The type of Will you opt for will depend on your circumstances. And trust us, everyone is different.

What remains consistent, however, is the importance of a Will.

At Syrus Wills, we emphasise to all of our clients how crucial this one document is, as it outlines where you want your assets to go after you pass.

The good news is that the different types of Wills available will serve different purposes, so you can choose the document that best meets your needs.

Different Types of Wills

Simple Will

Also known as a “basic” Will, this type of Will allows you to choose who will receive your assets and name your guardians for any children.

Simple in its format, easy to produce, simple to amend, and great if you only have a few assets to distribute, a simple Will won’t contain a lot of clauses.

However, if you require more detailed estate planning, this type of Will is unsuitable as it covers only basic provisions, but it can be a good starting point.

Testamentary Trust Will

A Will type that allows you to place some of your assets into trust for your beneficiaries.

You must name your trustees in the Will, who will also be responsible for handling these assets.

You can place conditions on the inheritance of assets that you place in trust; this is a suitable option if your beneficiaries are underage at the time of writing the Will. For example, you can specify that a minor will receive a monetary lump sum when they turn 18.

This type of Will allows you to distribute and protect assets; assets can grow and accrue more value in trust, you can have unlimited beneficiaries, and this is also a low-cost option.

The downsides to Will types like this include assets becoming public, court fees growing, unavoidable probate processes, and greater responsibility placed on the executor.

Pour-Over Wills

These forms of Will offer more privacy than a regular Last Will and Testament and allow you to pour over any assets that don’t directly go to a beneficiary into your trust.

When searching for a “will attorney near me,” make sure to ask them about pour-over wills so you have all the information required.

Joint Wills

A joint Will is where two testators sign a joint Will that outlines their wishes for shared estate planning.

These types of Wills are suitable for domestic partners or spouses, providing them with a level of protection that if one partner dies, they will receive the assets laid out in the Will.

Each spouse’s wishes are still taken into account, and these Wills can provide assured inheritance for beneficiaries.

Often, joint Wills can be seen as relatively inflexible as they can’t change, even after the death of one testator, and they can pose a more complicated probate process.

If you’re looking for a joint Will attorney near me, call us now at 01942 795795

Living Wills

Aren’t concerned with asset distribution but are suitable for end-of-life planning; living Wills are documents that can be put in place to cover you if you need medical help and assistance and you can no longer make these decisions, i.e., you have become incapacitated.

With this Will, you can name someone to make the decisions on your behalf; it can bring less stress, include a range of medical decisions, and prevent you from receiving treatments you wouldn’t want.

However, for this Will to stand, you must be able to demonstrate a sound mind, as all decisions can be open to interpretation.

Holographic Will

Also known as a handwritten will, this type of Will is one of the most common. It is a handwritten document from the testator that is often produced in life-threatening situations.

This type of Will can still be deemed invalid if it has been produced without witnesses present and the document is not signed.

Online Wills

Online Wills can be effective and adequate, but they will miss out important details that a professional solicitor will include.

Online Wills can be a great starting point, however we would always recommend working with a professional.

Verbal Will

Also known as a nuncupative Will, you can communicate your final wishes verbally in certain circumstances, this is helpful if you’re extremely ill and the situation is deemed an emergency.

For all easy to produce, miscommunication is a big challenge in verbal Wills, and sometimes, these Wills rarely hold up in court.

Will lawyer near me

We produce Will documents to ensure that your final wishes are upheld. Producing a legal document with no room for misinterpretation, we help clients find the most suitable Will for them.

It’s important to note that for a Will to be valid:

  • You must be over 18 years of age
  • Most Wills will require you to have two witnesses
  • The Will must be signed in front of witnesses

The type of Will you need will depend on your circumstances and situation; for example, do you own your own home, do you have children to consider, and do you have assets or property to leave?

There is a lot of information to take on board.

Our team is here to answer your questions.

Contact us today at 01942 795795.