Making or Updating your Will
It is important to ensure your Will is kept up to date and that it reflects your wishes in accordance with the current circumstances in your life. By making a Will you are making a statement about what you would like to happen to your assets in the future. You are able to make bequests to family members, friends and also include within it those causes which are closest to your heart, such as Kidney Research UK.
How to make a Will
It is easy to make a Will and the most secure way is to consult a solicitor for professional advice. This will give you some peace of mind that your rights and wishes are being listened to and understood. Many solicitors are also able to offer advice on inheritance law and taxation.
Preferred Wording
I give to Kidney Research UK of Nene Hall, Lynchwood Park, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ, registered charity number 252892 Scottish charity number SC039245, (type of gift) and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of Kidney Research UK shall be a full and sufficient discharge of the same.
If you would like to update your will using a codicil we would recommend that you consult your solicitor and consider having your will redrafted unless the change is very straightforward, in which case the following points may be useful
If you already have more than one will make sure this codicil refers to the latest will and identify which codicil this will be, ie, first, second, third etc
1. Just like a Will, you will need two adult witnesses to you signing the codicil. They, or their spouses cannot be beneficiaries. They do not need to see the contents of the codicil, merely that you sign it in their presence
2. The witnesses need to write in their names and addresses and sign the codicil
3. Keep the completed codicil with your latest will, but not attached by pins or staples etc, in a safe place
4. Send a copy of the Will and codicil, in a sealed envelope if you prefer, to a trusted person. This could be your executor, solicitor, good friend, charity beneficiary and let them know where the original Will and codicil are stored.
Please also be aware that this codicil applies to English law and the requirements in Scotland, Wales and Ireland may differ. Please consult your solicitor for further information.
You can download a codicil form here
