Four common mistakes when writing a will

2) Assuming your circumstances won’t change

It’s crucial to keep your will up to date. It’s really not a ‘once and done’ thing. When you write one, you tend to write it based on that exact moment in time; it reflects a snapshot of your life. But things change, not just with you but with the people you care about.

It’s a harsh fact of life that people get divorced, fall out or pass away. But it’s a happy fact of life that people reconcile, have their own families or re-build their lives. The old Yiddish proverb says ‘man plans and God laughs’, but letting your will become irrelevant is no laughing matter. So as your life changes, it’s well worth thinking about changing your will to reflect your circumstances.

3) Leaving it too late

Wills are for older people to think about, right? Wrong! In our experience, a lot of people think that if they’re in their 20s they’re too young to worry about such things, especially if they don’t have anyone depending on them yet. Many of our clients only start thinking about it in their 60s, as they approach retirement.

But a will is not a financial tool exclusively for your twilight years. Let’s face it, death doesn’t care how old you are. It can come to any of us, any time.

And if it comes to you sooner rather than later, say, when you’re in your 20s and still single, your assets may automatically go to your mum and dad. That might actually be exactly what you want. But if it happens without firm financial structures in place it could create unwanted bureaucracy – for example around potential tax obligations – that becomes a burden instead of a blessing.

4) Not explaining your decisions

It’s worth remembering your will can be in your own words. It’s a way of speaking to your family even though you’re no longer around, which can be extremely powerful. This gives you the opportunity to explain how you’ve decided to distribute your assets when you die.

Life’s complicated. Family’s complicated. You may well leave key people out of your will. That’s your right and your choice. But in our experience it’s good to explain why as it’ll help your family heal after you’re gone.

You may choose to leave more money to one child than another. Perhaps you have two families and want to give your younger children more than their grown-up siblings because the latter are already making their own money. That makes sense. But it’s good to spell out those reasons to avoid any dismay – or crucially even dispute – around your will.

And whenever possible, you shouldn’t necessarily wait to discuss the thinking behind your will. Do it sooner. Talk to your loved ones about it while you’re writing it. Explain it to them, involve them, and give them a chance to ask you about it.

How Coutts could help

The Coutts estate planning team offers a bespoke will writing and estate planning service for clients. They can talk you through the whole process and provide the relevant legal and financial advice. The bank can even act as the executor of your will if you prefer. Fees apply.

Find out more about the services available at Coutts. For more information, speak to your private banker or contact Coutts 24 on 020 7957 2424.

This article is based on our understanding of current tax law and practice as at September 2019.