Learn
Understand your will, one idea at a time
Short guides in plain English. Each starts with the answer, then explains it.
Wills: the basics
What a will does, and why it matters.
Executors, guardians and beneficiaries
The people your will names, and what each of them does.
- What is an executor?An executor is the person you name in your will to carry out your wishes after you die.
- How to choose an executorChoose someone you trust, who is organised and willing to do the job, and name a substitute in case they can't act.
- Who are your beneficiaries?Your beneficiaries are the people or organisations who receive something under your will.
- What is the rest of your estate?The rest of your estate, sometimes called the residue, is everything left after your debts, funeral costs and specific gifts have been dealt with.
Property, money and business
Land, bank accounts, pensions, insurance, businesses and digital assets.
- Digital assets and online accountsRecord what digital assets and accounts you have and where the access instructions are kept, but never write passwords, PINs or recovery phrases in your plan or your will.
- Debts and your estateYour debts are usually paid out of your estate before your beneficiaries receive their gifts.
Keeping your will safe
The original, copies, safe custody and keeping it up to date.
More guides are being reviewed by our lawyers
Guides on legal detail, such as signing and witnessing, are published only after a qualified lawyer has approved them. Coming next: family, customary and religious matters; signing and witnessing; when someone dies.
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