A lot of people are put off by the misconception that Will writing is a complex and expensive task and that wills are only required if there is a huge estate. In truth, it's a fairly straightforward process for most of us and can be done in a very short period of time. 

Wills don't have to be written in latin or in complicated legal language, they don't have to be written on parchment and secured in the family vault, a Will is valid as long as it observes the following:

• Says how your estate should be shared out when you die.
• Was made when you were capable of making your own decisions and not put under pressure by any other persons to act in a certain way
• Is signed and dated by you in the presence of two adults, independent witnesses, and then signed by the two witnesses in your presence – the witnesses can’t be people who are going to inherit anything from you (or their husband/wife or civil partner.)

Getting your Will written

There are a number of ways you can write your Will and most people will consult with a solicitor to ensure that everything is done in accordance with law but you can do it yourself for as little as £10.00 using a shop bought template. 

Your options

There are several ways of getting a will written. From solicitors to do-it-yourself Wills, costs can vary depending on whether  you consult with professionals and get legal advice but in most cases its not as costly as many people assume.

It’s your choice

You might feel confident writing it yourself, but be careful.

For a Will to be valid, you need to meet certain conditions. It’s easy to make a mistake, so be sure you are familiar with the rules. If in doubt speak to an expert.

There are three main options to choose from click on each to find out more:

• use a solicitor
• use a Will writing service
• do it yourself

Do your research, there are lots of websites that provide detailed information about the process of will writing so do your research, talk to your mates and make a plan.

“'I choose to leave a legacy to Sheffield Mind as I have seen first hand the work they do and appreciate the care and compassion they show to service users. They have been providing mental health care to the people of Sheffield for over 40 years and i want to do my bit to ensure that they continue doing so for another 40.'”- Lorna