Did you know that there’s more than one type of will?
Different wills can protect your property and money in different ways. It’s important to understand the options available so that you know you’ve got the protection you need
When it comes to making a will, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. There are different types of wills available, and which one is right for you will depend on your individual circumstances.
What are the different types of wills?
The 3 most common types of wills in England and Wales are:
Single will – this is a standard will for one person to say how they would like to distribute everything they own after they die and who should be responsible for carrying out these wishes. A standard single will can also be used to appoint guardians for children under 18 and record any funeral wishes.
Mirror wills – these are two standard wills that mirror one another. They are commonly used by partners who want to leave everything to one another and then to the same beneficiaries after they both die. If a couple’s wishes are very closely aligned, mirror wills can be a more cost-effective option than getting two single wills separately. It’s important to note that, although mirror wills are made at the same time as one another, they are standalone documents.
Trust wills – various trusts can be used in wills to ringfence or protect certain assets. They can help to protect an estate against possible care fees, safeguard a vulnerable person’s inheritance or look after a partner while still providing for children from a previous relationship. Trust wills may appear complex, but with the right information and advice they can be a straightforward, flexible and practical solution.
Co-op Legal Services has developed an interactive tool to help you understand your options when it comes to making a will. The Digital Estate Planning Assistant asks questions about what’s important to you and provides a bespoke recommendation of which type of will best suits your individual needs.
Check which will is right for you, with the Digital Estate Planning Assistant
As a Silversurfers member, you can benefit from £25 discount on will writing services with Co-op Legal Services. You can also access a wealth of free digital tools and resources on will writing and estate planning.
To get in touch with Co-op Legal Services or access these free resources, visit the Co-op Legal Services Resource Hub.
Access the Co-op Legal Services Resource Hub
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