The Basics

The articles in this section give you all the basic information about your Will.

How do I appoint trustees in a Will?

by | | Knowledge Base, The Basics |

If your will includes a trust, you must appoint trustees. To keep things simple, with an Affio will your trustees and executors will be the same people, so the same qualities of a good executor will also apply to your trustees. Ideally trustees should be someone: * You trust to follow the instructions you make in your will and for any trusts needed. * Who is organised and good at paperwork. * Willing to take on the role. * Who will have the best interests of the beneficiaries at heart.

What happens to my estate if I die without a Will?

by | | Knowledge Base, The Basics |

If you die without a valid Will the state will dictate how your money, property and possessions are distributed. It does this by applying a set of rules – the intestacy rules – which don’t always reflect modern family arrangements and may mean your estate is not being distributed as you would have wanted. In particular, unmarried partners are not recognised by the intestacy rules. The intestacy rules refer to the deceased’s “issue” – that is all his or her direct descendants including adopted a

How can I change or update my Will?

by | | Knowledge Base, The Basics |

Things change all the time, so it’s important you review your Will on a regular basis or when anything big happens in your life which is likely to affect the choices you’ve made. Typical reasons for changing your Will * If you have children (more children) or grandchildren. * If you get married – marriage automatically revokes a Will in England and Wales (but not in Scotland). * If you get divorced. * Someone named in your Will as a beneficiary, executor or guardian has died. * If there

Do I need a solicitor to make my Will?

by | | Knowledge Base, The Basics |

It is perfectly legal for you to write your own Will. Most people’s affairs are relatively straightforward and are perfectly suited to using our services. Affio allows you to express your wishes simply and clearly and then translates them into the same legal language as a solicitor would use. It is important your Will is legally valid, clear and will do exactly as you want it to – that is why getting the right sort of help in putting it together is vital. A poorly drafted Will could mean the f

What should be included in my Will?

by | | Knowledge Base, The Basics |

What you decide to include (or not) in your Will is up to you. You can go into as much detail as you want, or just cover the basics – it is more about making sure your savings and possessions (your estate) go to the people you want it to go to. Being absolutely clear about who you want to benefit when you die will not only remove any doubt and help avoid any family disputes, but also help your loved ones sort out your affairs at what will be a difficult time for them. First things first A good