Do not choose spouses as executors of wills

When people decide to make a will there are several factors they should consider, such as if they are going to use a DIY will writing pack, which can be cost effective and useful for simple estates.

However, it is also worth bearing in mind that using a legal professional can be a good option for more complex estates.

People should also pick executors for their estate, avoiding choosing their spouse for the role in case they pass away at the same time, and perhaps picking more than one individual for the position.

The people that are chosen as executors must also be trustworthy and informed of the decision to appoint them.

And the task does not stop once people have written their will. The document should then be regularly reviewed, particularly after big life changes such as births, marriages and deaths, so that it is up to date and will fulfil its intended purpose.

In addition, Jacqueline Almond, a partner at a solicitors, said that those who wish to take advantage of the government’s plan to cut inheritance tax for people who leave at least ten per cent of their assets to charity, should also regularly review their estates, Citywire.co.uk reported.

Published by Hannah Carr