Your will preparation checklist

1. Confirm your location and the purpose of the document

This checklist is for preparation in England and Wales. If you live elsewhere or have property overseas, identify the other jurisdiction before proceeding. A will does not replace powers of attorney or every other planning document.

• Your intended jurisdiction and document language.
• Any previous will or related planning document.
• Questions about foreign property, residence or planned moves.

2. Gather people and wishes

GOV.UK recommends considering who benefits, who looks after children under 18, who administers the estate and what should happen if a beneficiary dies first.

• Full names of proposed beneficiaries and alternatives.
• Proposed executor and an alternative to discuss.
• Any children or dependants and care-related questions.
• Specific gifts and what you want to happen to the remainder.
• An asset and ownership overview; do not include passwords.

3. List what needs professional attention

Flag competing family claims, a business, overseas property and dependants needing ongoing care. Do not hide an uncertainty to get through a form. Preparing answers can still help make a later professional meeting more productive.

4. Review before arranging signatures

Read the entire draft against your wishes and resolve flagged issues. Check the current official signing guidance and the instructions for your particular document. Do not sign a sample or an unfinished draft.

• Names, roles, gifts, remainder and backup choices agree.
• Unanswered questions and professional-review issues are resolved.
• The correct final document and applicable signing process are clear.

5. Make the original findable

Record the location of the signed original and who has been informed. Keep digital copies distinguishable from the original. Schedule a fresh review when your circumstances change; editing a stored draft is not the same as changing a signed will.