Planning Your Will: Step-by-Step

Making a will made simple

Making a will is the best way to ensure your money, property and possessions go to the people and causes you care about.

At Age UK East Sussex, we support older people across the county, including Hastings, Eastbourne and Bexhill, to understand their options and plan with confidence.

Why making a will matters

If you don’t have a will, the law decides who inherits your estate. This may not reflect your wishes and can make things harder for those close to you.

Having a will can:

1. Ensure your wishes are followed

2. Reduce stress for family and friends

3. Help avoid disputes

4. Allow you to support a cause or charity you care about

What should your will include?

Your will should cover your entire estate. This includes:

• Property (including homes in East Sussex or elsewhere)

• Savings and investments

• Personal belongings

• Vehicles and valuables

• Any debts or liabilities

It’s a good idea to review the value of your assets regularly, especially as property prices can change significantly across East Sussex.

Choosing an executor

An executor is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes. Choose someone you trust and speak to them in advance so they understand what is involved.

Ways to make a will

You can make a will in several ways:

• Through a solicitor
  Many local solicitors in East Sussex specialise in wills and probate.

• Free will schemes
  Some campaigns offer free or low-cost wills through local solicitors.

• Will-writing services
  Always check they are properly regulated.

Writing your own will is possible, but mistakes can cause problems later. Professional advice is usually recommended.

Making your will valid

To be legally valid, your will must:

• Be signed by you

• Be witnessed by two people

• Be made voluntarily

• Show that you understand what you are signing

Storing your will

You can keep your will:

• With a solicitor

• With a bank

• With the Probate Service

• Safely at home

Make sure your executor knows where it is stored.

Updating your will

Review your will every few years or after major life changes, such as:

• Moving home

• Marriage or divorce

• The birth of children or grandchildren

If you don’t have a will

If you die without a will, strict legal rules apply. This can mean:

• Unmarried partners may not inherit

• Your estate may not go to the people you intended

How we can help

Age UK East Sussex can:

• Provide clear information and guidance

• Help you understand your options

• Signpost you to trusted local services

We provide simple, impartial guidance to help you understand your options and feel confident about making a will. We can also signpost you to trusted local services.

What to do next:

Contact our team or visit a local hub to get started and find the right support for you.

Want more information?

Feel free to take a look at these guides below.

Wills and estate planning information guide

How to be an executor information guide