material that is of value, that you own. It can be helpful to have a rough idea of what each asset is worth as this will help when coming to dividing your estate up.

Think about how you want to divide up the assets you’ve named above, and who your beneficiaries are.
You need to consider if any of your beneficiaries die before you, who you would like to inherit the share you would have left them. A beneficiary is anyone who you choose to receive a part of your estate after you’ve died. Beneficiaries are usually made up of family and close friends. Beneficiaries can also include charities – see below.

After you’ve given consideration to your loved ones, it’s worth thinking about whether there are any charities or other causes you would like to include in your will. Think about how much you would like them to benefit (one may be more important to you than another, or you may want them to all receive equal amounts), and make note of this. If they are a charity, you will need their full name and charity number which should be easily found on their website.

You need to choose one or more executors. These will be people you trust to carry out the wishes you’ve laid out in your will, sensitively and efficiently, after you die. They will be in charge of all the admin surrounding your will as well as arrangements for your funeral, sale of property and so on. This can be quite a daunting task, so it’s important you consult them before naming them for this responsibility. 
If you’d prefer to name a solicitor instead of a personal friend or family member, this is also an option.

Whilst this isn't a legal requirement for a will, it's worth giving some thought to your funeral wishes.

There may be a special song or piece of music you want playing during your funeral, or a poem you want someone to read. You may want a funeral collection for a particular charity, in lieu of flowers or you may want to state where your ashes are spread, or where you wish to be buried. You may also have thoughts about your wake that you want to include.

Whilst this isn't a legal requirement for a will, it's worth giving some thought to it.

Do you have special items you wish to go to particular people? A ring, a photo album or painting, say.
You may be the proud holder of a collection of vintage records that you know someone special in your life would love to inherit.
Do you own a vehicle someone might benefit from?
Or perhaps you wish to give a specific cash gift to someone not already accounted for in your will.

Whilst this isn't a legal requirement for a will, it's worth giving some thought to it. This is a space where you can leave any further instructions or wishes relating to your will. 

Once you’ve collated this information, you’re ready to get your will written. This can be carried out either by a solicitor or a will-writing service. We are currently partnered with Octopus Legacy, and you can have your will written free of charge. If you choose to take advantage of this offer, you are not obligated to include Cumbria Wildlife Trust in your will, but we would be enormously grateful if you do choose to do so.