INDIVIDUALS

I didn’t realise until I found myself administering an estate how much there was to do. And at a time when I was struggling with not only my grief but trying to support the people around me. It would have been so much easier if all the information I needed had been in one place. Nowadays, people have many accounts online – current accounts, savings, credit cards, loans, utility bills, subscriptions, social media passwords, etc.- gathering this information can be very difficult for the executor. 

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This was where the idea of keeping a list of all critical information so that an executor has everything they need first started to form. Of course, it won’t erase the grief, but it will make your executor’s job more straightforward. The list should be kept up-to-date and secure because it contains sensitive information.

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You’ll find a list template you can download, fill in, and save securely here. It may be worth keeping a copy with your will.

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WILLS

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A will is the starting point where you indicate how and to whom you want your assets distributed, but a will rarely goes into great detail. If you haven’t got a will, you need to see a qualified legal professional to obtain one. Some organisations we have encountered charge up to £200 for a bespoke will, but you can get them for less, so shop around.

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Many solicitors and charities sign people up for Free Wills Month in March and October each year. It’s worth looking at them, but conditions are usually attached, so you’ll need to check whether they suit your needs. As part of the will process, you must nominate an executor to deal with your estate after your death. Leighan’s List will help make their job easier and speed up the passing on of your assets to your loved ones.