Making a Will for the first time

If you are making a new Will for the first time there are a number of steps you need to follow - it is best to think this through before you visit the solicitor as it will save you time and money.

Step 1 - Work out what you have to leave

When you add everything up, you may be surprised by just how much you have to leave. We have a useful 'Solicitor Checklist' which will help you work out your assets and liabilities - it may also save you time and money when visiting your solicitor.

If your total estate is above the Inheritance Tax threshold (£325,000 for 2010-11 tax year), your solicitor can advise you on ways to reduce your liability to tax. Gifts to charity are exempt from IHT and could help reduce your liability to tax.

Step 2 - Decide who you want to leave it to

Write a list of all the people (including full names and addresses) you would like to benefit from your Will plus any charities.

Step 3 - Choose the type of gift

Once you have provided for your loved ones, you may want to leave a gift to Alzheimer's Society.

There are several types of gifts you can leave, such as a share of your estate or a cash gift - for details of all the different types of gifts visit our glossary section.

Once you have decided what gift you would like to leave, it is important to write this into your Will using the correct legal wording.

Step 4 - Choose an executor

Every Will must have at least one executor. This is the person that makes sure your wishes are carried out. This is usually a family member or close friend, but can be a professional person such as a solicitor, accountant or bank manager.

Step 5 - Make it legally binding

Once you have prepared your Will you must sign it in the presence of two witnesses, who will then sign it themselves. It is important that the witnesses are impartial and therefore are not allowed to be a named beneficiary, or be related to a beneficiary in the Will.

Step 6 - Keep it safe

Once you receive your finished Will it is important to keep it safe and to let your executor know where it can be found. One way to do this is to entrust it to your solicitor or bank manager. You can also send a copy to the named charities so they are aware of your intentions, and if you have chosen to include Alzheimer's Society in your Will, you can register your Will with Certainty, the National Will Register free of charge.