Why do I need a will?Did you know that more than half of the people in theUK don’t have a will? And half of those who do make awill have never updated it. If you die without a valid willyour estate is said to be ‘intestate’. This happens whenyou don’t have a will, have cancelled it, or because yourwill is invalid – for example ifit is incorrectly witnessedor not signed. Having aprofessionally writtenup-to-date will is thebest way to ensure thatthe people and causes youlove are looked after.

I already have a will.Do I need to update it?It is a good idea to review your will to make sure that thedetails and clauses still reflect your wishes, especially ifthere has been a change in your personal circumstances.

These changes could include:

• Marriage, divorce or separation• A new arrival or death in your family• Moving home or moving abroad• A change in your financial circumstances

A guide tomaking andupdating your will

By remembering London’s Air Ambulancein your will you can help us to save lives.It is a wonderfulway to celebrateyour life and ensure thatan essential life-savingservice is available forgenerations to come.

SupportLondon’s AirAmbulance

Visit us online at londonsairambulance.co.uk

There are a number of options when it comes tomaking your will, but we always recommendconsulting a professional. A professional will ensurethat all the legal formalities are correctly followed andthat your will is valid. Here are some options:

1. Using a solicitorThe cost of using a solicitor varies depending on howcomplicated your will is and which part of the countryyou live in. The solicitor should make it clear from thestart how much they will charge. The Law Society canhelp you find a solicitor in your area. For moreinformation please call 020 7242 1222 or visitwww.lawsociety.co.uk. All calls from UK landlines arecharged at national call rates.

2. Using a will writerProfessional will writers are another option, but theyare currently less regulated than solicitors. It isimportant to check that they belong to a professionalbody such as the Institute of Professional WillWriters or to find a will writer in your area pleasevisit www.ipw.org.uk.

3. Using a bankMany high street banks now offer will writing services.Your local branch will be able to provide you withinformation about the services that they offer.

4. Using a DIY will kitThis may seem like a cost-effective option but it’s veryeasy to make technical mistakes. These mistakes couldinvalidate your will or lead to costly disputes in thefuture. The money that you save now, by not paying aprofessional to write your will, can easily beoutweighed by the cost and upset that mistakes cancause after you have died. Remember that you shouldnever write on your will, cross out names or figures, orattach anything to it – in some casesthis could invalidate it.

Who should write my will?

How do I choose myExecutors?Your executors are the people named in your will whowill carry out your wishes. It is a good idea to chooseand name at least two people to do this job – in caseone is unable to act for you. You can choose friends,family members, your bank or asolicitor to act as yourexecutors. Namingsomeone as an executordoesn’t stop thembenefitting in your will.

I don’t think I haveanything to leave. How doI work out my assets?This is a common misconception, but if you take time tothink about everything you own you may find it is morethan you thought. In legal terms these are your assets.

The sum total of your assets is known as your estate.Before the gifts in your will are distributed, any outstandingdebts will be paid from your estate first so make sureyou include them when you work out your assets.

This will give you a better picture of what your finalestate will look like.

Visit us online at londonsairambulance.co.uk

Legal terms explained

Plan who you willrememberWhen writing a will it is important to take your time andthink about who you would like to remember; your family,friends, charities and causes.

Where can I store my will?Your solicitor or will writer may offer to keep your will as partof their service. Make sure that you keep a copy yourself in asafe place, together with the information about your property,your accounts, and policies that your executors will need.

Recommended wording if youwish to leave a gift in your willto London’s Air Ambulance.

1. Residuary gift (a share of your estate)I give […]% of the residue of my real and personal estate toLondon’s Air Ambulance Ltd (Registered Charity No801013) of 10 Orange Street, Haymarket, London WC2H7DQ and the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or the properofficer for the time being of London’s Air Ambulance Ltdshall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.

2. Pecuniary gift (a set sum)I give the sum of [...in words] pounds (£… in figures) toLondon’s Air Ambulance Ltd (Registered Charity No801013) of 10 Orange Street, Haymarket, London WC2H7DQ and the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or the properofficer for the time being of London’s Air Ambulance Ltdshall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.

3. Specific legacy gift (a named item)I give to to London’s Air Ambulance Ltd (Registered CharityNo 801013) of 10 Orange Street, Haymarket, London WC2H7DQ absolutely, my […name and description of item].

BeneficiaryAn individual or organisationwho receives a gift in a will.

CodicilA document which enablesa simple update or alterationto an existing will.

Chattels & moveablesPersonal possessions,including furniture and car.

EstateAll a person’s possessionsat the time of their death,including money & property.

Executor The person appointed to carryout the instructions in a will.

IntestateYou are intestate if you diewithout making a will.

LegacyA gift left to a person ororganisation in a will.

Life interestA two stage legacy, where thefirst beneficiary is given theuse of an asset (e.g. a house)during their lifetime. After

their death the asset passesto the second beneficiary.

Pecuniary legacyA gift of a fixed amount ofmoney.

ProbateThe legal procedure todecide whether someone’sleft a valid will.

ResidueThe sum left from an estatewhen all debts, charges andgifts are deducted.

Residuary legacyA gift consisting of theresidue or part of theresidue of an estate. This isa particularly popular wayto leave a gift to a charity.

Specific legacyA gift of a particular item egjewellery.

Testator (male) ortestatrix (female)The person who is makingthe will.

For more information please contact London’s Air AmbulanceE info@londonsairambulance.co.uk T 020 7220 5470

Registered Charity London’s Air Ambulance is the registered charity that delivers an advancedtrauma team to critically injured people in London. Registered Charity (801013).

Visit us online at londonsairambulance.co.uk